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Bird feeding ~ One of the biggest things that motivate wild animals is hunger. Suplemental feeding, or giving wildlife food they otherwise would not have acces too is maybe the number one thing that can start a problem on your property. While I love birds and enjoy attracting them, it is good to know that birds will not be the only wildlife intrested in your seed. First and formost, expect mice to appear and if you have them in your neighborhood, rats. Rodents, being horders will be intrested in bringing the seed into your home and storing it for later. We've seen sunflower seed collections in attic, basement and even couchs and furniture. In addition to rodents, skunks, squirrles, voles and raccoons and even turkey and deer will be attracted to the bird food. I cannot overstate the impact this activity has. Were not saying don't feed the birds if they are you passion, just realize what can caome along with it. Devising a tray of sorts to keep the seed from getting on the ground and using a quality seed, with no fillers can help.
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Water ~ what bird seed is to rodents and animals, water is to insects. Spiders, ants, termites, centipedes,earwigs and so much more thrive in damp, dark places. A leaking pipe under your home or a leak around a water heater can be a magnet for insects. Also make sure water is directed away from the home by clean gutters and downspouts that run the water out, away from the house for a few feet. When gutters back up, water can leak off the roof and damage windows and wood trim which carpenter ants love to nest in. If you have a sump pump in your basement, makes sure its in working order.
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Chimney caps ~ Back to wildlife issues, I have seen and removed almost every animal you can think of from fireplaces and flues. Bats, squirrels,wood ducks, woodpeckers, seagulls, vultures, asst. small birds and raccoons. Number one though has to be the gray squirrel. A gray squirrel that comes down the chimney and pops out the fireplace can do thousands of dollars in damage as it chews all the window and door frames looking for a way to get out. If your not home when it happens, expect the worst. I've seen 20 windows destroyed from one squirrel in just a couple days. Raccoons can be even worse, sleeping on beds and basically making a mess of everything. A chimney cap is your first defense at keeping animals out of your home.
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Stone, not mulch! ~ Putting mulch around the perimeter of your home may look nice but it retains moisture and gives insects a place to hide. A better choice is a decoritive stone or even gravel. Stone will drian the water off nicley and make it difficult for insects and mice to hide. Mice being a prey species in particular like to hide and use cover as they move around. A stone border will make them feel exposed. Also things like firewood against the home have the same effect and should be avoided. Any wood on the ground is a magnet for termites as well.
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Know when its time to call a professional. While some things can be handled by the average homeowner, some things are best left to a pro. Bat proofing a home or sealing a home for flying squirrles not only involves working at heights but a intimate knowledge of the animal you are dealing with. These two animals in particular can be difficult for even some pest companys to deal with. There are no shortcuts to keeping them out and it is good to know that bats and flying squirrels have the highest revisitation of any animal we deal with. they will look to get back in even years later and you need to make sure the exclusion work to keep them out needs to be solid. Research is critical with any animal or pest as you really cant fix the problem until you know exaclty what is causing the problem. In the same way a Dr cant prescribe a medication or treatment for an illness until they know exaclty what it is. If you are going to take on a pest or animal problem research it throughlly before you start and if your not comfortable with what is needed, call a business that specializes in this area. Remeber that prevention is the best cure! http://www.shorelinewildlife.com
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