WHO’S INVADING YOUR YARD IN COOLER MONTHS

Autumn has finally made its way to the Southeast! The cooling temperatures — or lack thereof — bring more than just flannel shirts, pumpkin patches, and those oh-so-desirable pumpkin spice lattes. Cooler months also mean wildlife is seeking refuge from the changing temps. And without proper precautions in place, you could find your home victim to these critters, and more.

Is your home protected against the type of wildlife found throughout Georgia, Alabama, and Florida? The main culprits in the Southeast region are:

• Squirrels
• Raccoons
• Opossums
• Bats
• Rodents
• Ants
• Firewood Pests

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the average yearly cost of wildlife damages to property are in the billions. (Billions!) Don’t let your home be a statistic, instead, keep yourself and loved ones out of harm’s way. Often in the cooler months, pest control is forgotten about because of the belief that pest “are not as bad in the fall or winter.” Wrong! Rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels can invade a home’s attic seeking warmth and shelter, without the homeowners’ knowledge, causing havoc on the entire structure of the home and costly damages.

HOW CRITTERS FIND REFUGE IN YOUR HOME

Many factors contribute to animals entering your home, whether they are seeking shelter, an easy meal, warmth, or just want to cause a little trouble. Keeping your roof cleared from overhanging branches, checking firewood for insects and other critters before bringing inside, periodically examining crawl spaces and attics for pest and feces are all things you as a homeowner can do to prevent invaders.

HOW TO KEEP WILDLIFE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE

Seeking professional help is always advised in wildlife and pest control. Animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and bats can carry harmful diseases, fleas, and ticks. These pests can be extremely dangerous as they are wild animals. Smaller pest such as ants, lady beetles, and spiders might not cause as great a threat, but can surely be problematic if left untreated. Besides, who wants to share a home with these creepy crawlers? No one! Meanwhile, homemade remedies and DIY traps will likely leave you with bigger issues and you may still have wildlife intruders. Leave it to the trained professionals and trust that the issue will be resolved to keep your family safe.

At Knox, we practice humane trapping methods and exclusion techniques and guarantee a follow-up visit after services are rendered to check your home for re-entry. We provide you with over 85 years of experienced service you can trust, including an Associate Certified Entomologist on the team to ensure the most effective of pest control are used in your home.

Contact us for your wildlife control needs today.