North Carolina's Nuisance Wildlife: A Guide to Common Critter Issues
The balance between humans and nature is always fragile and easily upset. Certain wildlife species have adapted to live around our homes and to rely on us for food, which can quickly prove problematic if critters get too close for comfort. With its abundant wilderness, North Carolina has a lot of wildlife around. Keep reading if you'd like to learn more about the wildlife species that often become a nuisance for homeowners throughout the state.
The Most Common Nuisance Critters in NC
Bats - Bats are a protected species in North Carolina and play an important role in our ecosystem by feeding on flying insects like mosquitoes, preventing them from becoming overpopulated. The attics of our homes are very similar to the caves and tree hollows that bats traditionally roost in, which is why bat infestations often happen. The main problem with bats is that their guano will accumulate in their roosting areas, causing massive corrosive damage and contamination. Bats are also the most common carriers of the lethal rabies virus, so direct physical contact with them should be avoided at all costs.
Birds - The many species of birds found in North Carolina are prime examples of wildlife that can be welcome visitors or unrelenting nuisances, depending on how close to your home they roost. Our homes provide quite a few places for birds to nest that are convenient for them and inconvenient for us, including exterior vent openings, gutters, fascia boards, and HVAC units. Bird nests can create obstructions in these areas and birds can also make a big mess with feathers and droppings, while baby birds can be obnoxious. Some birds, especially woodpeckers, can be destructive by pecking into wooden siding or decks in search of insects.
Raccoons - Raccoons are opportunistic critters that can adapt to any environment, including urban and suburban neighborhoods in North Carolina. Problems with raccoons often start when they decide to begin raiding garbage cans for easy meals. However, raccoons are also known to invade homes, building dens in remote spaces such as crawl spaces and attics. Raccoons can be very destructive in a household environment and will also defecate everywhere, which may lead to the spread of roundworms. Because raccoons are territorial creatures and common rabies carriers, it's never a good idea to try to remove them from a home without professional help.
Rodents - Both mice and rats thrive throughout North Carolina, where they often invade homes in search of shelter, food, and water. Because rodents can slip through the tiniest holes and cracks, it takes very little for them to get inside your home and start making trouble. Rodents' worst habit is their tendency to chew on everything they cross paths with, which is a recipe for disaster if they begin gnawing on electrical wiring in your walls; many house fires are believed to be started by this. Rats and mice can also spread diseases through their urine and feces, such as salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis.
Squirrels - In neighborhoods everywhere, squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders and making a mess. Because squirrels often live so close to our homes, sometimes they can't resist the temptation to hole up in our attics, garages, and walls. As agile climbers who traditionally nest high up in trees, squirrels have little trouble getting onto our roofs and finding ways to sneak inside. Like all rodents, squirrels have a bad habit of gnawing at everything from fabric to wood to wiring. Beyond their destructive behaviors, squirrels can also introduce parasites like fleas and ticks that menace you and your pets.
Reliable Wildlife Removal Company in Raleigh-Durham Area
When you begin having issues with the local wildlife on your property, it may be time to seek help from the pros. Get in touch with Sustainable Pest Systems today if you're in need of wildlife control services in the greater Raleigh-Durham metro area!