When many Davis County property owners think of pests, they imagine common household creatures such as ants, flies, spiders, and rodents. However, since many homes in the area sit close to mountains, hills, and fields, and with the wonderful close proximity to the great outdoors, other wildlife can easily become a problem.
In the Weber and Davis County area, gophers, voles, squirrels, and raccoons are types of nuisance wildlife that are rather common. While you likely have an idea of what at least some of these animals look like, a brief refresher can help you identify them.
- Gophers: Gophers are burrowing rodents of medium size that create large, underground mounds. They can reach up to 13 inches long with a short neck and legs. They have large upper front teeth and are usually brown or black.
- Voles: These are small rodents that look similar to hamsters. They have a stout body, a short tail, and small ears and eyes. Their bodies are usually a brownish-grey color.
- Squirrels: While there are many different squirrel species in the area, most of them have grey or reddish fur. They are most easily recognized by their large and furry tails.
- Raccoons: This species can reach up to 28 inches long, and they are mammals but not rodents. Instead part of the Procyonidae family. They can be easily identified by their mask-like markings on their face, and their bushy, ringed tails.
Risks Associated With Wildlife
Wildlife might seem interesting to look at or even cute, but they can pose some major risks to your property and to you, your family, and your pet’s health.
There are three main reasons why wildlife in your David Country yard can be a problem:
- Animals can cause a lot of property damage: Even small rodents can be destructive as they chew and dig through flower beds, plants, or the exterior of buildings. Raccoons can also destroy plants and landscaping, and they are also known to ruin bird feeders and get into the trash. Animals like gophers can do extensive damage to your yard as they tunnel underground.
- They can spread diseases and parasites: Many wild animals can carry a wide array of diseases and parasites. Rabies is just one of the most common, and it often is a huge risk for your pets. Another risk to pets is canine distemper that raccoons often spread. Rodents can also carry parasites and diseases that spread to humans.
- There is a risk of attack or injury: While most of these animals aren’t likely to attack you, there is always a risk of a bite or attack. This is mostly the case if you’re trying to pick them up or handle them or if they are otherwise surprised or threatened. In general, pets run more of a risk of these confrontations.
How To Keep Wildlife Off Of Your Property
Keeping wildlife out of your property isn’t always possible, but you can take some precautions to deter them. The best way to go about preventing wildlife is to reduce the factors that attract them in the first place. By making your yard less appealing, you can decrease the likelihood of a wildlife problem.
Here are a few of the best tips:
- Store pet food and water indoors whenever possible.
- Ensure that pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations which won’t prevent wildlife but will protect your pets.
- Regularly clean up brush and leaf piles
- Dispose of garbage and keep outdoor trash cans fitted with lids.
- Hang bird feeders where wildlife can’t reach or climb to them.
- Focus on landscaping by trimming back trees, shrubs, and bushes.
The Best Way To Keep Wildlife Out Of Your Yard
Dealing with wildlife can be dangerous because they can be aggressive and carry diseases including rabies. Persistent wildlife can be hard to prevent and harder to remove. If you’re dealing with infestations of local wildlife, the experts at Pest Pro Pest Control are here to help. We can provide you with advice and assistance on how to keep these frustrating animals out of your yard. To find out more or to request an inspection, give us a call today.