Category Archives: Wildlife Facts

What You Need to Know Before Feeding Wild Animals

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If you are someone who has great appreciation and admiration for wildlife, you might be compelled to feed them. Feeding ducks and geese your leftover bread loaves is one thing, but feeding the rest of the local animal population can lead to a load of problems. Continue reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of feeding wild animals around your house.

24 Hour Wildlife Control 317-257-2290
24 Hour Wildlife Control 317-257-2290

Wild Animals Will Always Be Wild

Although you find the wildlife around you cute and cuddly, they are nothing of the sort. When feeding wildlife, whether at the state park or your own backyard, never get too close nor trust them. Wild animals take thousands of years to domesticate, which is why dogs and cats are most loyal pets. If you think a squirrel will love you because you feed it, think again! Wild animals are unpredictable. So before you start feeding them, be sure you think it through.

You are Giving Them an Invitation

Furthermore, when you feed wild animals on your own property, you are fully inviting them onto your property. Now, you might think they will come for the food and then leave, but not all species of animal will do this. In fact, there are several species of wildlife that are smart, and will remember your home as a source of food. Rather than coming and going, they can choose to simply make your home their own.

Wild animals, like raccoons, opossum, birds, and squirrels can enter into houses and cause a long list of damages. Not only will they soil everything with their droppings and urine, they will tear everything to pieces, stain floors and ceilings, rip attic insulation, chew electrical wiring, and more. This can eventually happen if animals remember your home as a reliable and consistent source of food.

When it comes to feeding wildlife….

❌ DON’T:

❌ Use human food to feed wildlife.
❌ Use containers with narrow tops or openings that may suffocate animals.
❌ Attempt to touch, harm, trap, kill, or domesticate a wild animal.
❌ Do not attempt to hand-feed animals.
❌ Leave garbage cans open and available, overnight.

✅ DO:

✅ Use animal-specific feeders, such as bird feeders and squirrel feeders.
✅ Place feeders far away from your house and other houses and structures.
✅ Feed less during winter seasons so animals know to hibernate somewhere else.
✅ Contact a wildlife control company if animals become aggressive or annoying.

Indianapolis Wildlife Control Services

Call 317-257-2290 for prompt and professional Indianapolis wildlife control, anytime. We are DNR licensed wildlife control specialists who offer a wide range of residential and commercial wildlife removal and abatement services, including 24 hour emergency service, minor attic restorations, cleanup, free estimates, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Wildlife Removal and Control Indianapolis Indiana
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How to Get Rid of Nuisance Snakes

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Does the thought of seeing a snake slither through your garden or lawn give you the chills? Well if so, then you certainly would be alarmed if you found one looming in your home somewhere! Unfortunately, nuisance snake problems like these are more common in summer, as local snake populations are looking for dark, damp, cool places to hang out. Finding snakes all around the house, inside and out, is a frequent complaint among property owners this time of year. If you have already spotted a snake or two in your lawn, it is wise to take the necessary precautions to ensure it doesn’t become a problem.

Continue reading to learn some easy methods for protecting your property against nuisance snake threats and damages.

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Snake Removal Control 317-257-2290

Nuisance Snakes

Snakes in Indiana are not typically poisonous, so that is not something you need to worry too much about when it comes to spotting snakes on your property. In fact, there are only four species of snake that are poisonous in our state, which are Massasauga Rattlesnakes, Timber Rattlesnakes, Water Moccasins (also called Eastern Cottonmouths), and Northern Copperheads, See our article, “The Only 4 Poisonous Snake Species in Indiana” to learn more about each species. The most common species of nuisance snakes around Indiana are Corn snakes and Garter snakes, both of which are non-poisonous.

Although the majority of snakes you see around your neighborhood are non-poisonous, they are still a threat in many ways, which means you do not want them hanging around. For starters, snakes are smelly, and can produce lingering odors around your backyard, patio, porch, tree house, jungle gyms, and garage; these are some common areas they like to hide. Other common areas for snakes to hide include log and lumber piles, compost piles, mulch beds, gardens, unfinished basements, shrubs alongside foundations, attics, stream banks, long grass, under downspouts, beneath large rocks, and more.

Additionally, snakes can carry diseases, which can be transmitted to both people and pets. Last, if snakes are on your property, there is potential for them to make their way inside your home and cause a long list of unpleasant destruction. They can also lay eggs, which hatch quickly, so one snake can turn into many in a matter of weeks.

Snake Removal and Control Tips:

🐍 Kitty Litter – Sprinkle cat litter around your property where you know snakes are active. They do not like the course, dry material because it bothers their scales. So snakes will avoid kitty litter at all costs.

🐍 Homemade Repellent – You can make a safe, non-toxic snake repellant solution by combing rotten eggs, cayenne pepper, and water. However, these are pungent, so you may want an OTC product instead. Just be sure it is non-toxic.

🐍 Fencing – You can add chicken wire or fencing around gardens and snake hot spots, but this method is usually not successful all on its own. Combine fencing with repellant and other methods of snake control for best results.

🐍 Environmental Changes – You can remove the attractions that snakes are after, such as the areas mentioned before where snakes like to hide. Of course, you can’t get rid of everything, so incorporate other methods for effective results.

Professional Snake Removal and Control Services

Call 317-257-2290 for prompt and professional Indianapolis snake removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife abatement specialists who offer a wide range of non-lethal snake abatement services for residential and commercial properties. We also offer 24 hour emergency service, minor attic restorations, cleanup, free estimates, free advice, and much more. Request a free estimate, today.

Wildlife Removal and Control Indianapolis Indiana
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Vital Safety Tips for Wild Animal Encounters

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Coyote Control 317-257-2290

Coyote Control 317-257-2290

In nature, a hiking trip, walk through the park, or other outdoor activity, may result in an encounter with a wild animal. A wild animal can be unpredictable at any moment, even if the species is familiar to you. Although we see squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and other living creatures in nature, we cannot trust a wild animal based on our familiarity with the species. They can be harmful and defensive if provoked in any way. Here are some tips and guidelines to follow if you ever encounter wild animals in nature.

⚠ Remain Calm

Understandably, this is easier said than done, but remaining calm can be the difference between life and death. An outburst of sudden panic can potentially be sensed by the animal, marking you as weak and easy prey. Also, a calm mind is a smarter and more alert mind. Staying calm will allow you to make better impulsive decisions.

⚠ Do Not Approach

If you see a wild animal of any kind, never attempt to approach it. Look afar and do not make eye contact. If you desperately want a closer look, use binoculars, otherwise just forget it. Moving about and attempting to get closer will bring you unwanted attention, and make the animal aware of your presence.

⚠ Back Away Slowly

If you have children with you, place them behind your back, and begin to back away slowly without making eye contact. Do not turn your back on the animal. You may choose to make yourself look bigger by placing your arms above your head, or spreading your jacket out above your head to appear more threatening. You only want to do this if this animal begins to approach you. Otherwise, just continue to back away slowly.

⚠ Do Not Run

There have been numerous studies on cases in which people have either run or stood motionless when faced with a dangerous wild animal. In most of the studies, it showed that running led to the more fatal outcomes, while remaining motionless resulted in more serious injuries. Running away triggers the animals’ natural and instinctive prey drive, and they will pursue whatever is running from them.

⚠ Scare Them Off

If the animal continues to pursue you after backing away slowly and following all of the steps above, it is time to take more aggressive action. Make yourself appear larger by implementing the arm and jacket trick mentioned above. Then yell and make loud noises directly at the animal. This can sometimes scare them away. Stomp your feet and pick up rocks, sticks and dirt and throw them at the wild animal until they run away. Stand your ground and if they continue to pursue, find anything to use as a weapon and be prepared to fight dirty. This means, if the animal actually attacks you, fight any way necessary. Gouge the eyes, snout, and any other weak spot on the animal. If all else fails, play dead until the animal loses interest in you.

Indianapolis Wildlife Animal Removal

Call 317-257-2290 for assistance with a nuisance wildlife problem on your property. We offer free estimates, DIY advice, discounts, raccoon cleanup services, attic restorations, structural damage repairs, wildlife proofing, prevention, extraction, exclusion, and much more! Call 317-257-2290 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis wildlife control, today.

Facts About Yard Moles

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The battle between moles and homeowners has gone on for hundreds of years. They are persistent little critters that live below the dirt, and create a plethora of problems for homes and landscapes. You can tell you have a mole infestation on your property when you regularly spot small volcano-shaped dirt mounds or vein-like surface tunnels in your yard or gardens. This is a sure-sign that yard moles are present. Although yard moles are pesky lawn nuisances that we wish would just go away, there are a few interesting facts to learn about them in the process. Continue reading to learn some of these facts, and how to get rid of yard moles.

The Animal Called the Mole

Moles are small mammals that are shaped like a long cylinders. They have soft, dark, velvety fur, and their eyes and ears are incredibly small. They have powerful forepaws and an extra thumb they use to dig their way through the ground and create tunnels to feed and breed in. There are even other classifications of mole species, like the star-nosed mole, golden moles, and marsupial moles.

The mole’s diet mostly consists of earthworms and other types of invertebrates found in soil. They also eat nuts. These food sources have ample amounts of nutrients and protein to keep a mole digging all day long. One fun fact is that a mole’s saliva contains a toxin that paralyzes its prey. This lets them store their food while still alive, as to keep it fresh and nutritious. Before eating a worm, moles use their paws to squeeze out the dirt inside its gut!

February through May is the prime breeding season for moles, so homeowners can expect a mole problem to pop up in the summer. Gestation periods typically last around forty days, rendering two to five pups at a time. Male moles will tunnel through other mole tunnels, releasing a high-pitched squeal, in order to find a “mole-mate”. Males are called boars and females are called sows. Just like pigs!A group of moles is referred to as a labor.
Another interesting fact about moles is that they can breathe higher levels of carbon dioxide compared to other mammals. This is because their blood cells contain a special hemoglobin protein that lets them survive in low-oxygen environments. This makes them perfect subterranean creatures.

If you have a mole problem, and need animal mole removal, be sure to call a professional wildlife rescue company for safe and humane animal control. There is never a reason to harm or kill any nuisance animal, no matter how much of a bother they are. Licensed wildlife removal contractors retain the proper resources, equipment, and training to safely and humanely remove moles and relocate them to a faraway habitat.

Wildlife Animal Removal of Indianapolis

Call Wildlife Animal Removal at 317-257-2290 for professional animal mole removal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and insured animal control specialists with decades of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. We offer free estimates, animal proofing, emergency services, and much more. Call 317-257-2290 and speak directly with a licensed and knowledgeable Indianapolis wildlife removal and control contractor today.

When Raccoons Leave Your House, Are They Really Gone for Good?

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Raccoons appear cute and cuddly, but when they threaten the well-being of your home, it’s a different story. Raccoons are known to seek out shelter in residential and commercial areas for protection from harsh weather, predators, and to breed. This invasion can cause a detrimental amount of interior and exterior building and property damages. When we know raccoons are invading our property, we want to immediately eliminate the problem in the safest way possible. The best option in this case would be to hire a professional raccoon removal and control company. Be sure they are licensed and insured, retain proper equipment, and most importantly, use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons from a residential or commercial property. Raccoons are intelligent and fascinating critters that do not deserve to be killed or harmed in any way.

Professional animal control companies that are reputable and trusted never harm or kill raccoons. In most cases, they do not even trap raccoons; instead, they use a comprehensive method of extraction to force raccoons out of a building or property. So know that you know safe and humane raccoon control is available and effective, it is time to learn what causes raccoons to return. Continue reading to see why raccoons might return to a property after being extracted or removed wither professionally or on your own.

Returning Raccoons

Yes a professional raccoon control technician can effectively remove raccoons from a property; however, they cannot be there in the everyday lives of property owners to ensure they are not tempting raccoons back on their property. You see, there are several habits and practices that a person or family can do that attract wild animals. Even if the raccoons left, they will come back if home and property owners do not change what attracted them in the first place. For example, leaving trash outside is a huge no-no when it comes to getting rid of raccoons. Leaving food scraps, dog food, or garbage outside and accessible to animals is like giving raccoons an open invitation for a free meal. People who take the trash out the night before trash day are frequent targets for raccoons. Raccoons are nocturnal and look for food at night. It is better to wait and take the trash out on the day of trash pickup. This way, there is no threat of raccoon encounters.

Another example involves home structure and security. If raccoons invaded a property the first time by squeezing through loose roof shingles or prying open vulnerable dry wall into an attic; chances are they can accomplish this again if necessary precaution aren’t taken. It is important to do a thorough inspection of the home to seal and patch up all vulnerable spots; such as windows, roof shingles, decks, porches, crawl spaces, dry wall, locks, and more. If these areas are still weak, raccoons will find their way back inside a house or building for shelter. It is important to not leave food outside, seal up all vulnerable or exposed areas of a property, and apply non-poisonous raccoon repellant sprays to thwart raccoons from returning to your property. If using repellant, avoid moth-ball or urine-based formulas. These can be dangerous to humans, pets, and other animals, and they are ineffective.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control

If you are interested in learning more about professional Indianapolis raccoon removal and control, call 317-257-2290 today. Wildlife Removal Indianapolis provides the safest and most effective raccoon removal and control services in Indiana. We are DNR licensed and insured animal control technicians with more than 20 years of experience in the wildlife control industry. Visit our website at http://www.wildliferemovalindianapolis.com/Indianapaolis-raccoon-removal.php for details about our services and company background. We are a family owned and operated business that offers the best rates for animal removal in town. We also offer emergency animal control services, attic restoration and repair, prevention services, animal damage clean up, and much more. Call us today at 317-257-2290 to get a free estimate for raccoon control services in Indianapolis, IN and its nearby counties.

Removing Skunk Smell on Your Dog

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Removing Skunk Smell in Indiana

Skunk Removal Indianapolis
317-257-2290

Skunks are sniffed out more often than they are spotted in our communities. When we are driving down the highway, or sitting on our back porch, we may smell that distinct earthy odor released by local skunks. Once we smell it, we know exactly what it is right away. The sour putrid smell of skunk is one of the most recognizable odors in the outdoors. One common curios skunk victim is your pet dog. Dogs are commonly sprayed by skunks because their curiosity provokes the skunk and they get sprayed wherever they are sniffing. This means dogs are mostly sprayed in the face. If you detect skunk odor on your dog, follow these simple steps to aid the dog, remove the smell, and prevent similar accidents from happening again.

Check Your Dog’s Face

As mentioned before, dogs are usually hit right in the face because this is the area of the skunk they were sniffing out to begin with. Because of this common occurrence, as soon as you smell skunk on your dog, check his face immediately. The chemicals in the skunk spray can irritate a dog’s nose, ears, throat, mouth, and eyes. Check out all these areas, and rinse them with water if they were indeed sprayed. Once they are rinsed, if the eyes are still red, or if the dog still acts agitated, see your vet right away.

No Water

Most people want to start rinsing the fur right away to rid the smell. DO NOT pour water on the dog’s coat. Water will soften and open the pores on its skin allowing the skunk smell to seep in and burn. This can cause future skin irritations and more.

Cleaning Solutions

To clean the dog and get rid of the skunk odor, mix together a solution made up of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. For smaller dogs, use three quarters of a bottle of peroxide mixed with 3-5 tablespoons of baking soda. For medium dogs use twice the amount, and for larger dogs, triple it. Once the solution is mixed, gently scrub the solution all over your dog. Rinse before the solutions sits for more than five minutes on your dog. Repeat this step as many times as you need to remove the smell. It is recommended to do this step outside to prevent stinking up your home. Also, wear dish washing gloves to protect your hands. If the stink is persistent, you may need to contact your vet for prescription shampoos and ointments to discard the odor.

Preventing Skunk Spraying Accidents

If you have had multiple skunk spray situations, or smell a skunk more than a few times a month, you will need professional skunk removal services. Skunk control in Indiana is safe and humane. Trappers safely capture and release these critters and relocate them to a safer and more remote area where they will not be bothered.

For more information on skunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana, call 317-257-2290 today. We are a licensed and insured wildlife removal company in Indianapolis that have been in the business for over ten years. Trust us to handle your skunk problems this season!