North East Wildlife Management

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Five Tips to Prevent Raccoon Infestations

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Raccoons are a common problem for Massachusetts homeowners, whether they reside in rural, urban, or suburban settings. These preventive tips can ward off raccoon infestations and protect against the spread of serious diseases to humans and pets.

Seal Trashcans

Raccoon standing on a tree trunk surrounded by leaves

Keeping the trash secure is the best way to keep raccoons away from a home. Residents should store garbage and compost in tightly sealed containers to avoid attracting these mammals. Bungee cords can help keep lids in place. Cans can also be stored in a garage or shed that’s tightly locked. Broken or cracked trashcan lids can easily be accessed by these dexterous creatures.

Keep Pet Food Indoors

Since pet food is appealing to raccoons, it’s best to not keep it outside. Also, it’s a good idea for pet owners to bring food and water dishes inside to avoid attracting raccoons that may even attack resident dogs and cats for a meal.

Prevent Access to Shelter

Raccoons will nest in dark, secluded areas where they can sleep during the day before hunting at night. Homeowners should seal off access to places where raccoons could reside or enter the home, such as spaces under the porch, chimneys, or attic doors. Gaps along the roof can also provide entry for these creatures.

Fence Off Gardens

Raccoons will gladly eat fruits and vegetables. Families who keep a garden should install a fence that keeps these pests out. Efforts to reduce insects that feed on plants may help, since grubs and other bugs are also on the raccoon menu.

Install Bright Lights

Spotlights in the yard can scare away shy raccoons. Many homeowners find success with solar-powered versions that illuminate at night. North East Wildlife Management can help Massachusetts homeowners who are struggling with a raccoon infestation despite these tips. Send us a message online or call (781) 562-9659 for same-day service, including 24-hour emergency visits for raccoon removal.

What to Do If a Raccoon Gets Inside of Your Attic—And How to Prevent It From Happening

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There’s nothing quite like settling in for the night only to hear some unidentified creature scratching in the attic. From the sounds of commotion to fears of damage and disease, it’s hard to feel comfortable knowing there’s a raccoon in the attic. Here’s a plan of action for when a raccoon makes its way indoors—and how to prevent it from happening again.

Contain Pets A raccoon at night

Before addressing a raccoon that has snuck into the home, contain any cats, dogs, or other pets that may be startled by the presence of another animal. This will prevent pets from trying to fight the raccoon or running away, further compounding the problem. 

Create a Tempting Trap

Simple metal cages or animal traps can be found at most hardware stores. Luckily, raccoons are attracted to many different food types, including cheese, peanut butter, or marshmallows. Place the tempting treat inside the trap and leave the attic. For extra safety, locate where the raccoon is in the attic and seal that area off with boxes or other barriers first so that the raccoon won’t approach while the trap is being prepared. Be sure to check the trap regularly, because a raccoon can quickly die of starvation or dehydration if left imprisoned. Remember, never try to catch or directly handle a raccoon, as this may provoke them to bite.

Call in Backup

Sometimes, raccoons aren’t tempted by traps or are too smart to get caught, or homeowners are unsure of the best way to release a trapped raccoon back into the wild. It’s best to call in professional raccoon removal services to ensure the safety of members of the household, pets, and even the raccoon itself. These humane pest control services can prevent the spreading of rabies, respiratory diseases, and damage to property that pests like raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and other pests cause.

Prevent Further Infestation 

If a raccoon ends up in the attic, it means there are factors that may tempt or aid other pests from invading a home as well. Prevent further infestation by securing garbage and compost piles, which can attract a number of unwanted animals. Never try to feed a raccoon, and don’t leave pet food outside unattended. To further prevent future needs for pest control, eliminate any areas where raccoons may make their dens, such as openings under porches. Finally, ensure that any openings that lead into sheds or attics are closed off, including chimneys.

Although raccoons can sometimes be safely trapped by a homeowner, it’s best to have professional services remove the pest. North East Wildlife Management can efficiently and humanely remove raccoons and other wild animals from New England homes. For more information about our raccoon, bat, or squirrel removal services, call us today at (781) 562-9659.

Signs There May Be a Northern Flying Squirrels in the Attic

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They may be cute, but northern flying squirrels are not creatures any homeowner should want inside. Like most wild animals, these squirrels can quickly become a nuisance and cause property damage once an infestation starts. Here are some of the signs that it may be time to contact a squirrel removal professional to remedy an infestation in the attic.

Early Warning Signs A dirty, empty attic

Since northern flying squirrels are nocturnal, they will likely first make their presence known in the evening or night hours. Homeowners may hear scratching, scurrying, or chewing coming from the ceiling, or they may even spot one of the critters while exploring the attic or observing the roof outside. There may also be early signs of nest-building, including piles of leaves and gnawed plant matter found in the attic. Any of these occurrences might mean that it’s time to contact a squirrel removal service.

More Evidence of an Infestation

When multiple northern flying squirrels have moved into the attic and decided to hang around, they will likely leave behind even more evidence. Their pellet-shaped droppings are a common sight, and a mix of dark and light droppings is an indicator that the infestation has been present for a while. Homeowners may also find partially chewed nuts and acorns scattered around.

Risks of Untreated Infestations

In addition to being annoying, northern flying squirrels living in the attic can cause significant property damage in almost no time. Their urine and droppings can cause unpleasant odors, spread bacteria, and even stain the walls and ceiling. Squirrels may also try to chew through insulation and electrical wiring, creating a dangerous fire hazard. The best thing to do upon finding signs of an infestation is to call for professional help as soon as possible.

If you suspect that you have a squirrel infestation in your home, call the team at North East Wildlife Management. We have over a decade of experience handling and removing wildlife from homes in the New England area. For wildlife removal services on your property, call us at (781) 562-9659 or send us a message online.

What to Look for in a Wildlife Management and Pest Control Company

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When it comes to choosing a wildlife management and pest control company, it’s important to look for a company that not only provides efficient service but is also humane in its treatment of wildlife. While it is often necessary to prevent interactions between humans and certain animals like mice, skunks, raccoons, and others, these creatures do not deserve to be exterminated simply for crossing paths with people. Humane wildlife management also reduces the risk that injured or frightened, and therefore dangerous, animals will be on the loose. 

Find a Company That Practices Humane Eviction 

If wildlife has made it inside the house, removal is the first order of business. This can often be done without injuring the animal through the use of traps designed to contain but not harm the animal. Removal and relocation of the whole family or group units greatly reduces the stress of relocation and makes it far less likely that the animal will come back looking to return to its troop. Humane eviction of wildlife, especially when coupled with exclusion strategies to prevent return, can handle the problem without hurting any animals. 

Ask About Exclusion Systems 

Of course, the best way to deal with wildlife in the home is to make sure they never get inside in the first place. A good wildlife management company will be able to advise a homeowner on exclusion products that will prevent rodents and other animals from entering the home. These can include vent covers, one-way doors, sealants, and a variety of non-toxic sprays or coatings that are designed to repel animals without causing them any harm or posing a risk to the home’s inhabitants. 

North East Wildlife Management provides comprehensive wildlife management in an efficient, discrete, and humane way. We are professionals with over 10 years in the industry who understand and value every homeowner’s desire to maintain their sanctuary. We provide 24-hour service dealing with a wide range of critters. If you’re in need of humane wildlife management that gets the job done right the first time, send us a message or get 24-hour assistance by calling (781) 562-9659.

Three Humane Pest Control Options to Consider

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Mouse crawling out of a hole in a wall in Canton, MA 

Many homeowners are bothered by rodents and other household invaders but don’t want to kill the creepy crawlies that have taken up residence in their home. For these individuals, humane pest control is an effective, safe option that removes wildlife from the home without harm. These are some of the humane wildlife control options to consider.

Natural Deterrents

Rodent problems that are relegated to a specific area of the home can often be treated with substances that deter rats and mice from entering. For example, one recipe from PETA recommends applying a solution made from oil, horseradish, garlic, and cayenne pepper to the affected area using a spray bottle. Some find success with ultrasonic devices that emit a high-frequency noise that cannot be heard by humans but will be avoided by rodents.

Trap and Release

Two-door cages are designed for trapping squirrels, rats, and other rodents. These humane pest control devices keep the animal safe but contained, allowing the homeowner to remove the pest from the premises. Experts recommend releasing the rodent more than 100 yards away from the trapping site for effective removal.

Prevention

The best method to prevent an infestation is by keeping rodents from entering the home in the first place. Homeowners should seal any cracks or holes through which vermin can enter, bearing in mind that mice and rats only need an opening the size of a dime and a quarter, respectively. Remove food and water sources that attract rodents to the home.

It’s important for homeowners to immediately deal with a rodent problem. The infestation will get exponentially worse if the animals have a chance to breed. If you live in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Southern New Hampshire and need trusted pest control assistance, then turn to the experts at North East Wildlife Management. We provide free estimates for high-quality pest control services for rats, mice, bats, raccoons, and other vermin. We offer same-day service as well as 24-hour emergency removal. Contact us today.