NewYork/NewJersey
Wildlife Removal, Inc.
24/7 Emergency Service
718-227-7227
212-245-WILD (9453)
516-255-WILD (9453)
914-934-WILD (9453)
Scratching in the Walls and CeilingIt may be Halloween, but that scratching noise you’re hearing may be a real monster that goes bump in the night. Or, at least, it may be an unwanted animal intruder. Pest animals like rats, squirrels, mice, bats, raccoons and more can make a lot of noise when making themselves at home in your house. These animals can hide out in your walls or attic, and are often found from the noise they make. So how do you tell what noise is just the house, and which are critters?
Animal Noises or House Noises
Your house can make a lot of noise on it’s own. It is important to figure out what noises are just the house, before you can really know if there are any animals in your walls. If the noise is consistent, it could be anything from a loose pipe to a dislodged piece of siding. If the noise is inconsistent, or you are unable to determine that it is a general house noise, you may want to consult a wildlife removal company. Animals can be erratic, so their noises can be heard at odd hours. Random, inconsistent scratches, chitters, and squeaks are telltale signs of animal intruders.
Raccoons tend to scratch and thump about. They move much slower than many smaller animals. They also make chittering noises, that can often be heard from other parts of the house.
Rodents can move around fast, and they are much lighter than raccoons or other animals. You may not hear them moving around, but you may hear squeaks or scratches. Squirrels are much more rigid in their schedule, so if sounds are regularly heard at certain times, there may be squirrels living in your home.
Bats can make squeaking noises, similar to a rodent. As bats hang from the ceiling, it can be difficult for you to hear them from lower floors. Mostly, you will likely see signs of bats, rather than hearing them.
If you believe that a wild animal may be in your home, contact a local wildlife removal company. Do not try to remove the animal yourself. We specialize in the humane removal of squirrels, raccoons, and other pests in the New York New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Fall Squirrel NestsSquirrels often like to find a home in the hollows of trees or hidden away in a small den. But for many squirrels, a nest built on tree branches, or even in attics, is the perfect place they call home. Squirrel nests, also called dreys, are clumpy, seemingly haphazard, piles of debris that a squirrel uses as a place to rest.
Despite how clumsily-built they may appear, a squirrel drey is surprisingly strong and can hold up well to wind. Similarly to a bird’s nest, the drey is generally bowl-shaped. This keeps the young squirrels from falling out, and protects them from the elements. Squirrels will use pretty much anything to build it; like twigs, leaves, trash scraps, and more. In homes, they may even resort to using items like insulation, boxes, and books.
Squirrels try to pick somewhere that already resists the elements well. They will often look for a place to build that is already sturdy and supportive, like a hollow tree, a chimney, or an attic. Sheds or pool storage boxes are also commonly used by these rodents. Man-made structures are often the best suited to resist winter cold, so attics are definitely prime real estate for squirrels.
Squirrels will use their mouths and front paws to carry over materials. They can take multiple days to fully build it. They use their heads to push and bend debris in order to create a frame out of living twigs; which are harder to break. Squirrels may chew on the ends of the sticks to spread the fibers, which can help keep them in place. They will use mud, twigs, and leaves to insulate and reinforce it. An outer shell of sticks gives additional support.
Squirrels tend to build their dreys in the fall season, as they gear up for the long winter. In addition to storing food in various locations, a well-built drey will ready the squirrel for the winter ahead.Squirrels in New York and New Jersey do not hibernate, so they can leave the drey and access their food stores throughout the winter.
We specialize in the humane removal of squirrels, raccoons, and other pests in the New York New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Getting Rid of Skunk Stink
When you have a skunk problem in or around your home, the stink from it’s spray can be a real problem. There are a number of ways to deal with the foul odor of a skunk’s spray. Here are a few ways that can help you get rid of the sulfurous smell of skunk.
Pets are often the victims of skunk attacks. Dogs are unfortunate repeat victims, as they seem to forget not to scare the skunk. Keep pets on a leash when outdoors, and do not leave pets unattended. Pets that are sprayed by a skunk should be cleaned thoroughly outside, before being let back into your home. You don’t want the smell permeating through the house. Most pet shampoos can be effective. If the smell persists, mix 6 parts water to 1 part vinegar, and wash your pet with this mix, before shampooing them again.
If you are sprayed by a skunk, try not to go inside. If you are indoors, stand in the shower to reduce mess and the spread of the odor. Get another family member to retrieve this mixture. Wear rubber gloves for this. Mix 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid into a container, and stir with a spoon. Use a sponge or washcloth, and work the mix into a lather before applying to the skin. Apply to the skin, and let it sit on your skin for at least 5 minutes, or until it stops bubbling. Shower and wash yourself thoroughly. If the odor persists, re-apply the mixture, and then shower again, until the smell is gone. Do not cover the solution, as it can pressurize and explode. Instead, dilute it with water, and dump it down the shower drain.
Skunk smell is not something that should be left in the hamper for later. Wash all clothes that have been affected by skunk spray; including the ones worn while washing a sprayed pet. To get rid of skunk smell from clothes, soak clothes in 1 part household ammonia to 6 parts water for 30 minutes; before machine-washing with a heavy-duty detergent. This will break down the oils of the musk. Repeat as needed until clean and odor free. Additionally, you can use a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide, 1 part baking soda, and 6 parts water. This solution requires a longer soak (about 1 hour). Line-dry outside if possible Be careful not to use detergents containing bleach. When ammonia mixes with bleach, toxic fumes are produced.
Many surfaces in the home, the inside of your car, or a camping tent, can’t be washed as easily as a t-shirt. If skunk spray affects some of these surfaces, you can try your best to clean them. Mix one of the above solutions, and scrub the affected area with a sponge. Blot repeatedly to remove the oils and excess moisture. Then rinse with plain water. Allow the area to air dry away from direct heat. Vacuum when dry. If the affected area is too large to be handled by you, or if the smell persists after a few tries; consult a professional upholstery or carpet cleaner.
When the smell of skunk is in the house, odor molecules can enter the air vents. Replace air vent filters to prevent odor molecules from persisting. You should also replace the vacuum filter after treating the carpet or upholstery for spray.
If the skunk has entered your home, hire a professional and humane wildlife removal service to remove the animal, and to clean the area inhabited by the animal. Skunks are known to hide away in attics and crawl spaces. Do not attempt to remove wild animals from your home yourself.
We specialize in removing raccoons, bats, skunks, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Raccoon LatrinesRaccoons defecate in communal sites, much like humans. Just like we try to limit our waste activities to the bathroom, raccoons tend to pick out a spot to use as the bathroom together. These spots are referred to as Raccoon Latrines.
Raccoons will often use certain spots as their latrines. Common sites include bases of trees, hidden spots under decks/patios, sheds, attics, koi ponds, and pools. Raccoons will frequently use a few different sites as their latrines. They probably do this to limit the scent to specific areas of their domain. Raccoon feces are dark brown, tubular, and have a pungent odor.
Raccoon Latrines are dangerous because of Baylisascaris procyonis, a dangerous roundworm that is commonly carried by raccoons. The roundworm can infect people when the eggs are ingested. The eggs can survive outside of the raccoon for over a month. Exposure to raccoon fecal material can put you at risk of becoming infected. Young children or developmentally disabled persons are at a higher risk of infection, as they are more likely to put contaminated fingers, soil, or other objects into their mouths. Stirring up dust and debris near the latrine can also increase risk of infection.
Exposure to the eggs can lead to infection. Symptoms usually become present after 1-4 weeks. Signs and symptoms can include: nausea, tiredness, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of muscle control, blindness, and coma. It can potentially become fatal.
Do not attempt to clean up a Raccoon Latrine yourself. Hire a professional Wildlife Removal service to remove the feces and properly clean the affected area. Prompt removal and destruction of the feces will reduce risk of exposure and infection for you and your family.
We specialize in removing raccoons, bats, skunks, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Fall Pest PreventionFall is almost here. And as we get ready for the cool weather and the changing of the leaves, many animals are looking for a new place to outlast the winter. For many pest animals, there is no better place to hunker down, than in your attic or crawl space. From squirrels to raccoons, there are few places more appealing to outlast winter than a heated home. Here are a few ways you can prepare your home for the winter, and reduce the risk of pest intrusion.
Sheds and outdoor storage containers are often a good hideout for a raccoon or skunk. Make sure that any damage to the foundation below the shed is repaired. Lock the doors, and check to see if there are any cracks or holes that a small animal can get through. Repairing damages can help reduce the risk of a critter using your tool shed as a winter home.
Garbage cans offer pests an oasis of food in the barren winter wilderness. For those animals that do not hibernate, unprotected garbage can be a source of food year round. Investing in sturdy, raccoon-proof garbage cans will help reduce the number of animals that choose to come by your home. They will often move towards other, less protected food sources.
Gutters can fill up with leaves and all sorts of debris over the year. When the gutters get too full of junk, they can weigh down on the eaves of your home. This can cause cracks that squirrels or mice can slip through, to get into your attic. Snow and autumn leaves can add onto this, which is why they should be cleared out at the beginning and end of fall.
We specialize in removing raccoons, bats, skunks, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Reducing Rabies Risk for Your Family
Rabies can be a life-threatening condition if not treated quickly after contact with a rabid animal. It is important to be informed on how rabies is spread, and what you and your family can do to reduce the risk of infection.
Mammals such as dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, and humans can carry and contract rabies. The virus is carried in the saliva and the nervous system. It is usually transferred via bites. If infected saliva comes in contact with an open wound, eyes, nose, or mouth, there is a risk of infection. Bats and raccoons are often considered to have the highest rates of rabies among wild animals.
Wild animals should be left alone. It is usually best to give any wild animals a wide berth, to avoid contact. If you see a baby animal, odds are that a parent is nearby. If the baby is still abandoned after several hours, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center. Talk to your children about leaving wild animals alone, and teach them to respect any animal they see by leaving it alone.
Stray dogs and feral cats are often harbingers of all sorts of diseases, and rabies is just one of them. Unfamiliar and unattended dogs and cats should be left alone, especially if it looks dirty or sickly. Children have a tendency to try to pick up or play with strays. They should be taught to avoid strays, even if they seem friendly.
New York/New Jersey Wildlife Removal, Inc. does not provide services in dealing with the removal of stray/feral dogs and cats.
Your pets should not be allowed to roam freely, nor should they be left outdoors unattended. Pets that are unsupervised run the risk of coming into contact with animals that might have rabies or other diseases. Keep them up to date on all of their shots.
Not all rabid animals appear sickly. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid wild animals whenever possible. If you are bitten by a wild animal, wash the wound with mild soap and warm water, and then seek medical attention. The wild animal should be humanely trapped by a licenced professional.
We specialize in removing raccoons, bats, skunks, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Skunk Facts
Skunks may seem cute but their smelly spray can pack a real punch. These critters can be a real problem for your neighborhood; and they can be even worse for you if they decide to set up camp in your shed or below your patio. Here are some facts you may not know about these striped stink bombs.
Skunks cannot see very well. They can really only see what is right in front of them. When a skunk is born, it is completely blind and deaf. It’s hearing and sight will develop as it grows, but a skunk’s eyesight won’t improve too much. It’s distinct lack of good senses is why skunks fire off their spray often when frightened.
Despite their horrible eyesight, skunks have incredibly accurate spray. Both males and females can fire their spray up to about 15 feet, with accuracy up to about 10 feet. The spray can also mist and travel up to 45 feet, lingering in the air.
Skunks can spray incredibly fast, but it can be easy to see that they are getting ready to blast you, if you know what to look for. These warnings can help you to know if they are agitated or scared. If you see the skunk scratching its feet, raising its tail, or hissing, try to get out of the blast zone.
Despite their pudgy bodies and stumpy legs, skunks can bolt if they really need to, reaching speeds of up to 10 mph. If they are not threatened and not trying to hide, they will usually just lazily walk around.
Most wild animals can see the stripes of a skunk and know to stay away. This can be both a learned and instinctive knowledge. However, one animal who fails to stay away is the domesticated dog. Man’s best friend doesn’t seem to take the hint; and pet owners may find themselves scrubbing off skunk smell from their dog on more than one occasion.
Skunk spray is not toxic as many people may believe. While it can be hard to wash off, skunk spray is not dangerous. You may have heard that skunk spray can cause blindness if it gets into your eyes, but this is false. You should still try not to get sprayed, because the smell is horrible.
We specialize in removing raccoons, skunks, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Why Poison and Traps are not Recommended for RodentsMouse traps or rat poison may seem like a quick fix for your pest problem, yet they are anything but! Traps and poison can cause a lot of problems for homeowners and restaurants alike. In addition to not being fully effective, traps and poison are not humane. It is important to know why capture and proper exclusion is the best way to deal with your rodent infestation. But first, why shouldn’t you use poison or traps?
Traps may seem like a quick way to deal with a rogue mouse or rat sneaking into your cabinet, but traps are often more trouble than they are worth. Traps can usually take care of a few pests, but the rest of the colony will usually adapt to work around them. Rodents may seem simple, but they can be quick-thinking and learn to avoid traps, especially after they lose a few members of their colony to them. Additionally traps can be hard to deal with once they are sprung. Traps set up in walls or hard to reach places can be difficult to check. You may end up having a dead animal living inside of your wall. Traps that misfire or trigger without catching the rodent are rendered useless until you remember to reset them.
Poison Doesn’t Always Cut ItPoison has plenty of problems as well. Firstly, not all of the rats will eat it. Rats can learn that a food source is not good for them and learn to avoid the poison. Some rats will even develop a slight resistance to it, or even a full immunity. When we find rat droppings that are green in color, it usually means that the rat was surviving while eating poisoned bait. Rats also tend not to die right around the pile of bait. Often, a rodent partaking in poisoned food will find somewhere to curl up and die, often deep in your walls. With rat poison, there is always a risk that it will affect others in the home or restaurant. Children or pets can often be the victims of accidental poisoning. Rat poison not properly stored can contaminate food and drink.
Exclusion and removal is effective because it solves the issue fully, and humanely. When traps or poisons are involved, you aren’t able to guarantee that the full colony is gone. You also may have to deal with dead pests in all of the nooks and crannies. And any other pests can intrude from any entry points established by the colony. Removal and exclusion by a professional specialist means that your rodent problem will be dealt with, cleaned up, and the entry points repaired. With a humane removal company, your conscience can be kept clean too.
We specialize in removing rats, squirrels, mice, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Looking for Pest Damage When Buying a Home
When looking for a new home, buyers often look for signs of termites or rodents; but what about other animals? It is important when buying a home that you are able to tell if the home has had a wild animal problem in the past, and what that can mean for the home in the future. If the home has had a pest problem in the past, you should check with the owner or real estate agent to ensure that the animals have been dealt with, and that the affected area was properly cleaned and repaired. Professional cleaning is vital to ensure that the space is free of any bacteria or parasites carried by intruding animals. Repair of damages from a pest is important to ensure that other animals don’t find their way back in.
Mice, rats, and squirrels can be a big problem for homeowners, especially in urban areas. Rodents can cause damage throughout the home, can produce fire hazards, and can create drafts in the insulation. Most rodents carry a large host of diseases, especially rats. Rodents tend to gnaw their way through walls, and make smaller, pre-existing holes larger. They can create tunnels through insulation that can cause drafts and waste energy. Wires can be chewed up by rodents, creating potential fire hazards. Signs of rodent infestation can include holes in the walls, roof, or floors; brown stains from the oils of rodent fur; droppings; gnawed wires or beams; or gaps in insulation.
Raccoons can be a lot of trouble for homeowners. They love camping out under decks or sheds, but can easily make their way into an attic. They can be a huge problem for in and around the house. They like to dig through trash, and are adept at opening garbage cans. Raccoons have been known to tear up boxes and bags in an attic and make beds out of the scraps of clothing or items in them. Raccoons can also hunt for fish kept in outdoor ponds such as koi. They may also make use of your pool, and can leave parasites in their feces in the water. Raccoons are one of the most common carriers of rabies, which can pose a threat to people or pets that come into contact with them.
Signs of raccoon problems can be damaged trash cans, damage under a deck or patio space, and damage in the attic. Raccoon claws have 5 toes, as opposed to cats, which have 4. This may help you determine whether scratch marks were made by a pet, or an unwanted intruder.
Bats can be a real nightmare for homeowners. Bats often break into attics and sheds, and can squeeze through small breaks in the roof or eaves in order to gain access to your home. Like rats, bats leave brown oil stains where they squeeze their way into a home. Bats can cause damage to the beams in an attic with their claws as they hang. Bat guano can be a severe issue for homeowners. Guano is dust-like, and carries many parasites that can become airborne when disturbed. These parasites can persist without proper cleaning, and can infect people or animals living in the home below the bat colony.
Pigeons are an issue for many homeowners. Pigeon waste can be corrosive to your roofing. They tend to roost on the roof of homes or in chimneys. They may make use of vent ducts or gutters on the home for nesting. Flocks of pigeons resting on the gutters can cause damage to the eaves of the home, and can even detach them from the home. While not as common as outdoor roosting, sometimes they will attempt to roost in sheds or attics. The most obvious sign of pigeon problems in a home is evidence of feces or nests. Fecal matter that is not properly dealt with can leave white or green stains, and can corrode and eat away at the material it is left on.
We specialize in removing rats, bats, pigeons, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
Summer BatsBats can be a real nuisance to homeowners, but they can be especially difficult in the summertime, when the days are longer. In the summer, bat sightings are more prevalent as they may start flying around before nightfall. As more people spend time outside in the summer, the risk of contact with bats can increase. Bats roosting in your shed or attic can be a real health hazard to you and your family.
Bats have been known, although it is rare, to raid barbeques and other yard parties in the summer months. They are often attracted to sweet fruits (such as watermelon), or nearby bugs. On occasion, this can lead to contact with humans. In addition to a host of other diseases, bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies.If you or a loved one is bitten by a bat, you should wash the wound with mild soap and warm water, and then seek medical attention.
When bats take roost in your home, they can cause some serious issues. Bats can do some serious damage to your attic. They like to roost on the ceiling or support beams in the attic, which can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Bat fur is covered in natural oils that can stain surfaces brown. It is often seen around the holes that bats may squeeze through to gain access to the attic. They also drop fecal matter to the floor of the attic wherever they hang. Bat guano can cause incredibly dangerous health issues in to those in your home, including pets.
Bat guano usually covers the floors of the attics, sheds, and other areas that bats may inhabit. The fecal material is loaded with a number of parasites that can cause respiratory problems, digestive issues, and even death. Bat guano can be especially dangerous because it is dust-like in consistency. If the guano is disturbed, the dust can become airborne, spreading the parasites throughout the affected area. Even a small animal such as a mouse walking through the feces can spread the parasites into the air. Some of these parasites can survive for weeks after the fecal material leaves the host bat. The waste can also seep into the wood or fiberglass in your home. Fiberglass that has been in contact with guano should be removed and replaced, as well as any insulation that is within 3 or 4 feet of the affected area.
We specialize in removing rats, bats, mice, and more in the New York/New Jersey area. For a complete inspection and evaluation please contact us or call us at 718-227-7227 and we will be happy to make an appointment at your convenience.
