Tag: wildlife at home
When you live in a place that boasts as much natural splendor as the province of Ontario, you must expect to have some competition from wildlife for the occupation of your property. Our homes, however, are not designed to accommodate raccoons, opossums, bats, and mice. Territorial struggles aside, there are a number of problems a homeowner faces when wildlife has taken up residence in the home. To find out more, continue reading this article.
Spread of Disease
Squirrels are known carriers of tick fever, powassan virus, and rabies. Opossum excrement has been linked to the spread of roundworm. Raccoons can spread salmonella and leptospirosis to humans in addition to rabies. The effects that these diseases have on humans range from fever and diarrhea to psychological changes and death. Trying to remove these animals from your home on your own is not recommended. A professional should do it for you, and a thorough cleaning of the formerly occupied areas should follow.
Transfer of Pest Infestations
In addition to carrying disease, raccoons, squirrels, and skunks often have dozens of pests living in their fur. Once inside your home, these pests, which include ticks, fleas, and mites, may search for new hosts, putting you and your family at risk of yet another set of unpleasant illnesses and disease.
Property Damage
Roofs and walls are essential components of a home’s construction. When squirrels, opossums, and other animals take up residence inside of them, you’re faced with a serious threat to the integrity of the home. Once inside, these animals gnaw on wood and chew through wiring. In addition to having an adverse impact on property values, compromised insulation and mutilated wires can result in higher energy bills and expensive electrical repairs.