In the Northeast, we find a variety of different animals frequenting homes. From tiny house mice to coyotes, wildlife utilizes homes for a variety of reasons including shelter and food. The most common species we find as unwanted roommates are mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, and snakes.
Most critters want to stay away from any human activity. They will utilize areas like attic spaces, wall voids, subfloors, and basements/crawl spaces to seek shelter and escape the elements. On occasion, a critter may find its way inside the living area but will probably spend its time trying to escape.
When Critters are Active in the Northeast United States
Raccoons, skunks, and opossums are all nocturnal. You will rarely encounter these animals but that doesn’t mean they aren’t living around your property! They tend to sleep during the day and are most active in the middle of the night. Squirrels on the other hand are diurnal, or active during the day. They are very quick and excellent climbers and therefore do not need to hide from predators by feeding in the dark.
Most critters want to stay away from any human activity. They will utilize areas like attic spaces, wall voids, subfloors, and basements/crawl spaces to seek shelter and escape the elements. On occasion, a critter may find its way inside the living area but will probably spend it’s time trying to escape.
Skunks in the Yard
Skunks are impressive diggers commonly found denning under porches, decks, garages, and even the foundation of the home. The best solution to get rid of them is to perform preventative exclusion. We recommend installing underground fencing around the permitter of these structures. A licensed nuisance wildlife control operator should remove the current inhabitants before any exclusion so as not to enclose any wildlife under the structure. Can you imagine an angry, stuck skunk under your porch?
Skunks can spray up to 10 feet with an accuracy of a couple of inches, and the smell can be detected for over a mile! They are also immune to snake venoms and are known to sometimes kill and eat venomous snakes.
Raccoon Pests
Raccoons have very high IQ levels and have been known to learn behaviors from humans as well as demonstrate critical thinking skills like opening traps or doors. Raccoons are extremely skillful and resourceful, can adapt to live almost anywhere and absolutely thrive in urban environments.
It’s no secret that raccoons, aka “trash pandas” love garbage! The best solution is to use garbage cans with secure lids and keep any dumpsters closed and locked. A motion sensor spotlight can sometimes help deter them during the night.
Raccoons are adept climbers capable of scaling most homes and businesses. Raccoons have dexterous hands and powerful jaws. Once on the roof, they often break into and enter attics. From there, they often have free roam of the ceiling and wall voids.
Bats in the Attic
Bats can be hazardous animals to have in your attic, for multiple reasons. Bats often carry rabies and if scratched or bitten by a bat, you will need a rabies vaccine as soon as possible. Their bat guano is also hazardous and can cause respiratory problems including histoplasmosis or scarring of the lungs. If bats are discovered in your attic, it is best to stay out of the attic, make sure the attic door is shut tight, and call professionals. Bats are very beneficial to the environment and need to be treated with care, while also protecting those who live in the home.
Snakes in the House
To many homeowners, there’s not much scarier than the idea of a snake getting into their house. Fortunately, there are plenty of things to be done to help prevent them in the first place.
- Firstly, get rid of any conducive habitat close to the home. Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed 2-3 feet away from the foundation and move any log piles or debris away from the home.
- Second, make sure any gaps along the foundation and roofline are properly sealed or covered.
- Third, get rid of their food source! Snakes are our natural pest control eating mice, rats, and a variety of insects, however, to prevent the snakes from in turn becoming the pest, we recommend having your home inspected for rodents and bugs by pest control pros.
When Should Homeowners Call Critter Control
Homeowners should call Critter Control at the first sign of a critter problem. People usually notice strange sounds, bad smells, droppings, or physical damage. The longer an animal infestation is ignored, the more entrenched these critters can get. The longer pests are in the house, the more damage they cause.
Rory Smart currently leads the Northeast region which includes Virginia, Maryland, DC, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey. He has experience as a wildlife control specialist helping homeowners with nuisance wildlife problems, division recruiter, and region service manager.