Common Wildlife in Raleigh: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
One of the biggest appeals of living in Raleigh is that the city is surrounded by - and integrated with - beautiful nature. Raleigh is even nicknamed the "City of Oaks" due to the prevalence of these majestic trees in and around North Carolina's capital city. However, the drawback of being surrounded by nature is that it increases the risk of problems with nuisance wildlife.
Many wild animal species live around people in the Raleigh area, and several of them are known to cause trouble for local homeowners. This guide covers some of the most common nuisance wildlife species that you're likely to have a run-in with.
Raccoons
Identification: Raccoons are medium-sized mammals, with furry grayish bodies that measure around 2' long, plus a ringed tail that adds an extra foot to their length. Their most distinct feature is the black mask-like markings on their faces.
Infestations: Raccoons sometimes break into homes in Raleigh in search of a den to live in. Oftentimes, raccoons will take up residence in garages, attics, and crawl spaces.
Problems: Due to their size and strength, raccoons can be very destructive to property, frequently ransacking garbage bins in search of food. Roundworm is often carried by raccoons and passed through their droppings, allowing it to spread to people and pets. Some raccoons may be carriers of the deadly rabies virus.
Bats
Identification: The only flying mammals, bats may be mistaken for birds at a glance, but are nocturnal and therefore most likely to be spotted around dawn and twilight. Several species of bats live in North Carolina, including big brown bats, eastern red bats, and hoary bats.
Infestations: Bats are used to roosting in caves, but have adapted to living in the attics of local homes instead. Aside from attics, bats may also roost in garages and wall voids.
Problems: The main problem with a bat infestation is that bat droppings - or "guano" - are highly corrosive, destroying attic floors and insulation. Bats are also the most common carriers of rabies, which they may spread to people by biting.
Squirrels
Identification: A few species of squirrels live in the Raleigh area, with gray squirrels being the most common. These rodents may be mistaken for rats because they are of similar size, but can be distinguished by their bushy tails and their diurnal behavior.
Infestations: Some of the most common home intruders, squirrels are nimble climbers that often find a way inside of attics, crawl spaces, and garages. Gray squirrels can squeeze through a hole as small as 1 ½" to get inside.
Problems: Like other rodents, squirrels can be very destructive to your home by chewing up insulation, drywall, and electrical wires. Squirrels also carry some diseases that are transmissible to humans, including leptospirosis and tularemia.
Mice
Identification: Mice are small rodents that often go unnoticed by people - until they come into our homes. Depending on species, mice found in Raleigh are usually about 6-8" long from nose to tail tip, with greyish or brownish fur.
Infestations: Mice have no trouble sneaking into our homes, where they often make nests in crawl spaces, wall voids, garages, attics, and basements. Finding nests made from scraps of material like paper, grass, and insulation is a clear sign of a mouse presence.
Problems: Despite their small size, mice can be quite destructive by gnawing on various items in your home. Several diseases can be carried by mice and spread through their waste, including hantavirus and salmonellosis.
Starlings
Identification: Starlings are an invasive species of bird that grow to about 8" long. They can be distinguished from other common birds by their black feathers speckled with white dots.
Infestations: Starlings often build their nests in the vents, gutters, and eaves of Raleigh homes. Starling nests are made of grass, twigs, and sometimes scraps of garbage.
Problems: The nests built by starlings are known to block up gutters, vents, and HVAC units, leading to further issues. Starling droppings can cause damage and transmit diseases like histoplasmosis and salmonellosis.
Do You Need Professional Wildlife Removal in Raleigh?
At Sustainable Pest Systems, we're familiar with all common wildlife species in our area and the best methods to remove them from homes. Get in touch with us today if you're in need of our wildlife removal services in the greater Raleigh area!