The wildlife you may discover in or around your backyard or property varies by the part of the United States that you live in. Climate, temperature, and natural resources all play a large part in the animals that reside in the area. Animals that are extremely common in Wisconsin are different from those found in Florida or Georgia. Many of those animals may overlap, but many will vary because of the environment.
Wildlife control and the methods you use around your home to control wildlife will vary by the part of the United States that you live in as well — even if only slightly. Different animals require different methods of control, prevention, and removal. The services that are provided up north will vary slightly from the services provided down in the southeast.
Services vary because different animals have the potential to cause different types and levels of damage. Let’s take a look at a few common animals you can find in the southeast and the damage they can potentially cause to your home or property:
Grey Squirrel
Squirrels are one of the more common mammals we will find in or around our homes and property. They typically spend their time in trees, but if the trees are in close proximity to your home, they can find their way on top and inside. Squirrels can and will chew through almost anything, so if they come across something desirable in your space, they may decide to chew or find a way inside. Once inside, they can gnaw on foundational parts of your home and cause damage to wires and insulation. If you are looking for ways to squirrel-proof your home and trees, visit alabamaanimal.com for information and guidance on how to move forward.
Raccoons
You may not notice these around as often as other animals. They are sneaky, but not uncommon. Raccoons carry all sorts of dangerous pathogens and diseases, but because of their size, if they find their way into your home they can cause severe damage to basements, attics, and foundational structures. Humane raccoon removal is often needed to be completed by professionals, so if you are seeking help, you can confidently reach out to Wildlife X Team Oklahoma to learn your options.
Chipmunk
We may not notice chipmunks as often as we do squirrels, but they are there. You can find them in trees, but they are often found nesting on the ground. Chipmunks burrow in the ground and these burrows can cause issues with foundational parts of your home, sidewalk, or structures in your landscape.
White-Tailed Deer
These are often seen grazing along highways or across large pieces of land. If your backyard does not have a fence, you may notice them across your space. If you do not have a fence, you may find them grazing on part of your garden and they have the potential to become a nuisance in your neighborhood and roads.
Eastern Cottontail
This is a smaller rabbit species that is common to find hopping around your yard or property. They are small enough to fit through spaces between fence posts and will find their way to your garden for a meal. If rabbits were to find their way into your home, they can chew through important wires or insulation.
Opossum
Opossums are the only marsupial species in North America, but that does not mean they are uncommon. If you have food or other attractive features available around your home, they will find their way there. While the most significant damage that opossums bring is caused by the amount of waste, feces, and urine they can leave behind, they may also cause significant damage under and above your home.
Birds
Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, American Crow, Turkey Vulture- If birds find their way into your space, they can also damage insulation or wires. They may tear through window screens in an attempt to find their way in and if they settle on your roof they can cause damage to the shingles. Feathers can clog drains and gutters and their droppings have the potential to corrode any metal or concrete elements on the exterior of your home.
