Large Animals

Animal Trapping

Animal trapping is a touchy subject, whether it is for skunks, opossums, raccoons or coyotes. When this type of service is needed, we find that education is always the best first step! These animals are becoming a nuisance more and more as we come in contact with these animals.

What must first be realized by the residents is that these animals are in the area for a reason. All mammals need three things for survival: food, water and shelter. Taking away one of these items may very well be the answer and prevent any trapping from being performed or even necessary. We will cover these three items and how removing some or all of them can rid you of your animal infestation.

FOOD is needed by every organism on the planet, especially mammals. Actually feeding them harms the animals because it increases their dependence on people and can increase their encounters with people, pets and children. It may also increase their aggression towards people because they now associate people with a food source. This type of activity will eventually lead to the animal being trapped and put down to prevent anyone from being harmed.

You can help by taking some of the following steps.

1. Take in your pets’ food at dusk. These animals are nocturnal by nature and if there is no food, there is no need for them to continue to “stop by”.
2. Make sure your trash is bagged and put in a trash can with a working lid. These animals have very acute senses of smell and can smell food even when you do not. Remember they do consider your trash food!
3. DO NOT FEED them. Once they know they can get a free meal at your home, they will never leave. While you may not mind this, your neighbors may and this could lead to the animal being trapped.

WATER is something that is hard to remove from the equation. These animals can get it from the plants around your home as well as your sprinklers. The best thing is to take in your pet’s water. If they are going to get water from your home at least don’t put it in a dish and they may move on to a water source which is closer to where they are living and feeding.

SHELTER is another item we can take away and prevent the animals from using our homes, and the worst part is they never pay their share of the rent! Worse yet, they can and will do plenty of damage from chewing through electrical lines to filing your attic or crawl space with urine and feces. They also carry fleas, which, if you have pets is something that you of course do not want them to get. In the case of skunks they can spray pets, which can not harm them but will definitely leave them smelling less than desired. Raccoons have been known to attack pets and, even if you have a large dog, a raccoon can inflict a lot of harm and even kill your pet.

1. Make sure if you have a crawl space or opening under your home that it is sealed off with a sturdy screen to prevent animals and even rodents from accessing under your home.
2. Keep trees off of your roof line by at least 2 feet. This will prevent animals from using them to crawl onto your roof and damaging it or getting into your attic.
3. Keep your landscape trimmed back and thin it out from time to time. You would be very surprised what animals can use for a home!

While none of these steps in itself can solve all animals issues, it is a great start! Sometimes having animals for neighbors cannot be avoided but there is a way for us to try and live together in peace. Animals really do not want to have interaction with humans or even pets, but sometimes it is unavoidable.

If you are having animal issues contact your local pest control company that provides these types of services.