Other Common Wildlife

Information About Other Types of Wildlife  

Western Massachusetts is home to a diverse ecosystem of wild animals. With its many forests and parks, lush landscaping and waterways, the region is an ideal home for everything from porcupines to coyotes. 

Although they have their own natural habitats, many types of wildlife enter homes, businesses, and other structures in search of food and shelter. They may be attracted by brush piles and dense landscaping that offer protection from predators, or they could be attracted to easy food sources, such as birdseed, pet food, garden crops, and garbage.  

Once wildlife gets inside, it’s very difficult to move them out. That’s why you need professional pest control services from USX Pest. We identify the wildlife, assess how they are entering the property, and create a plan to remove them and keep them out for good.  

Wildlife Facts: Signs of Nuisance Wildlife  

Depending on the specie moving in, you may never see the animals. Some nuisance wildlife species are active at night, while others are sneaky and evade capture during the day. Some of the common signs to watch for include: 

• Foul odors, including strong musky or ammonia smells. 
• Noises, including scampering, thumping, scratching, and chittering. 
• Damage to structures, such as widening cracks and gaps, torn siding, and gnaw marks. 
• Droppings in or around buildings or affected areas. 
• Increased animal activity near buildings or structures. 
• Torn insulation, gnawed wires, and other interior damage. 

Dangers and Damage Caused By Other Wildlife  

Wildlife watching can be a fun pastime in the wilderness, but when it comes to your home or business, these guests are unwanted for good reasons.  

Nuisance wildlife can actively damage building structures by widening holes, tearing off roofing shingles, chewing up building materials, and destroying insulation. They may also damage wiring, creating electrical hazards. Roofing problems are also common when wildlife use the roof to enter and exit.  

However, the damage isn’t always confined to buildings alone. Wildlife may also destroy pipes, vents, and other building components in addition to gardens, landscaping, and outdoor areas.  

Beyond property damage, wildlife may expose humans and pets to potential health risks. Nuisance wildlife often carry parasites, including fleas and ticks. Animal droppings, urine, and saliva may contain bacteria, viruses, and other germs that cause conditions like leptospirosis, histoplasmosis, hantavirus, and rabies.  

Coyote Facts 

Coyotes are medium-sized animals that weigh an average of 25 to 35 pounds. Their fur ranges in color from grayish-brown, reddish-brown, or black. They prefer open areas, wooded patches, and dense shrubbery. These predators are scavengers that most commonly eat rodents and other small prey, but they also pose a threat to household pets. 

Gopher Facts 

These burrowing rodents range from five to 14 inches long, on average. They are furry and burrow their way through yards and properties, creating extensive damage with the holes they make, which can be as deep as 10 to 20 inches.  

Porcupine Facts 

Porcupines are among the largest rodents on the continent. They grow to two to three feet in length and weigh an average of 20 pounds. Porcupine fur may be yellowish-brown, brown, or black. These animals are covered in sharp quills that are usually 2 to 3 inches long. 

Beaver Facts 

Beavers have dark brown fur and a long black tail that is flat instead of bushy. These water-loving animals are the largest rodents in the country, growing to lengths of two to three feet, excluding their flat tails. Their dam building habits can divert waterways, creating flooding risks to properties and roads. 

Prevent Wildlife from Entering Your Property  

One of the most effective ways to protect homes, businesses, and properties is to implement wildlife exclusion systems. This safe, humane approach seals off low-clearance areas, homes, buildings, and structures to prevent wildlife from getting inside.  

Wildlife barrier systems also offer a chemical-free strategy, making them environmentally friendly and safe for people and pets. USX Pest’s wildlife exclusion systems offer a strong defense to protect homes and businesses permanently with three systems that can be used alone or together to cover everything from subterranean areas to the roof’s peak.  

Upper Wildlife Exclusion System 

This barrier protects everything from the uppermost point of the roof down to the top of the windows on the first floor. It shields against common wildlife like birds, bats, rats, and more. 

Lower Wildlife Exclusion System 

This barrier protects buildings from ground level to the top of the windows on the first floor. Some common wildlife prevented from entering includes snakes, mice, rats, chipmunks, and other rodents and animals. 

Trench Guard Wildlife Exclusion System 

Some of the lowest lying areas, including decks and sheds, offer havens to wildlife in search of shelter. This underground barrier provides optimal, long-term protection.  

Schedule Your Free Inspection to Learn More  

USX Pest always provides a free, detailed inspection to learn more about each unique property. Contact us today, online or by phone at 855-761-1550, to get started.