As the chill of winter fades and the warmth of spring approaches, not only do we welcome the sunny days and blooming flowers, but we must also prepare for the arrival of various wild animals. Springtime is a critical time of year for wildlife, as it marks the beginning of breeding seasons for many species and a search for new food sources.
Continue reading How to Prevent Wildlife Infestations in the Spring
Spring and summer are when encounters with baby wildlife are most common, but before you take any action, it’s important to place the safety of animals and humans at the top of your list. This involves assessment, doing your research, and getting help.
Continue reading What to Do If You Find Baby Wildlife on Your PropertyEncounters with wildlife can be both fascinating and frightening. While many people are eager to get a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitats, some may find them to be a nuisance or even extremely destructive to their property and a threat to their safety. In these cases, it is common for people to turn to do-it-yourself (DIY) methods to control wildlife, such as trapping or relocating them. However, what many people fail to recognize is that DIY wildlife control methods can be dangerous, both for the person attempting the control and for the animals themselves.
Continue reading 5 Reasons Why DIY Wildlife Control Methods Can Be DangerousThe coyote is a member of the dog family and, in the state of California, coyote sightings are common. In fact, coyote populations are estimated at 250,000 to 750,000 individuals in Southern California alone. Here’s what you need to know about this smart and adaptable animal.
Continue reading California Coyotes: How to Protect Your Home and Loved Ones
Sealing your property for rodent control may not seem like a complicated process, but in order to accomplish your goal there are some important things that should be avoided when pest-proofing your home.
Continue reading What You Should Never Do When Pest-Proofing Your Home
The home-buying process can be very exciting, but with so much to do it can also be such a busy time that important aspects of the process like pest inspections fall by the wayside. Knowing the signs of infestation can ensure pest problems are addressed before they become problematic.
Continue reading In the Market for a New Home? Know the Signs of a Pest InfestationWhen we see an animal that appears to be in trouble, our first thought is usually, “What can I do to help them?” While your intentions are good, it’s important to know the right steps to take to avoid causing further harm. These best practices will help you to help orphaned or injured wildlife.
Continue reading Best Practices When Approaching an Injured or Orphaned Animal
Raccoons are opportunists in every sense of the word. When it comes to your vegetable garden, these “midnight bandits” will be more than happy to steal a few samples during a nightly foray. If they’re in your garden, these steps will help you repel raccoons.
There are a few ways to tell if you have a raccoon problem. Look for:
Holes – Raccoons are nocturnal omnivores that love insects, and they will dig holes in your lawn to find them.
Emptied or damaged bird feeders – These expert climbers have no qualms about damaging your bird feeders to get at seeds.
Tracks – Tiny prints that look like hands in the soil of your garden are sure signs of a raccoon visit.
Droppings – Raccoon feces can take many different shapes, but the appearance of berries in feces is a definite identifier.
Even if you don’t notice the above evidence of raccoon invasion, you can still apply the following steps.
The more raccoons find to eat on your property, the more frequently they’ll visit. So make sure that any food sources (including cans and bottles) are removed. Also, clean and disinfect your trash bins regularly to eliminate any pungent smells.
Other food sources include any pet food and bird feeders, so be sure these are removed before dusk when raccoons start to come out.
There are many things raccoons can’t stand. Loud noises, certain scents, and bright lights are a few. Raccoons hate cayenne pepper and mustard seeds, which you can sprinkle at the garden’s edge and between plants.
Another great raccoon deterrent is tuning a small radio to a talk station and leaving it at low volume; raccoons will think humans are nearby and avoid the area. Motion lights installed near the garden will also help keep raccoons out.
Thanks to their hand-shaped paws, raccoons can get into all kinds of containers. When your trash, recycling, and compost bins are secured with sealed and lockable lids, raccoons won’t target your property on their next nocturnal adventure.
If you really want to get rid of raccoons, install electric or wire mesh fencing at your garden’s entry points. Electric fencing won’t hurt raccoons, but it will give them enough of a jolt to communicate that they’re not welcome. Ensure fencing is installed at least seven inches from the ground or buried between five and six inches into the ground to prevent digging.
Keeping raccoons away can be difficult if they’re visiting in high numbers. Another effective way to prevent raccoons on your property is to call Animal Capture Wildlife Control.
We specialize in the safe and humane removal of raccoons, rodents, bats, and many other types of wildlife from properties in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Learn more about our services today.
The Sierra Nevada bioregion’s tropical climate makes it the ideal home for a number of dangerous wild animals. It’s best to avoid encounters with these 5 species wherever possible or, otherwise, treat them with extreme caution.
Continue reading 5 of the Most Dangerous Animals in California
Snakes are unique and fascinating animals, making them a popular choice for those seeking a pet, but which snake species make the best pets? Some snakes make the perfect companion, while others will prompt you to call snake removal services.
