Common wild animals in spring

In spring, it is easy to worry about the arrival of insects, forgetting the multitude of wild animals born in the same season. From shrews to squirrels to raccoons, many different types of critters make their first appearance from March through June. Although a squirrel is definitely cuter than a termite, it can still cause a number of problems for owners. Follow along to learn about three very common wild animals, as well as helpful information on what Black Diamond’s licensed pest control professionals can do to rehom them.

Three wild animals that you can find near or in your house

raccoons

Raccoons are a common nocturnal mammal, particularly attracted to populated areas. With their gray-white fur and recognizable black “bandit mask” around their eyes, these pesky omnivores will invade your trash cans, your backyard, and sometimes even your home!

Evidence of a raccoon infestation can often be seen, smelled, and heard. If one attempts to build a nest on your property, you may notice damage or scratches to walls, tiles, gutters, shutters, and other external features. You may hear scratching sounds at night, when raccoons are most likely to be active. If you have cameras, it may be a good idea to point them at the area of ​​suspected activity for evidence.

Great climbers, raccoons can scale tree branches and walls to get into cracks or enclosed spaces, like your attic or garage. Once inside, they will build a nest to raise a litter, which usually ranges from one to eight pups. With so many raccoons, you may even start to smell the buildup of their feces or urine. But if you don’t, your dog certainly will! If you notice that your dog is acting particularly strange, sniffing in certain areas, it could be due to a raccoon infestation.

If you suspect you may be dealing with a raccoon infestation, feel free to contact Black Diamond, a licensed pest control professional, for safe relocation options.

eastern squirrels

Like raccoons, squirrels have adapted to reside in densely populated areas, sometimes occupying attics or houses. They can chew through all kinds of building materials, digging between walls and insulation to make a nest to raise their young. Additionally, squirrels give birth to one to eight “kits” throughout the year, resulting in steady population growth.

Common signs of a squirrel infestation can include strange sounds in the walls and ceiling, such as running or chewing noises. There may be visible damage to the insulation and walls, such as tooth marks or piles of wood chips. Like raccoons, there can also be bad odors for both you and your dog. Over time, squirrels can cause severe damage to your home and should only be dealt with by a licensed pest control professional.

possums

Known for “playing possum,” these omnivorous marsupials have no qualifications for eating your trash, disturbing your pets, or even living on your porch or attic. Like squirrels and raccoons, opossums often seek housing in warm buildings, leaving behind large feces and odors. They can also cause significant damage outdoors and indoors, from insulation to siding. You can often hear them, especially when in groups, hissing or squealing to each other. Active year-round, opossums can give birth to up to 20 “joeys” per litter, rapidly increasing their population. If you think you have an opossum infestation, don’t wait, call Black Diamond as soon as possible.

At Black Diamond, we provide a variety of wildlife control services. Whether through prevention or addressing an infestation, our experienced team will work with you every step of the way to safely and humanely remove unwanted wildlife. As many wild animals carry harmful bacteria and diseases, we also prioritize cleaning and disinfection, keeping you and your family safe.