Everyone enjoys observing wildlife in action. Unfortunately, wild critters can become a lot less entertaining when they move in and take over your home. Thanks to increased urban expansion, many Austin homeowners are starting to notice that urban wildlife is causing major infestation problems. If you’re suffering from a pest issue, it’s essential to understand what types of wild animals can cause problems and how you can prevent them from taking over your property.
Are Urban Animals Taking Over Austin?
Thanks to its warm climate and surrounding lakes and rivers, Austin is a popular destination for many travelers. Of course, not all of these travelers come in on two feet. Many four-footed members of the animal kingdom have also started calling the area home. Urban wildlife found in the area include:
• Deer
• Raccoons
• Opossums
• Squirrels
• Bats
• Birds
Urban coyotes are also a major nuisance for some Austin homeowners. While these animals don’t generally pose a threat to humans, they can harm household pets and may harbor diseases. Even though they may look like dogs, it’s important that you never approach a coyote.
Watching these urban animals in your backyard can be fun, but it’s important to remember that they are wild animals. Unlike your friendly dog or cat, they can’t be trained to respect your property and may harbor dangerous diseases. If you notice urban wildlife moving into your home or the property surrounding it, it’s essential that you call in pest control professionals who can help you develop and implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan.
Managing Urban Animal Infestations
Getting rid of urban wildlife that has moved into your home or onto your property can be very difficult. Of course, one of the easiest ways to control infestations is to prevent them in the first place. There are many things you can do to discourage urban animals from infesting your home. You should consider:
• Keeping all trees and bushes neatly trimmed
• Keeping all refuse in a sealed garbage container
• Organizing woodpiles and covering them
• Clearing your yard of debris and unneeded items
• Sealing all cracks found around doors, windows and crawlspaces
• Keeping dog or cat food indoors
If urban wildlife has already taken over your property, it’s important to call a pest control specialist as soon as you can. A professional experienced in IPM can help you eliminate the problem that you’re having right now and plan for a pest-free future. Learn more about urban wildlife and IPM by browsing our website or giving us a call today. The specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin can help you with any urban wildlife problem.