OAKLAND WILDLIFE CONTROL COMPANY

Common Wildlife Problems in Oakland, CA

Squirrels in the City

Homeowners and gardeners in Oakland, CA, are familiar with problems caused by eastern fox squirrels. The rodents eat growing vegetables, dig up bulbs, and bury their winter food stores in the soft dirt. An eastern fox squirrel will also nest in attics, garages, and sheds, often gnawing on wood and wires once inside.

Bay Area Bats

The bats in Oakland eat fruit as well as insects. Sometimes the animals roost in lofts or attics, which is bad news for homeowners. Bat droppings often develop fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis. Additionally, most California rabies cases are linked to bats.

Clever Raccoons

Raccoons are common in Oakland, CA, neighborhoods. These animals prefer areas near uncut grass, thick brush, and water sources like creeks or culverts. Raccoons roam throughout many California cities, driven by hunger and the need for shelter.

Raccoons are excellent scavengers. Their agile paws and sharp claws allow them to open trash bins and rip through plastic bags. Raccoons are also quick, skillful climbers. They can scale fences or trees easily, which often leads the pests onto roofs and into attics or chimneys.

Rats in Oakland

Like raccoons, rats rely heavily on humans for food and shelter. These rodents hide away in yards, outbuildings, and homes. California lawns cluttered with debris, woodpiles, or tall grass frequently harbor these pests. Due to their small size, rats enter Oakland homes far more often than raccoons.

Once rats get into a house, they breed rapidly and are difficult to remove. With their strong teeth, the rodents can even chew through building materials like wood, drywall, and copper. Rats contaminate food with their droppings and transmit diseases.