WILDLIFE INFORMATION
Wildlife - Common Problems
Chimneys
Raccoons Nesting
- Put a trouble-light down the chimney and blast sound from a radio station into the fireplace from dusk to dawn for several days. The mother will usually relocate her babies during the night when another suitable nest site is found. Placing a nest box near the house may help.
- Block the fireplace entrance into home and wait until babies are old enough to leave on their own with their mother.
- Cap the chimney when ALL animals are out.
Squirrels Trapped in Chimney
- Make an exit ladder by joining a couple of rolls of gutter guard (used to keep leaves out of gutters) together and lower it down the chimney. It needs to touch the bottom. Thick, knotted rope may also work.
- Cap the chimney when squirrel is out.
Birds Trapped in Chimney
Cover the door at the base of the chimney or fireplace damper with a large, clear plastic garbage bag. Open the damper slowly. When the bird hops into the bag, close the bag and release the bird outside immediately. (Be sure to check fireplace damper with flashlight before opening to be sure animal is a bird, and not baby raccoons.)
Windows
Bird Collisions
Place the stunned bird in brown paper bag, with air holes. Fold down the top of the bag and secure. Place the bag in warm, quiet, dark place for about 2 hours or until you hear the bird fluttering around in bag. Take the bag outside and release the bird. If it flies off, all is well. If not, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
An injured bird with bleeding or broken bones should be placed in a bag as described above and taken to a humane society or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Bird Pecking at Window
Male birds see their reflections in windows. They think it is another male invading their territory and peck at the window in an effort to drive the “intruder” away. Tape non-reflective material over windows for several weeks. Colored plastic, newspaper and sheets will all work too.
House Siding - Woodpecker Damage
Territorial Hammering
Territorial hammering occurs commonly in spring, but also in fall. Males hammer on flashing, downspouts, antennas, etc., to declare territory and attract mates. They can be scared away with if you yell or bang cans together, but you must be persistent. The birds usually stop hammering on their own after several weeks.
Holes – Spring
If you see large round holes it means a bird is planning to use the site for nesting. Use scare tactics as above and cover the area with screening or sheet metal until the bird is discouraged and moves on.
Holes – Fall
If holes are arranged in neat, horizontal rows, the bird is after insects. Certain types of plywood siding contain tunnels. Insects lay eggs in these tunnels. Spraying insecticide over the surface and into the tunnels can kill insects. All tunnel openings should then be caulked.
Placing plastic over the siding can prevent woodpeckers from drilling holes in the wood. It stops them from getting a foothold.
Entering Houses
Animals
Confine the animal to one room by closing all doors in the room. Incline a board from the floor up to an open window, as an exit ramp. Place apple pieces or nuts on the board as bait. Place a dusting of flour or cornstarch on the top of ramp at the window. Turn off any lights and leave room. Check an hour later for tracks in the flour. Some animals leave in the middle of the night. Keep all pets and people away from the room otherwise the animal fears harm and stays in hiding.
Birds
Close off the room and darken all but one window. Open this window and bird will fly out toward the light.
Bats
See the "How can I capture a Bat?" section on our Rabies Control page. Click Here.
Remember
Never seal up an area where there are nesting animals until the whole family is out. A mother can be quite destructive when trying to regain entry to her nest of babies. If she cannot get to them, they will die, smell, and attract other animals and flies.
Make repairs and do preventative measures to avoid animal problems.
Relocating nuisance animals without eliminating what attracted them is usually not a long-term solution. Other animals will move into the same attracting habitat.
WILDLIFE - SKUNK RECIPE
Skunk Smell Deodorant Recipe
This recipe can be used to bathe animals that have been sprayed by a skunk. Keep it away from your pet’s eyes. It will also remove the odor from clothing. It may damage some fabrics, so use at your own risk. It is always wise to consult your veterinarian if your animal has been exposed to any wild mammals. The veterinarian may want to booster your pet’s rabies vaccination.
Mix all together:
1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
¼ cup baking soda
1 tsp. Liquid dish soap (dog shampoo, if your dog has sensitive skin)
Best results are obtained when the animal is washed several times. Massage the mixture into the animal, and let it work for 5-10 minutes. After the final wash, rinse the animal very well. Use cool water near the end of the bath.