Sometimes it can be fun to see wildlife in your own backyard. Perhaps you can even get a giggle out of seeing the raccoons steal your cat food and rummage through trash. Wildlife can be pretty interesting, but the proximity of certain wildlife can force us to underestimate how dangerous they truly are.
As verdant as Rhode Island is, there are plenty of natural breeding grounds for amazing creatures who, nonetheless, do not belong close to our homes and neighborhoods. Keep reading to learn more about Rhode Island wildlife, the potential dangers and problems wildlife can cause, and wildlife management options.
Types Of Problematic Wildlife In Rhode Island
Among the wildlife one can see in the area are species like the grey squirrel, striped skunks, raccoons, red and gray foxes, and coyotes. Some of the more familiar species make themselves quite at home in neighborhoods and can put humans at risk of disease or attack, and homes at risk of damage. With restrictions in Rhode Island about wildlife trapping and relocating, it’s better to trust a wildlife expert for local wildlife removal in the area.
The Dangers Wildlife Bring To Rhode Island Properties
The grey squirrel is one of the most common nuisance wildlife species in the United States. Grey squirrels are a type of tree squirrel. The danger of tree squirrels is in their seeming harmlessness. They may be cute and fun to watch, but as with other rodents, they can do extensive damage to our homes, and they also carry parasites that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and tularemia.
As the third most prominent carrier of rabies in the U.S., skunks are another level of threat that exceeds that of our friendly neighborhood squirrels. Animals with rabies are especially dangerous because of their aggressive and unpredictable behavior, so leave skunks behaving strangely to the wildlife experts. Even skunks without the rabies virus can do damage to gardens and can burrow under practically any building. Not to mention the discomfort and inconvenience if one sprays you, your pets, or even an area near your home.
As the second most common carrier of rabies, the raccoon is also a safety risk, but raccoons have the advantage of dexterity and brains that skunks and opossums don’t have. To make their dens in homes, raccoons have been known to tear off shingles and boards or gain access to a home through attics or chimneys. As potential transmitters of raccoon roundworms and carriers of other harmful pests like fleas and ticks, these pests may be dangerous to deal with and difficult to deter.
Finally, foxes and coyotes may be skittish around people but are still dangerous. Rabies is a minimal threat for both species, but they can still invade garbage cans and gardens and potentially attack pets and livestock. Along with being a threat concerning diseases (which they can still transmit to humans), canine distemper is a potentially deadly virus that can be passed along to dogs and has a high mortality rate among unvaccinated pets.
In all cases, it is important to entrust the professionals for wildlife removal and avoid dangerous diseases and attacks from cornered animals.
The Key To Effective Wildlife Control In Rhode Island
Wildlife management is a tricky subject. For the most part, these animals mean no harm, and potential attacks are unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean that the risks are inconsequential. Entrusting the situation to a local wildlife removal service will protect your health and safety and the animal’s well-being. We can keep the ecosystem balanced by not practicing illegal wildlife trapping and relocating without professional assistance.
For wildlife removal in Rhode Island, trust the professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem and the safety of your neighborhood. Nuisance wildlife removal should not be taken lightly. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, our wildlife control specialist will work with leaders in the community and health department officials to abide by regulations and keep all parties safe. If you need nuisance wildlife removal, call Big Blue Bug Solutions today.
Practical Wildlife Prevention Tips For Rhode Island Properties
Wildlife has become a problem in neighborhoods because it is so easy for wildlife to access food and water, especially outdoor trashcans, though gardens can also be a temptation. To keep wildlife off of your property, try these prevention tips:
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Install a fence around your property and keep it well-maintained.
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Make your garden on a raised bed, and surround it with fencing or wire mesh.
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Keep your garbage in a sealed (preferably locked) container away from the exterior of your home.
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Limit hiding places by screening off areas under your deck and shed.
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Don’t leave pet food sitting out. Store it inside and only feed your outside pets one serving at a time.
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Repair anything causing excess water around your home, including leaking pipes and landscaping issues.
While these animals don’t belong in our neighborhoods, they’re only going where they know they can find resources. Eliminate that draw for them, and you likely won’t see wildlife visitors in your backyard.
