Get the Facts on Nuisance Wildlife in Upstate NY

Do you hear noises in your attic or walls? Is your trash being pilfered nightly? Do you suspect there’s a resident under your porch or shed? As a result of urban growth and our proximity to the Adirondacks, wildlife encounters and nuisance wildlife are common in Albany, Glens Falls, Saratoga and the surrounding area.

To learn more about what you’re up against as a homeowner in Upstate NY, check out the below list of Common Capital Region Critters.


Squirrels

squirrelThere are four species of squirrels native to northern New York: gray squirrels, flying squirrels, tree squirrels and red squirrels. Although they vary in size and color, they all have one thing in common: they can be quite destructive. Signs of a squirrel infestation include excavated bulbs and seeds, gnawed through siding or weather stripping, pilfered bird feeders or pet food, and the sound of scurrying in the attic.

Like mice and rats, squirrels damage insulation, chew through siding and electrical wires, and leave behind illness causing feces and urine. They are also carriers of fleas and mites.

Chipmunks

chipmunkLike their bigger, bushier-tailed friends, chipmunks are attracted to bird seed and pet food, and they will gnaw through siding and weather stripping to get to it. They also make a mess of flower beds by digging up bulbs and seeds. Chipmunks often live in woodpiles, but are likely to enter your home when nesting, which happens in both the spring and fall.

While they are relatively harmless to humans, chipmunks are hosts to fleas, mites and other parasites. Not to mention, their chirping can be quite annoying.

Raccoons

raccoonThese “masked” troublemakers are intelligent and curious creatures with amazing dexterity and climbing skills. Signs that you may have a raccoon problem include tipped over trash cans, damaged garden and crops, uncapped chimneys and torn shingles.

Raccoons often nest in attics, chimneys and crawlspaces, causing extensive damage to your home. They can be quite aggressive towards people and pets, and are known carriers of rabies, fleas and mites.

Bats

batAlthough bats are beneficial to the environment, no one wants them living in their house. Bats are known carriers of rabies and, if startled or threatened, they will bite. In addition, their droppings can actually contaminate attic insulation and other building materials producing a fungus that causes flu-like symptoms. Proper removal and sanitation are a must.

If you have a large bat population, consider installing a bat house on your property to keep them away from your home.

Opossums

opossumThese weasel-like scavengers are opportunistic and resourceful creatures. Their opposable thumbs and long tails make them natural climbers, and they are often found nesting in attics. They are attracted to compost piles, garbage cans and pet food.

Though not aggressive in nature, opossums are a serious threat to poultry, birds and nests. If threatened, they usually play dead, but will bare their teeth, growl and even bite when provoked.

Groundhogs

groundhogAlso known as woodchucks or land beavers, these large rodents have very destructive burrowing habits. Their complex burrowing system can actually weaken your home’s foundation and riddle your property with deep holes and mounds of soil. They spend the majority of their time underground, but have also been known to chew through irrigation system tubing, wood planters and trees.

In addition to weakening foundations and damaging lawns, groundhogs are associated with the spread of both rabies and mange.

Skunks

skunkThe skunk’s foul smelling spray and distinct black and white fur has earned this pest quite a reputation. They are also exceptional diggers, often leaving small cone-shaped holes throughout the yard, and burrowing under porches, decks, sheds and foundations to take up residence. In the more rural parts of upstate New York, skunks have been known to raid poultry barns for eggs and chicks.

While their spray alone is enough to make anyone sick, skunks are a primary carrier of rabies as well as other contagious diseases, viruses and parasites that can be transmitted to people and pets.

Call the Pest Control Professionals.

It’s important to remember that these pests are wild animals. They will defend themselves if they feel cornered or threatened, and should only be handled by wildlife control experts.

If you have raccoons, squirrels, skunks, bats or any other nuisance wildlife problems in Upstate New York, we can help. Our trained professionals provide wildlife removal and pest control services in Albany, Glens Falls, Saratoga and the surrounding areas. Contact OPC Pest Control to discuss your particular wildlife problem and schedule a consultation.

Residential and Commercial Pest Control Services In Saratoga, Albany & Upstate NY

Our clientele ranges from single family home owners to business owners. Many of our customers are in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Clifton Park NY. Browse our pest control services today!

Please call OPC Pest Control Saratoga to discuss your particular pest problem, wildlife control issue or to schedule a consultation.

518-877-6425