How Do Squirrels Prepare For Winter?

Labor Day has come and passed, and summer will soon be on its way out. As we get ready for the holidays and the colder weather of fall and winter, you might notice squirrels are more commonly out and about, scurrying across treetops and scavenging for food. Squirrels spend most of the summer and especially fall building up large storages of food that can satisfy them through the winter. Squirrels will also eat as much as possible, packing on fat stores that can keep them warm and sustain them when food is low.  Additionally, squirrels will begin building nests inside trees or attic spaces to provide shelter for them and their young during the colder months.

If you have squirrels causing damage on your property, don’t panic. Squirrel populations can be easily handled through habitat modification and a good trapping and exclusion program. Westchester Wildlife can help, we offer the best squirrel trapping, removal, and exclusion services in Westchester County. Don’t get stuck with squirrel roommates this winter, contact our team to get started today with a FREE estimate at (914) 760-5713!

What Do Squirrels Eat?

During the fall, squirrels will be constantly on the move, searching for food they can consume to pack on the pounds or to store in a cache for the winter. Squirrels are major omnivores, and will eat pretty much anything that they can get their paws on. The main staples of the squirrel’s diet are nuts, seeds, and fruits, which they will scavenge for from trees, gardens, and birdfeeders. You might find squirrels feeding on plant roots and mushrooms. Squirrels also enjoy human foods that are high in fat or sugar, like cheese or cereal. If you have pet food that you are leaving out overnight, squirrels will raid these bowls for the food inside. Squirrels will also go after unprotected bird eggs, as well as some insects, grubs, worms, and small lizards.

Squirrel Hoarding

While squirrels will eat pretty much anything edible, they prioritize nuts and seeds above all else, as these can be stored inside their food caches for later use. Nuts and seeds can be eaten during the cold, dead, winter months,  when food like plant roots, bird eggs, and insects are scarce. Squirrels store their food in caches, either in a scatter system or a larder system. Scatter systems involve squirrels digging numerous shallow pits, with a few nuts or seeds placed in each, and then over the winter months, digging them back up and eating them. Larder systems involve squirrels storing massive amounts of nuts and seeds in one location, like a tree cavity. If a squirrel has gotten comfortable enough in your attic, they might store these larder caches inside your attic space or even your wall voids. Discovering a large amount of nuts and seeds stored somewhere in your home is a surefire sign that squirrels are nesting on your property.

Where Do Squirrels Take Shelter for the Winter?

Squirrels stay active throughout the winter, continuing to dig up their food caches from the fall and search for any scarce food that they can find. However, during especially cold or snowy days, squirrels will stay inside their nests, sleeping and lowering their metabolism to conserve heat and energy. There are two main types of squirrel nests: dreys and cavity nests. Squirrel dreys are the large, scraggly clumps of dead leaves and twigs that you will see high up in large trees. Dreys are usually about 20 feet up, preferably in a tree that bears nuts, and located at the fork of two strong branches. While they look sharp and uncomfortable on the outside, the inside is usually made of soft moss or pine needles. Cavity nests are built inside a hollow tree or attic space, lined with leaves, moss, pine needles, straw, and more. Cavity nests provide squirrels with greater protection from harsh weather, heavy precipitation, and predators. Your home’s attic space provides the perfect spot for cavity nests, as the heat from your home and your soft, fluffy attic insulation provide them with a comfortable place to raise their young.

Habitat Modification for Squirrels

Squirrels can be a major nuisance when they decide to settle down on your property for the winter. Squirrels will gnaw and scratch at any cracks or gaps they can find in your roof, soffit, fascia board or rake board, and once they get inside your attic, they will rip up and soil your insulation. If you are starting to see a suspicious amount of squirrels on your property and you want to deter them from sticking around, then removing things from your yard that attract squirrels is a great start. Removing bird feeders, securing outdoor trash cans, taking in all pet food at night, and regularly removing nuts, seeds, and fruit that fall in your yard will help eliminate common food sources for squirrels. Having a licensed wildlife removal company like Westchester Wildlife come and inspect your home carefully for any entry points and then sealing these entry points can keep squirrels out.

Squirrel Trapping and Removal Services

If squirrels have decided to pick your attic space as their winter home, contact the experts at Westchester Wildlife for the best squirrel trapping and removal services in Westchester County, NY. As the cooler weather of fall begins to set in, squirrels will feast on any food they can find to pack on fat, and they will start storing nuts and seeds around their territory in caches to revisit later, when food is scarce. Squirrels will nest inside tree branches, tree cavities, or, most preferably, your attic space, where they will rip up and soil your insulation. Squirrels are rodents, meaning they have prominent front teeth that never stop growing. In order to keep the length of their teeth manageable, they will gnaw on anything they can find. In your attic space, that can include wooden beams and the rubber covering around wires, which can react with the insulation and any outside nesting material and cause a house fire.

If you have squirrels inside your home, don’t panic. Our team of licensed wildlife control operators can safely trap and remove all the squirrels that have gotten inside your home. Afterward, we will repair the damage they created while getting inside, sealing off their entry points and preventing them from returning. Contact Westchester Wildlife today to get started with a FREE estimate at (914) 760-5713!

How To Get Rid of Chipmunks

Chipmunks are a very common nuisance wildlife in the Westchester, NY area. Chipmunks are small, reddish brown rodents with black and white vertical stripes on their backs. Chipmunks can be roughly 8-10 inches long, and weigh between 2 to 5 ounces. Chipmunks are known for wreaking havoc inside yards and gardens, as they eat flower bulbs and the roots, seeds, and seedlings of your vegetables. Chipmunks are also proficient diggers, and they will cause structural damage by digging underneath patios, porches, retaining walls, or even your home’s foundation.   

Don’t worry, Westchester Wildlife can help. Our team of wildlife control operators can trap and remove chipmunk populations from your home, and we can also provide you with exclusions and seal outs to keep these pesky rodents from coming back. If you need chipmunk removal services, contact the experts at Westchester Wildlife today to get started at (914) 760-5713! 

Chipmunk Garden Damage

Chipmunks are omnivores that feed on seeds, nuts, berries, mushrooms, insects, worms, snails, bird eggs, frogs, fruits, and flowers. Whether you are growing flowers or vegetables, no garden is safe from the damage that chipmunks will inflict on it. Chipmunks will feast on the bulbs of flowers, and they will also happily eat roots, seeds, and seedlings of all your garden plants, which can disrupt their growth and lead to the death of the plant. If you are growing plants that bear fruits or nuts, chipmunks will steal and devour them. A group of chipmunks can decimate your garden seemingly overnight. Putting repellents on your plants might help, but never put repellents on plants made for human consumption.

The best way to deal with a chipmunk damaging your garden is to contact Westchester Wildlife for chipmunk trapping and removal services at (914) 760-5713! 

Chipmunk Burrow Damage

Garden plants aren’t the only thing at risk from chipmunks. Chipmunks excavate large burrows that can be 30 feet long and 3 feet deep. Chipmunk burrows have separate chambers for sleeping and storage of nuts and seeds, and the entrance holes to these burrows are around 2 inches in diameter. Chipmunks will dig their burrows underneath crucial structures on your property like patios, porch stairs and retaining walls, which can undermine the structural integrity and pose a major safety hazard. Chipmunk burrows can lead to these structures sinking into the ground, and they can also lead to people tripping in your yard.

Chipmunks can even dig burrows underneath your home’s foundation, which can lead to the foundation cracking and settling, which can lead to water infiltration, leaks, and other problems inside the home.  

Diseases Spread by Chipmunks

Chipmunks carry several diseases including

• hantavirus 
• Plague
• leptospirosis 
• salmonella 

Chipmunks can also carry parasites like ticks and fleas, which spread their own diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. 

Chipmunk Exclusion and Habitat Modification

Chipmunk exclusion can help prevent these rodents from getting inside your garden or underneath your porch, patio, or foundation. Westchester Wildlife can provide you with mesh wildlife barriers/wildlife fencing around the perimeter of your garden, buried deep in the ground to prevent chipmunks from burrowing underneath it. Our team will also provide you with wildlife barriers around your patio, foundation, and porch to prevent chipmunk burrows from causing structural damage to your home. 

Habitat modification can also help prevent chipmunk issues. Remove wood piles, rock piles, and any debris from your foundation, as these provide chipmunks with cover from predators. Plants, tall grass, shrubs, and weeds around the perimeter of your foundation also make chipmunks feel safer in this area of your yard, and removing them will make them move on fairly quickly. 

Chipmunk Trapping and Removal Near Me

Another way to deal with chipmunks on your property is to have them trapped and removed by licensed wildlife control operators like Westchester Wildlife. We have been dealing with chipmunks in the Westchester area for years, and we know their patterns and their behavior well. We can quickly and safely trap these troublesome rodents, and then remove them from your property, providing you with peace of mind. Chipmunks themselves are food for other nuisance wildlife like snakes, so removing chipmunks can help deter their predators too. If you need chipmunk trapping and removal services in the Westchester, NY area, contact the wildlife removal experts at Westchester Wildlife today at (914) 760-5713!

How To Identify Raccoon Infestations In Your Home

Do you have raccoons causing issues on your property? Raccoons will knock over and raid your trash cans, rip up your lawn, tear off roof shingles, get inside attics, and soil your insulation. Removing raccoons as soon as possible is imperative to limit the damage they can do to your property. Still, the first step of that is making sure it IS raccoons causing these issues and not another nuisance wildlife. Identifying the animal inside your attic or garage is crucial for safe and effective removal, so if you aren’t sure what critter has invaded your home, this blog can be your guide.  

Physical Signs of Raccoons

Raccoons are not graceful, and they will leave a path of destruction behind when they make their way inside your home. Raccoons love to nest inside attics, and they have no problem tearing through your soffit, eaves, and roof shingles to get inside. Squirrels and raccoons both claw and gnaw at tiny holes in your roof until they are wide enough to fit through, but a raccoon hole will be much larger than a squirrel hole.
Raccoons are known for tipping over trash cans to feast on the garbage and food scraps left inside. If you go out to your garage or front yard and see the cans tipped over and garbage strewn about, this is a clear sign that you’ve been raided by a raccoon. Raccoons dig “latrines” which are communal defecating sites. When they dig latrines inside your attic insulation, you will be able to smell their pungent odor coming from inside your attic, which is another indicator of raccoons. However, these critters will also dig their latrines at the base of trees and underneath decks and porches. Raccoon feces are dark, tubular, and about 2-3 inches long.  You can also identify raccoons by their tracks, which can be left in mud, dust, or after they step through water. Their front paws resemble small human hands with long claws, and their back paws are a similar shape, but with an elongated heel. 

Raccoon Sounds

One of the easiest ways to identify a raccoon infestation inside your attic is to listen for the sounds they make. Birds and bats will make flapping and chirping sounds, while squirrels may make scampering or scratching sounds. Raccoons will loudly shuffle throughout your attic, creating loud stomping sounds that you might even mistake for human footsteps. Raccoons will also make scratching sounds, as well as ripping sounds as they rip up your attic insulation, and you might hear them knock over your trash can and throw the contents around. 

Raccoons also have a wide arsenal of vocal sounds. You might hear raccoons inside your attic chittering, growling, screaming, hissing, snarling, whimpering, or even purring. Raccoons can become aggressive when confronted, and they often carry rabies, so leave raccoon removal to the professionals.

Raccoon Removal in Westchester County

If you have identified a raccoon inside your garage, attic, or crawl space, don’t panic! Getting raccoons off your property can be quick and easy if you know who to call.  Attempting to remove raccoons yourself isn’t a good idea, as these animals will often become extremely hostile, lashing out with their sharp teeth and claws, and they can also spread rabies through their bites. Raccoons also hide their babies deep within your attic insulation, and if you don’t find and remove all of them, the mother raccoon will rip the shingles off your roof to get back inside and retrieve her baby. 

Local animal control also will not come remove raccoons that have set up shop in your attic, as they only handle domestic animals like cats and dogs, or wildlife that has gotten onto public property, like a road or park. A licensed wildlife removal company like Westchester Wildlife is your best bet for raccoon removal. We can safely and humanely trap and remove any raccoon that has set up shop in your attic, crawl space, or yard, and we will ensure that we remove all the babies, preventing the mother from returning. Contact us today to get started at (914) 760-5713!

Raccoon Deterrents and Prevention

An important aspect of raccoon removal is utilizing deterrents and preventative measures to keep the raccoons from coming back. To prevent raccoons, you should tightly secure your garbage can lids, and always bring bowls of pet food inside before bed. Getting rid of bird baths and other sources of water on your property can also encourage them not to stay. 

Westchester Wildlife also offers raccoon deterrents. After removing the raccoon, we will seal and fortify all the raccoon’s entry points and any potential future entry points, preventing these critters from breaking their way inside your attic again. 

Best Raccoon Trapping Near Me

You can easily identify raccoon infestations through visual cues like knocked-over trash cans, latrines, footprints, and large entry holes, or through sounds like stomping, scratching, growling, snarling, or whimpering. Once you’ve identified a raccoon infestation, contact the experts at Westchester Wildlife for raccoon trapping and removal services. We can ensure the raccoon and all raccoon babies are safely and humanely removed from your property. Westchester Wildlife also offers seal-outs and exclusions to deter raccoons from returning. Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate at (914) 760-5713! 

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.