How Do Animals Keep Cool in the Summer?
How Do Animals Keep Cool in the Summer?
Have you ever wondered where common critters like raccoons and squirrels go when it gets too hot outside? When the intense heat and humidity of summer get the best of us, we can easily go back inside our nice air-conditioned homes, but the wild animals lurking in our backyards and forests can’t say the same. So how do these critters keep their body temperatures stable while the weather gets hotter and hotter?
How Do Raccoons Stay Cool?
Raccoons, much like dogs, don’t have sweat glands anywhere except on their paw pads, so these mammals will stay cool by panting. Raccoons will often seek shelter inside man-made structures to hide from the heat, like sheds, barns, chimneys, attics, and more. Raccoons will also nest high up inside hollow trees to protect themselves from the harsh summer temperatures. Raccoons will also jump inside streams, ponds, and pools to cool off. If you have a bird bath on your property, you might see a raccoon cooling off inside it. If your yard provides ample shade and undergrowth to hide from the sun, raccoons might be taking this opportunity as well. These critters often avoid the sun altogether during the hottest months, choosing instead to sleep in their dens and only come out at dawn and dusk.
How Do Squirrels Cool Down?
During the winter, squirrels are armed with heavy, bushy coats that can withstand frigid winter air. They shed this excess fur for the summer, allowing them to cool down. Squirrels will also stay high up in trees or shaded areas, staying out of direct sunlight. Squirrels might also be spotted exhibiting a behavior known as “splooting”, where they find cool surfaces such as concrete or dirt and lay down flat on their stomachs, with their legs spread out. This process transfers heat away from their bodies, and many squirrels have been spotted doing this in parks and on roofs across the country.
Where Do Snakes Go?
Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles, which means they cannot survive in extreme heat for long. Snakes can only stay in the heat for a few minutes at a time, so when the harsh temperatures of summer take over, snakes will begin searching for cover. Snakes will spend time in tall grass, underneath rocks, underneath decks and porches, and within caves. Shady trees also provide a perfect spot for snakes to cool down. Snakes will also seek shelter inside your home, often curling up inside attics, crawl spaces, and even basements.
Where Do Birds Cool Off?
Birds, much like most animals, cannot sweat and instead will cool themselves off by submerging their bodies in the water, afterward opening their wingspans and letting the wind cool them off even further. If you have a bird bath on your property, you might see birds fluttering and submerging themselves inside the water to keep cool. Additionally, birds will also forage for food at dawn and dusk, and stay hiding in the shade throughout the rest of the day.
How Do Skunks and Groundhogs Beat the Heat?
Skunks and groundhogs possess a unique advantage among wildlife in Westchester, as these critters can dig underneath the ground into the cool soil to escape the heat. Skunks and groundhogs will often dig underneath structures on your property like porches, sheds, decks, and even your home’s foundation itself. Skunks and groundhogs might also dig into your crawl space to escape the heat, which can become even more appealing to them if there is a source of groundwater inside for them to cool off in.
Groundhogs have also been spotted exhibiting the same “splooting” behavior as squirrels, which makes sense when you realize that groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, and are classified as ground squirrels!
Wildlife Removal in Westchester County
When the heat rises, critters like raccoons, squirrels, snakes, birds, skunks, groundhogs, and more may seek shelter within your home. These animals can end up inside your attic, crawl space, basement, shed, garage, or underneath your porch or deck. Wildlife seeking shelter on your property can cause plenty of expensive damage, from ripping and soiling attic insulation to creating structural instability underneath your home foundation. Westchester Wildlife can help, we offer the best wildlife trapping and removal services in Westchester County. Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate at (800) 273-6673!
Understanding the Behavior and Habitat of Foxes in Suburban Areas
Understanding the Behavior and Habitat of Foxes in Suburban Areas
Foxes have become increasingly common in suburban areas, adapting to environments where natural habitats intersect with human developments. These intelligent and adaptable creatures are often seen in yards, parks, and even city streets, searching for food and shelter. Understanding the behavior and habitat of foxes is crucial for managing their presence effectively. By learning more about their habits, residents can take informed steps to coexist peacefully with these animals or implement appropriate removal and deterrent strategies. This blog will explore various aspects of fox behavior, habitats, and practical methods for managing their presence in suburban settings.
Fox Behavior in Suburban Areas
Foxes are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. This nocturnal behavior helps them avoid human interaction and reduces competition for food with other predators. You might spot them during dawn or dusk when they venture out to hunt and explore. Foxes are highly adaptable and have successfully integrated into urban and suburban settings. They utilize parks, gardens, and even alleyways for shelter and hunting grounds. Their ability to thrive in these environments is a testament to their resourcefulness and intelligence. In suburban areas, foxes maintain a varied diet, including small mammals, birds, insects, and even fruits and vegetables. They are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge from garbage bins or pet food left outside. Unfortunately, foxes will also prey on pets like house cats and small dogs. Understanding these aspects of fox behavior helps residents recognize and manage their presence effectively, ensuring a safer and more harmonious coexistence.
Common Fox Habitats in Suburban Areas
Foxes prefer to nest and den in secluded areas that provide safety and easy access to food. In suburban settings, they often choose locations such as dense shrubbery, under decks, and sheds, or even abandoned burrows created by other animals. It is common for foxes to dig their dens underneath porches and near your home’s foundation as well. Interaction with human-made structures is common, as foxes find these areas provide ample cover and protection. Seasonal changes significantly impact their habitat use; during warmer months, they may be more mobile, while in colder seasons, they seek out more sheltered, permanent dens to protect themselves and their young from harsh weather conditions.
Signs of Fox Presence
Identifying fox tracks and droppings is a key method of detecting their presence. Fox tracks are typically small and oval-shaped with distinct claw marks, often confused with small dog tracks. Their droppings, or scat, are usually dark, cylindrical, and tapered at one end, often containing fur, bones, or seeds from their varied diet. Visual and auditory signals are also common indicators. Foxes have a distinctive, high-pitched bark, often heard during night and early morning hours. Sightings of foxes are more likely during dawn and dusk, known as crepuscular activity periods. Recognizing den sites is another important aspect. Foxes prefer secluded, quiet areas such as under sheds, decks, porches or dense shrubbery, where they can safely raise their young. These dens are typically well-hidden and may have multiple entrances for easy escape. Observing these signs can help residents manage and mitigate fox presence in suburban areas.
Fox Removal and Trapping
Effective fox removal and trapping require humane and strategic methods to ensure the safety of both the animals and the residents. Humane trapping methods often involve using baited live traps that capture foxes without causing harm, allowing for their safe relocation. Legal considerations and best practices are crucial in fox removal. It’s important to follow local wildlife regulations and guidelines to ensure ethical and legal compliance. This includes obtaining necessary permits and understanding local wildlife protection laws. The importance of professional removal services cannot be overstated. Professionals are trained to handle foxes safely and humanely, minimizing risks to both the animals and the property. They also provide valuable advice on preventing future intrusions. For effective and humane fox removal, trust the experts at Westchester Wildlife. Our experienced team is equipped to handle fox removal and trapping with the utmost care and professionalism. Contact us today for a consultation and ensure a safe and humane solution to your fox problem.
Fox Deterrents and Prevention
Effective deterrent methods are essential for keeping foxes at bay. Installing secure fencing around your property can prevent foxes from entering. Using repellents, such as commercial fox repellents or natural options like citrus peels, can also deter these animals. For professional advice and installation of deterrents, contact Westchester Wildlife for expert solutions tailored to your needs. Securing food sources and attractants is another key step. Ensure that garbage bins are tightly sealed, and do not leave pet food or bird feeders accessible overnight. Landscaping tips can also help discourage foxes. Foxes feel more comfortable in tall grass and dense shrubbery, so keeping your lawn cut short will make them feel exposed, therefore deterring them. Maintaining a tidy yard, removing dense shrubbery, and using motion-activated lights or sprinklers can make your property less appealing to foxes. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage and prevent fox presence around your home.
Best Fox Removal Service in Westchester, NY
Foxes are adaptable, nocturnal creatures that thrive in suburban areas, often creating dens in secluded spots and scavenging for food. Effective management involves humane trapping, securing food sources, and making your property less appealing through landscaping and deterrents. For those dealing with fox presence, seeking professional help ensures safe and effective removal. Westchester Wildlife provides expert fox removal and trapping services tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get started at (800) 273-6673.
Eco-Friendly and Humane Wildlife Deterrent Methods for Your Garden
Eco-Friendly and Humane Wildlife Deterrent Methods for Your Garden
Spring and Summer are the gardening seasons, but homeowners are often frustrated by the presence of destructive critters like groundhogs and rabbits that can wreak havoc in your garden as they burrow underneath your plants and feast on your crops. Groundhogs and rabbits aren’t the only ones, as raccoons, squirrels, skunks, opossums and even deer are all known to get into gardens. Poisoning these critters is not only illegal, but it can also be very destructive on the local ecosystem. The best way to get rid of wildlife in your garden is through trapping and removal, wildlife fencing/barriers, and habitat modification. Thankfully, Westchester Wildlife can help. We offer the best wildlife trapping and removal services in the Westchester area, and we can also provide you with wildlife barriers. Contact us today to get started at (800) 273-6673!
Garden Pests
There are several types of wildlife that you might find destroying your garden, burrowing underneath your plants and eating your fresh vegetables. Groundhogs are known to dig underneath gardens, disrupting root structures and displacing plants. Groundhogs are binge eaters, and will decimate a garden filled with delicious vegetables overnight. Rabbits will also dig into the ground, and they will damage and consume flowers, peas, beans, beets and more. While groundhogs and rabbits are the two most prevalent garden pests, homeowners also often have to contend with squirrels, raccoons, opossums and deer, all of which are omnivores and will stop by your garden for a quick snack.
Trapping and Removal Services
Having wildlife damaging your garden can be frustrating. Maintaining a garden is hard work, and all that work can be ruined by groundhogs or rabbits in a single night. Poisoning groundhogs and rabbits is not only illegal, but very dangerous, as that poison can enter the ecosystem and get into the water supply. Trapping groundhogs yourself can be difficult, as they are very clever and can easily evade less-experienced trappers. The best way to remove wildlife from your property and prevent them from entering your garden is to contact the licensed experts at Westchester Wildlife. Our technicians are highly-trained and experienced in trapping groundhogs, and we can safely and effectively remove them from your property. We can also trap and remove raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and any other critter causing trouble in your garden.
Wildlife Fencing Services
While trapping and removal services can get rid of any current critters causing problems on your property, this doesn’t protect against more animals coming back in the future. You can trap and remove a groundhog, but the next groundhog will come around eventually and decimate your plants. This is why preventative measures for garden nuisance wildlife are so important. One of the most important measures you can take for keeping groundhogs and other animals out of your garden is to install wildlife fencing or wildlife barriers around the perimeter of your yard, garden, or both. Mesh wildlife fencing can prevent critters from gaining entrance, and burying this fencing deep enough in the ground can prevent burrowing groundhogs from digging underneath it. Westchester Wildlife can install wildlife fencing and wildlife barriers anywhere on your property to keep critters from getting in and raiding your garden. We can install these barriers alongside the entire perimeter of your yard, or just along the perimeter of your garden. No matter what your wildlife fencing needs are, Westchester Wildlife can help.
Habitat Modification:
Habitat modification is a highly effective strategy for keeping groundhogs, rabbits, and other critters out of your vegetable garden. To begin, it’s crucial to eliminate any potential hiding places. Clear away brush piles, tall grass, and accumulated debris that provide cover for these animals. Regularly mow the lawn around the garden to reduce tall grass and remove any unnecessary vegetation. Removing potential food sources outside the garden is also essential; promptly clean up fallen fruits, nuts, and other edible debris that could attract these critters.
Another key tactic is to incorporate plants that naturally repel pests. Planting marigolds, garlic, and onions around the perimeter of your garden can serve as a natural deterrent due to their strong scents, which many animals find unappealing. Additionally, you can introduce herbs like rosemary and mint, known for their repelling properties.
Maintaining a clean and tidy garden is also critical. Regular weeding and pruning not only promote plant health but also reduce the garden’s appeal to pests. Composting properly and ensuring that garden waste is disposed of correctly can further minimize attractants. By implementing these habitat modifications, you create an environment that is less inviting and less accessible to groundhogs, rabbits, and other critters, thus protecting your vegetable garden from potential damage.
Best Wildlife Trapping in Westchester, NY
Groundhogs, rabbits, deer, raccoons, squirrels and skunks are destructive critters that can dig inside your vegetable garden, ripping up your plants and disrupting your root structure as well as your garden soil. Many of these critters will also eat your fresh vegetables, ruining all your hard work. Thankfully, there are ways to remove and deter these critters. Westchester Wildlife offers groundhog trapping and removal services to remove these destructive pests from your yard and garden. We can also provide you with wildlife fencing services to keep animals from returning to your garden once they have been trapped and removed. In addition, forms of habitat modification like keeping grass cut short, planting natural repellents like mint and cleaning up all fallen fruit, seeds or nuts can help prevent critters like groundhogs and rabbits from seeing your yard as a potential food source.
The Benefits of Installing Bat Houses for Natural Pest Control
The Benefits of Installing Bat Houses for Natural Pest Control
Bats are associated with diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis, and they are the last thing you want in your attic. However, bats can be a beneficial species to have on your property when they aren’t in your house, as they serve as a means of natural pest control. Natural pest control is an effective and environmentally friendly way to manage insect populations. Bats play a crucial role in this process due to their diet, which primarily consists of insects. Installing bat houses can encourage these bats to nest on your property, providing a habitat for bats and helping reduce the need for chemical pesticides. In addition, the presence of bat houses on your property can lower the likelihood of these critters nesting within your attic. These simple structures offer a safe place for bats to roost and raise their young, supporting local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
Understanding Bats and Their Role in Pest Control
Westchester is home to several common bat species, including the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat. These bats are incredibly effective natural pest controllers due to their diet, which mainly consists of insects such as mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and flies. A single bat can consume thousands of insects in one night, significantly reducing pest populations around your property. This natural method of pest control helps maintain ecological balance and reduces the need for chemical pesticides, making bats valuable allies in our environment.
Advantages of Installing Bat Houses
Bat houses offer a natural solution to pest control, allowing homeowners to reduce insect populations without relying on harmful chemicals. Bats feed on a wide variety of insects, helping to keep your yard and garden free from pests. In addition, by supporting bat populations, bat houses contribute to maintaining ecological balance. Bats play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal, further enhancing biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems.
Providing bat houses gives bats a safe and dedicated place to roost, reducing the likelihood of them nesting in your home’s attic or walls. Bats in the attic can pose health risks due to guano accumulation and potential for disease transmission, so offering a bat house protects both you and the bats. If you have bats getting inside your attic, contact Westchester Wildlife for bat removal services at (800) 273-6673.
Choosing and Installing the Right Bat House
There are various types of bat houses designed to meet different needs and preferences. Single-chamber bat houses are simple and ideal for smaller bat populations, while multi-chamber bat houses provide more space and are suitable for larger colonies. Rocket boxes and nursery houses offer specialized designs for different bat behaviors and colony structures. The location of your bat house is critical for attracting bats. Install the bat house at least 12-20 feet above the ground on a pole, building, or tree. Proximity to water sources and the presence of nearby trees for bats to navigate can also increase the chances of occupancy.
To make your bat house more appealing, ensure it is painted a dark color to absorb heat, which bats need for roosting. Avoid placing the bat house near bright lights, as bats prefer darker, quieter areas. Providing a water source nearby, such as a pond or stream, can also attract bats. Additionally, avoid using pesticides in the vicinity to maintain a healthy environment for the bats. Regularly check and maintain the bat house to ensure it remains in good condition, free from predators and pests.
Maintenance and Monitoring
Proper maintenance of your bat house ensures it remains a safe and inviting roosting site. Inspect the bat house annually for any damage or wear, and repair or replace it as needed. Clean out any debris, insects, or bird nests that might have settled in the house. Make sure the bat house is securely mounted and stable.
Keep the bat house free from predators by installing predator guards if necessary. Maintain the surrounding environment by avoiding pesticide use and ensuring nearby water sources are clean. Regular maintenance and monitoring help ensure the bat house continues to provide a beneficial habitat for bats, contributing to effective natural pest control.
Bat Removal in Westchester County
Installing bat houses offers natural pest control by providing bats with a safe roosting spot. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, supports local ecosystems, and keeps bats out of your home. Embrace the ecological benefits of bat houses and enjoy a chemical-free solution to pest control. By installing a bat house, you contribute to environmental sustainability and create a healthier habitat for local wildlife. If bats have taken up residence in your attic, Westchester Wildlife can help. Our team specializes in safe and humane bat removal, ensuring your home is bat-free. Contact us at (800) 273-6673 for professional bat removal services in Westchester County.
Wasps to Watch Out for This Spring in Westchester, NY
Wasps to Watch Out for This Spring in Westchester, NY
As the weather begins to warm up in Westchester County, stinging insects like wasps are emerging to build their nests. Unfortunately, you often find wasps building their nests on your deck or porch, or even sometimes inside your garage or attic! Don’t worry, Westchester Wildlife can help. We can remove all types of wasps and wasp nests from your property in Westchester County, Putnam County and Dutchess County!
Paper Wasps in Westchester, NY
Paper wasps are a large species of wasp, typically around 3/4th of an inch long, colored black and yellow with hints of brown and orange. These wasps can be easily identified by a very thin waist between their thorax and abdomen, and their long legs that hang down while they fly. Paper wasps are named for the nests that they create out of chewed wood, chewed paper and saliva, which they construct into open-celled nests that are typically upside-down in an umbrella shape, hanging off of structures like porches, lawn furniture, decks, open vents, and even sometimes inside garages and attics. Paper wasps are known to deliver a powerful, painful sting when they feel threatened.
Yellowjackets in Westchester, NY
Yellowjackets are a smaller species of wasp, known for their bright yellow and black coloration. Yellow jackets are known to be very aggressive, and will also deliver a powerful, painful sting when threatened. Yellow jackets also give off a pheromone that signals other yellow jackets to come swarm and attack. Yellow jackets build multi-tiered nests that are protected by layers of chewed paper paste, giving the nests a rounder appearance than the open-celled paper wasp nest. Yellow jackets are also known to build their nests underground, especially alongside home foundations. If you see yellow jackets flying into the ground near your foundation, these bugs have likely taken over an abandoned animal burrow and are nesting underground. Yellow jackets also nest inside tree hollows, empty buildings, on the exterior corners of homes, inside vents, and sometimes, even inside attics or wall voids.
Bald Faced Hornets in Westchester, NY
Bald-faced hornets are not actually hornets, but are instead a larger species of yellowjacket. Bald-faced hornets are named for the white markings on their head, legs, thorax and abdomen. If you see a black and white stinging insect flying around your yard in Westchester, you most likely have a bald-faced hornet nest on your property. Bald-faced hornet nests are rounded, gray and papery, made out of chewed cellulose material and saliva. These nests are often located within trees or shrubbery, and can also be located high-up on the eaves of homes, and sometimes even inside attics, garages and wall voids. Bald-faced hornets can also deliver a painful sting when they feel as if their nests are threatened.
How Do I Get Rid of Wasps in Westchester, NY?
Wasps are very aggressive insects that will sting and swarm when they feel as if their nests are in danger, and wasp stings can cause life-threatening allergic reactions in some people. Because wasp nests are so dangerous, you should never attempt to remove them yourself. The best way to get rid of wasps in your yard or in your home in Westchester is to contact the licensed experts at Westchester Wildlife. Our technicians have years of experience dealing with wasp nest removal, and we can ensure the nests are removed and your wasp infestation is eliminated without any stinging incidents. Contact us today to get started at (914) 760-5713!
Best Wasp Control and Wasp Nest Removal Service in Westchester, NY
As spring arrives in Westchester County, so do the buzzing inhabitants that can quickly become unwelcome guests: wasps. Paper wasps, yellow jackets, and bald-faced hornets pose not only a nuisance but also a potential threat with their painful stings that can cause dangerous allergic reactions. Recognizing the signs of their presence, from the characteristic nests to their distinctive markings, is crucial for quick action. Whether these insects have nested on your porch, in your garage, or even underground, seeking professional assistance from experts like Westchester Wildlife is the safest and most effective solution. With our expertise, you can rid your property of these stinging insects without risking harm to yourself or your loved ones. Don’t let wasps take over your yard—reach out to specialists like Westchester Wildlife today, and reclaim your outdoor space and peace of mind.
What Attracts Mice To Your Home in Westchester?
What Attracts Mice To Your Home in Westchester?
Mice are tiny, destructive pests known for spreading diseases, raiding pantries, gnawing on everything in sight, and leaving behind their urine and droppings wherever they go. But what actually creates the conditions that allow mice to thrive? What brings mice to your house, and what keeps them coming back? Mice are attracted to vulnerable food sources, ample shelter, moisture, and plenty of nesting material. If you have mice infesting your home in Westchester County, don’t worry – Westchester Wildlife can help. We offer the best mice control solutions in the Westchester County area.
Foods That Attract Mice
Mice love dry, prepackaged food like cereal, grains, rice, nuts and seeds. If you have this kind of food stored in paper or soft plastic bags, mice will easily chew right through it to get at the food inside. The best way to keep mice away from these products is to store them within a sealed, airtight, hard plastic container. Mice are also often attracted to the home because of left-out pet food. Dog or cat kibble left out in a bowl for long periods of time provide the perfect quick snack for a mouse, so always make sure you put away and store pet food properly.
Prepackaged dry food isn’t the only kind of food that attracts mice, however. Mice love foods high in fat, protein and sugar, so they will go after deli meat, chocolate, bacon, butter, and fruit that have been left out. Grease stains, spills and crumbs in the kitchen also can bring in rodents like mice.
When mice get into your food supplies or crawl around on your food preparation surfaces, they will often leave behind urine, droppings and other contaminants which can spread illnesses like hantavirus, salmonella, E. coli and tularemia. Keeping all food products stored in sealed, airtight containers and immediately cleaning up all crumbs and spills can aid greatly in keeping rodents away from your home.
Clutter and Tall Grass
Mice are natural prey animals, hunted by other animals like snakes, cats, birds of prey and more. Because they have so many predators, mice are not comfortable being out in the open. Mice are much more likely to hang out inside tall grass and heavy areas of clutter, because they feel protected. If your grass is tall and uncut, this can make your yard a safe haven for mice. If your basement is full of clutter, this can also make your home more valuable to mice who want to live somewhere they feel protected.
Keeping your grass trimmed short can create these wide-open areas that mice hate, and can discourage these rodents from deciding to set up shop on your property. Keeping storage areas of your home like basements, attics and closets clean and well-organized can also discourage mice, as they will feel unsafe with no place to hide.
Water Leaks and Moisture
Mice, like all living creatures, need water to survive. Since you aren’t exactly leaving out bowls of water for them, they have to get creative and search for other areas of moisture within the home. If you have a leak somewhere in your house, from the roof or from a faulty pipe, this can provide a source of water for the mice infesting your property. Crawl spaces are also an often-overlooked source of humidity and moisture within the home, as groundwater will rise from the dirt floor of a crawl space, leading to puddles that these rodents can drink from. Getting any leaks fixed immediately and your crawl space sealed with a vapor barrier can reduce moisture in your home and make your home more uninhabitable to mice.
Insulation, Cardboard and Paper
Mice are known to get inside attics, where they will rip up your insulation to make their nests. Mice will also tunnel deep within the insulation, and both of these activities will severely lower your insulation’s r-value, which is the measurement of its heat resistance. Mice are also known to bring paper and cardboard from inside the home to their nests, which can confuse homeowners who are finding chewed up paper or cardboard and thinking that the mice are actually eating this material. Mice do not eat paper or cellulose material, but will chew it up to add to their nests, and they might chew on cardboard to whittle down their teeth. Mice are constantly chewing and gnawing on things to keep the constant growth of their teeth manageable, and they will even gnaw on the rubber covering around electrical wires, which can expose the bare wiring and lead to a house fire.
Mice will begin looking for things to build nests with once they invade your home, so keeping cardboard and paper products stored and out of sight will aid in discouraging mice looking for a home on your property.
How Do I Get Rid of Mice in Westchester?
Mice are drawn to food, clutter, water leaks and insulation inside the home, and they can contaminate your food supply, create fire hazards with their gnawing habits and lower the effectiveness of your insulation. Westchester Wildlife can help. We offer effective mice control solutions in Westchester County, NY as well as Putnam County, Dutchess County, and Fairfield County, CT. We will use a combination of mice control techniques including snap traps, bait stations and exclusion work to eliminate your current mice problem and keep any more from popping up. Contact us today at 800-273-6673!
The Two Squirrel Nesting Seasons
The Two Squirrel Nesting Seasons
Squirrels are one of the most persistently annoying nuisance animals in the Westchester County area, known for scratching and gnawing their way into attics to build their nests, often ripping up and soiling your insulation in the process. Squirrels are drawn to your home’s attic because it provides them with a safe, warm place shielded from predators and the elements to raise their babies, but did you know squirrels actually have babies TWO times a year? Don’t worry, Westchester Wildlife can help. We can safely and humanely remove both the mother and baby squirrels from your attic space.
When Do Squirrels Have Babies?
Squirrels have two mating seasons, the first stretching from December to February, and the second from June through August. The mother squirrel has a gestation period of around 38 to 46 days, so a month and a half after mating they will give birth to a litter of pups. The first litters of squirrel babies are born between February and April, and then the second litters are born in August or September.
When Do Baby Squirrels Leave the Nest?
Baby squirrels, sometimes called squirrel pups, are born helpless with their eyes closed. At four weeks old, squirrel babies will open their eyes, then explore outside the nest at about six weeks. Once squirrels are 10 weeks old, they are fully ready to be on their own, and the mother squirrel kicks them out of the nest so she can start the mating cycle again. There is a slight difference in this cycle between the first and second litter of the year. The first litter of the year will leave the nest right at 10 weeks, whereas the second litter, born in the late summer, will stay with the mother a bit longer, as they will typically hit maturity in the winter and will need to stay by their mother’s side to survive longer.
Squirrel Nests in Attic
There are two main types of squirrel nests: a drey and a cavity nest. Dreys are the balls of dead leaves, twigs and grass that you often see high up in the bare branches of trees during the winter. Cavity nests are squirrel nests built inside a hollowed-out tree. The tree provides the squirrel with safety and comfort, and sometimes even a food source. Squirrels also have “vacation homes” which are a third type of nest that is used to rest and store food along their scavenging route. Squirrels will often build their nests inside your attic, as your attic provides a very safe, secure place where squirrels can rest and raise their babies in peace, without fear of harsh weather or predators. Squirrel nests inside your attic may be a main nest or a vacation home, but either way, they can cause a lot of damage.
It might sound nice to let a family of squirrels stay in your attic, but in actuality, squirrels are dangerous wild animals, and nesting in your attic can pose a danger to both you and them. Squirrels will chew on wires and wood, rip up your attic insulation, and soil it with their urine and feces. Squirrels might also bring in outside nesting materials, which can react with chewed wires and torn insulation and cause a fire. Squirrels also carry parasites like mites, fleas and ticks, and can spread illnesses like leptospirosis, tularemia and salmonella.
Humane Squirrel Removal in Westchester County
If you have squirrel nests inside your attic, don’t worry, Westchester Wildlife can help. We offer squirrel removal as well as seal-outs and exclusions to prevent the squirrels from re-entering the property. Never attempt to remove baby squirrels yourself, as mother squirrels are very adept at hiding their babies, and you might accidentally leave one in your attic space. Our technicians are trained to safely and carefully remove all squirrels from your attic, and we will set up a trapping program and a one way door to make sure the entire squirrel population is removed before we begin the seal out process.
Contact Westchester Wildlife today for the best squirrel removal and squirrel nest removal in Westchester County. We also service Dutchess County, NY, Putnam County, NY, and Fairfield County, CT.
Bird Proofing Your Home This Spring
Bird Proofing Your Home This Spring
Spring is almost here, and birds have already been causing issues in homes across Westchester County. Birds like pigeons, starlings and sparrows are known to nest inside attic spaces and exterior dryer vents, where they can cause extensive damage to your attic insulation and pose a fire hazard with their nests. Westchester Wildlife can help, we can remove birds from your property as well as provide deterrents to keep these birds away in the future.
Bird in Attic Damage
If your roof or soffit has a crack or gap that birds can exploit, they will use it to get inside your home and build a nest in your attic. Birds will often rip up your attic insulation to make their nest, which can lower the effectiveness of the insulation, leading to temperature dysregulation in the home. Birds may also rip out electrical wiring, which can cause a fire hazard. Birds also love to bring in outside nesting material like dead leaves, dead grass, pine needles, straw and twigs, which can also create a major fire hazard. Birds will also leave behind their droppings, which can contain uric acid, which will damage and corrode buildings over long periods of time. Bird droppings are also known to spread the spores that cause the fungal lung infection histoplasmosis. Birds also carry parasites like bird mites, which they can spread to the rest of the house. Birds inside your attic might also make a lot of noise, which can become a real nuisance while you are trying to sleep.
Bird in Dryer Vent Damage
Most homes contain a clothes dryer, equipped with a vent to the outside that blows out hot air. Dryer lint is often caught and blown out this vent in the process. Birds are attracted to the enclosed space that these vents provide, protected from predators and the elements. Unfortunately, birds like pigeons, sparrows and starlings will bring in their dry nesting material, made of dead leaves and twigs. The dry nesting material can block the lint from being blown out and cause a buildup, and the hot air from the dryer reacting with the built-up lint and the dead leaves and twigs can create a major fire hazard. Pigeons, starlings and sparrows will leave behind droppings in these vents, which can corrode the structure over time and spread diseases like histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.
Dryer Vent Bird Guards
Spring is on the way, so now is the best time to start bird-proofing your home. Your first step should be getting a heavy duty bird-guard installed on your dryer vent. Dryer vents are one of the biggest target areas for pigeons, sparrows and starlings, so installing one of these guards on your home now can save you the trouble of digging out nesting material from this vent later. Don’t worry about installing a bird guard yourself – Westchester Wildlife has you covered. We can install bird guards on your home in Westchester County, Putnam County and Dutchess County NY, as well as Fairfield County and Litchfield County, CT.
Bird Exclusions and Deterrents
Another great way to bird proof your home this spring is to have a licensed wildlife removal expert like Westchester Wildlife inspect your home for any potential entry points on your roof or soffit. After the entry points have been identified and all birds have been removed, then one of our licensed experts can seal off any cracks or gaps in your roof or soffit, preventing any birds from getting inside.
For even further protection against birds, you can use commercial products like bird netting and spike strips, which will prevent these birds from even landing on target areas like roofs.
Best Bird Control Near Me
Bird proofing your home this spring is important, as when birds gain entry to the home, they can rip up your insulation, create fire hazards with their nesting material, and spread illnesses like histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Westchester Wildlife can help with your bird proofing projects this spring, we can provide you with bird guard installation and our expert technicians can identify and seal any entry points that birds are using to get inside your attic. If birds have soiled or ripped up your insulation, we also offer attic insulation remediation services. Contact us today to get started!
How to Prevent Groundhogs This Spring
How to Prevent Groundhogs This Spring
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are one of the most notorious wildlife you can have in your yard, as once these critters exit hibernation in the spring, they will rip up your lawn, hollow out the ground underneath structures like sheds and decks, and raid your garden for any fresh vegetables you may have. Westchester Wildlife can help, we offer groundhog trapping and removal, as well as wildlife fencing and exclusions to keep these troublesome critters from causing real damage to your property.
When Does Groundhog Hibernation End?
Groundhogs hibernate for longer than most mammals in New York. Groundhogs will dig themselves deep into their burrow and curl up into a ball, dropping their metabolism, slowing their heart rate and breathing down, and lowering their body temperature significantly. Groundhogs will put on extra fat layers as they prepare for hibernation, usually entering this state around late October, staying dormant until they emerge from hibernation in early March. During the early springtime, it is essential to begin preparing for the arrival of groundhogs, as they will soon be searching for places to build dens for their babies.
Groundhog Damage
Groundhogs are burrowing animals, and they are known to dig out their extensive burrow systems inside your yard, which can hollow out the ground, making it weak and vulnerable to caving in, especially if a lot of weight is placed on it. Groundhogs can also dig their tunnels underneath decks, porches and sheds, which can compromise their structural integrity and lead to these structures sinking into the earth. Groundhogs can even dig their tunnels underneath your home’s foundation, which can cause lead to your foundation cracking and sinking into the ground.
Groundhogs can chew through buried electrical wire, and they can also chew on your outdoor patio tile, which can cause it to crack and break. Groundhogs are also known to dig inside vegetable gardens, to feast on the crops growing inside. When groundhogs dig through your yard and garden, they can disrupt root systems of both your vegetable plants and fruit trees, which can kill these plants.
How To Prevent Groundhog Under Sheds, Decks, Porches and Foundations
Groundhogs are extremely clever animals that will quickly wizen up to most wildlife harassment techniques, so the most effective method of groundhog prevention is to install wildlife fencing around the areas that you need protected, like a shed, deck, porch or foundation. Wildlife fences can also be installed around the perimeter of the entire yard. Groundhogs are burrowing animals, so making sure these fences are buried at least a foot into the ground is essential.
Don’t stress about building these wildlife fences yourself, contact Westchester Wildlife. We offer groundhog seal-outs, exclusions, and wildlife barriers/wildlife fencing to prevent these large rodents from damaging your home.
How To Prevent Groundhogs from Eating Your Garden
Groundhogs will often dig up and eat the fresh vegetables and fruit from your garden, often killing the plants in the process. If you have a green thumb and take an active interest in keeping up your garden, this can be very frustrating. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent groundhogs from getting inside your garden. Burying a wildlife fence at least a foot deep in the ground around the perimeter of your garden can deter these groundhogs from getting inside. Groundhogs are also drawn to yards with tall grasses and heavy vegetation, so keeping the grass outside your garden cut short and clear of excess plants will keep groundhogs from digging in your yard, as it won’t feel safe.
Cost of Groundhog Removal
Westchester Wildlife offers groundhog trapping and removal in the Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam counties of New York, as well as in Fairfield County, CT. The cost of groundhog removal is variable, based on various factors including the size of your property and the extent of your groundhog problem. We’d love to hear from you, so contact us today to get started at 800.273.6673!
Groundhog Removal Services Near Me
Groundhogs can be very clever, and can easily avoid traps if you aren’t acutely aware of their patterns and behavior. Thankfully, Westchester Wildlife can help. We offer the best groundhog trapping and removal services for both residential and commercial properties in Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam Counties, NY as well as Fairfield County, CT.
What Happens To House Sparrows In Winter?
There are many different species of sparrows in the US, but the house sparrow is the most widespread. These little brown birds are also most often found to be in conflict with humans. They happily live in towns and cities as they are very adaptable and skilled at taking advantage of the opportunities we provide to them.
Keep reading to learn more about the habits of house sparrows in the winter and the conseqences of their cohabitation with humans.
How Do Sparrows Survive The Winter?
During the cold months, house sparrows find their way into all sorts of man-made habitats. We create perfect habitat for them and they thrive on the shelter and food we supply.
The house sparrow stays all winter in the US. These birds may occupy their old nesting sites from previous years, establish new ones, or take over their chosen sites before the arrival of migrating birds in spring, and even usurp nests that the migrating birds have built.
In winter, house sparrows feed on a huge range of foods, from various types of seeds and grains, to discarded food scraps and agricultural crops.
Do House Sparrows Nest In Winter?
House sparrows will most likely build their nests between February and May, and use them throughout the year. In spring and summer, the nest is used to raise young, while in fall and winter, it serves as a place to rest and sleep.
Typically, the nesting season starts in April and lasts until August, but nesting may continue in other months, too.
Where Do Sparrows Nest In Winter?
House sparrows like to make their homes in, on, or near buildings. They prefer to nest in cavities, hollows, dryer and other vents, attic vent louvers, and crevices such as around window-mounted AC units.
Also, awnings, street signs, eaves of the roof, or underneath tiles are their favorite nesting locations.
Wherever they find some space to squeeze in and can make the most of the shelter, house sparrows will move in. They can also take over other birds nests.
What Problems Do House Sparrows Cause?
Despite their small size, house sparrows are very aggressive. They can cause many problems for native birds as they will attack, harass, and kill them when competing for nesting sites. Sparrows can also destroy their eggs and hatchlings, and take over their food sources from bird feeders.
While on your property, it is only the manner in which these birds accommodate themselves in your home that can cause a problem for you.
Like all birds, sparrows have the ability to cause significant damage to your house, both outside and inside. They seek shelter in enclosed or protected areas and like to build nests that are large and act as a link for their colony and activities.
Their habit of stuffing nesting material in dryer, stove, and fan vents may cause the vents not function properly and prevent further use of the vents, which is a more serious problem.
In addition, sparrows nesting in your house structure could result in the following:
– Damage to roof tiles. Nesting sparrows can dislodge the tiles.
– Bird droppings. Their feces can carry harmful diseases.
– Filthy, unhygienic waste and foul odor. Their old nests may contain rotten eggs and decaying chicks that failed to survive.
– Insects and pests. The material they use to build nests can contain insects and other small pests that can then find their way into your attic and home, causing more problems for you.
How Can You Keep Sparrows Away From Your House?
Therefore, getting rid of house sparrows and their nests from places you don’t want and preventing these birds from building new nests in your house, is the first and best approach.
For this, it’s good to install covers over vents to keep sparrows and other birds out, and check screening over louvers before the birds make their way in. Exclusion methods are particularly useful, such as nets, sheet metal, or hardware cloth in order to block any openings that could serve as potential nesting areas. You may use various deterrents or tactile gels that help prevent roosting and perching.
Always remember to remove the nesting material and make sure that there are no chicks present in the nest before excluding the birds.
If you notice sparrows, or any other nuisance birds nesting or flying on your property, it’s best to have them eliminated immediately.
If your home is located in one of our service areas of Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties, NY, or Fairfield County, CT, reach out to us for help with our bird removal services. Westchester Wildlife is a top-rated bird removal company in your local area.
Call us today to schedule a bird removal inspection and get a quote with a member of our expert wildlife control team.