When you think of pest control, small pests like bugs might spring to mind. If you live outside the city, however, there are likely much larger pests that you have to deal with as well. Pest management in the Pacific Northwest includes some larger animals that can be a nuisance around your home. Here are a few common culprits, and some ways to deal with them.
Moles New Pest Control
While the small holes and mounds of dirt that moles leave around may not seem like much of a problem, they also love to eat the roots of plants in your garden.
Professional pest control companies often recommend installing wire mesh around areas you want to keep moles out of as a preventive measure. This barrier should extend from about six inches above ground to about two feet below. If moles have already invaded this area, getting rid of them is a more complicated problem. There are commercial baits and traps available for this, but they can pose health, safety and environmental risks. In this case your best bet may be to contact a pest management company.
Squirrels
Squirrels may be cute, playful critters that are fun to watch scamper about, but are also considered an invasive species in many areas, since they Pest Control Training Center can damage roofs, decks, lawns and gardens. Squirrels also have a tendency to nest anywhere warm and dry, including attics and between walls.
One of the most important things to do when dealing with squirrels is to keep them out of your home in the first place. Seal off any potential entryways for them, such as crawl spaces and holes leading into your basement or attic. Squirrels can chew through screens, so you will need to block these holes off with something stronger like boards. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly tight spaces, so err on the side of caution and block off even small cracks and holes. Squirrels can infiltrate spaces within your home that are extremely hard to get to, in which case you will likely need to contact a professional pest control company to remove them and make sure they can’t get back in.
Raccoons
Raccoons are another large mammal that is likely to find your home to be a very appealing nesting place. Not only can raccoons be an annoyance (by getting into and spreading around your garbage, for instance), but they can also carry diseases like rabies. Raccoons have even been known to attack small pets and children. For all these reasons, it’s important not to ignore a problematic raccoon. Some communities strictly limit your options when dealing with raccoons. For instance, some may forbid killing, trapping or even relocating them.
The first step to take with a raccoon problem is preventive. Remove anything that will attract; seal off your garbage cans and removing pet food around your home. Installing motion-sensing lights around your home should help as well; raccoons are nocturnal and dislike bright light. If this tactic doesn’t get rid of a raccoon problem, call a professional pest control company to remove the animal. Don’t attempt to capture or face off with a raccoon yourself; if threatened or cornered they may attack.
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