What is wildlife?

Wildlife is a term that is used to describe animals that have not been domesticated. Wild animals live successfully in the wild without the help of people but, that doesn’t mean they haven’t come to rely on us for food and shelter. As our habitats have merged, wildlife has learned to take advantage of the necessities that our properties provide them.

a raccoon sitting on a roof of a home in frisco texas

Some of the most common wild animals found living throughout our area of northeastern Texas are the following:

Opossums are the only species of marsupial found living in the United States. Their offspring are born underdeveloped and complete their development in an external pouch located on the mother’s abdomen. Opossums have long, narrow faces covered in whitish-gray fur that is lighter in color than the rest of their bodies and sprinkled with long guard hairs. Opossums also have prehensile (gripping) tails that are void of hair.

Pigeons are considered a type of pest bird and are found living in both urban and rural areas. Pigeons have bodies that are light gray in color with darker gray heads, shoulders, and breasts, as well as distinctive darker-colored bands across their wings and tails.

Raccoons are about the size of your average house cat. Their furry bodies and tails are a dense salt-and-pepper color and they have an identifying black “mask” of fur that covers their eyes, giving them the appearance of furry bandits.

Skunks have black, furry bodies with a white stripe that starts at the head and divides into two, traveling down the entire body and tail. The skunk is known for spraying a foul odor from glands found at the base of their tails as a defense mechanism.

Squirrels are a type of rodent that are often found living close to people and our homes. They come in a variety of colors including brown, gray, red, or yellow; their bellies are usually lighter in color than the rest of their bodies. Tree squirrels have long, bushy tails that help them with balance.

Is wildlife dangerous?

Wildlife can be dangerous to people and properties. Wild animals carry and spread a variety of diseases that can make people very ill, and they can cause a lot of destruction by digging through gardens, lawns, and trash while foraging for food. They also will nest under decks, sheds, and foundations, where they cause structural damage. Wildlife that decides to nest inside your home or business will contaminate food and damage personal property with their chewing habits. Keep in mind that wild animals – no matter how cute – have unpredictable behaviors and are not our pets. When scared or threatened, these wild animals will bite, scratch, or otherwise lash out to protect themselves.

Why do I have a wildlife problem?

Wild animals find their way onto your property because it is providing them with something they need such as food, water, or shelter. Bird feeders, compost bins, gardens, lawns, pet food bowls, and trash cans can all be food sources for wild animals, while birdbaths, clogged gutters, and leaky faucets or hoses act as water sources. Additionally, wildlife may choose to nest in garages, roof eaves, sheds, trees, tree stumps, and woodpiles, as well as inside of our homes and commercial properties.

Where will I find wildlife?

Many wildlife invaders often find their way into homes and outbuildings to nest and forage for food. Both opossums and raccoons are common in wooded areas near rivers, streams, and other water sources, but also live around farms, fields, and in suburban neighborhoods. Opossums nest in hollow trees under piles of brush, in abandoned burrows of other animal, or inside outbuildings like barns and garages; in homes, they commonly nest in attics or chimneys. Raccoons create dens in the ground, under decks or sheds, in between rocks, and in hollow trees. Indoors, raccoons sometimes make their dens inside attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces.

Pigeons are often found nesting in barns, parks, warehouses, yards, on rocky cliffs, on roofs, and under roof eaves, and may find their way into attics, chimneys, and garages. Squirrels are usually found nesting high up in trees and often find their way into barns, garages, homes, and sheds to nest. Once inside, they nest in attics, crawlspaces, and chimneys. Skunks live in fields, pastures, and yards next to wooded areas. Their preferred burrowing spots include hollow logs or the abandoned burrows of other animals. Skunks don’t regularly move into homes to nest but will often create nesting areas under decks, sheds, or foundations.

How do I get rid of wildlife?

The best way to eliminate wildlife from your northeastern Texas property is to partner with a local pest control expert. At Addison Pest Control Of Texas, we are committed to providing each of our customers with superior pest control services to meet their individual needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians always perform the most advanced, effective wildlife control services. To learn more about working together to rid your home or business in northeastern Texas of wildlife and other pests, call us!

How can I prevent wildlife in the future?

The following tips can help you to protect your Dallas Metropolitan area home or business from becoming overrun with wild animals:

  • Remove bird and other wild animal feeders from your property.

  • Trim back tree branches away from your home or business.

  • Remove tree stumps and fallen trees from your property.

  • Keep outdoor eating areas free of food debris.

  • Pick up uneaten pet food between feedings.

  • Fix holes along the roofline and at roof intersections.

  • Make sure compost bins and track cans have locking lids.

  • Install chimney caps and repair any loose window screens.

  • Place wire mesh around decks and sheds to stop wild animals from getting underneath.


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