What Problems Can Wildlife Cause?

Many people wonder about the issues wildlife can create. Since different species have unique behaviors, habits, and preferences, the problems they cause vary widely. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common issues caused by specific wildlife species.

Raccoons

Raccoons are iconic North American animals, even featured in our logo. While they may seem adorable and entertaining, they can pose serious risks to your health and home. Raccoons are considered rabies vectors, meaning they can contract and spread this deadly virus through their strong bites. They are also carriers of Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm found in their intestines that can infect humans through contact with their feces. Additionally, raccoons often damage homes by tearing off roof sheeting, soffits, and insulation to create nests. They also frequently invade chimneys, mistaking them for hollow trees, their natural living spaces.

Squirrels

Squirrels are typically found in higher areas around homes, such as attics. As rodents, their front incisors never stop growing, forcing them to constantly chew to keep their teeth sharp and at a manageable length. This behavior leads them to chew through soffit panels, fascia boards, and even electrical wires, which can create fire hazards. Inside your home, they strip insulation to build nests and carry zoonotic diseases like Lyme disease (from ticks), salmonellosis (from their feces), and leptospirosis.

Bats

Bats are flying mammals that often seek refuge in warm, dark attic spaces, which provide protection from predators. While they play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations, they can still cause problems. Bats are rabies vectors and their droppings (guano) can harbor a fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a serious lung disease in humans. Additionally, bats can attract bat bugs, which, while not harmful to humans, are often mistaken for bed bugs and can become a nuisance.

Opossums

As North America’s only marsupial, opossums are scavengers that frequently invade attics and crawl spaces. They often pull back soffits or knock out foundation vents to gain entry. While their low body temperature makes them unlikely to carry rabies, they can still transmit diseases like leptospirosis and tularemia.

Wildlife infestations can lead to a variety of health risks and property damage. At Emerald Coast Wildlife Control, we are experts in identifying and resolving these issues. If you’re experiencing problems with wildlife on your property, don’t hesitate to call us for a professional inspection today!