Freaky Fun Facts About Vampire Bats

Posted on October 19, 2022 by smokywildlife

There are many popular misconceptions about bats. They are often portrayed as sinister creatures of the night, associated with darkness and death. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood bat species with a bad rep is the Vampire bat, mostly due to its unfortunate and misleading moniker.

So, for a Halloween treat this year, let’s take a closer look at Vampire bats and learn some freaky fun facts about them!

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Clearing Up the Myths About Vampire Bats

Vampire bats are small, winged mammals that live in Central and South America. There are three species of vampire bat, all of which are relatively small. The largest of these, the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus), has a body length of around 3.5 inches (9 cm) and a wingspan of up to 8.5 inches (22 cm). The other two species, the White-Winged Vampire Bat (Diaemus youngi) and the hairy-legged vampire bat (Trachops cirrhosus), are both slightly smaller.

Vampire bats are found in tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America. Common vampire bats inhabit a wide range of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and even urban areas. White-winged vampire bats are found primarily in forested areas, while hairy-legged vampire bats prefer more open habitats such as grasslands. All three species of vampire bat are nocturnal, meaning that they are most active at night. During the day, they roost in dark, sheltered areas such as caves, trees, or buildings.

Vampire Bats Do Not Suck Blood

These bats are unique in that they feed primarily on blood, which they obtain by biting their victim’s skin and licking the blood that flows from the wound. Though they are capable of feeding on other animals, vampires prefer to dine on livestock such as cows and chickens. Vampire bats have a number of adaptations that enable them to feed on blood. Their sharp teeth are perfect for puncturing skin, and their saliva contains an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting. They also have a special heat-sensing ability that allows them to locate warm-blooded prey in the dark.

Despite their reputation, vampire bats are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the ecosystems where they live. By feeding on blood, they help to control the populations of their prey animals. They also play a part in the dispersal of seeds and pollen, as they often defecate while in flight. As a result, vampire bats play an important role in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

Risk of Disease

Though they are capable of spreading disease, vampire bats are not considered to be a major public health concern. The diseases that they can transmit, such as rabies, are relatively rare. In addition, vampire bats typically only feed on animals, and so the risk of them transmitting disease to humans is considered to be low.

The Importance of All Bat Species

There are many popular misconceptions about bats. They are often portrayed as sinister creatures of the night, associated with darkness and death. However, bats are actually incredibly interesting and important animals. There are over 1,200 species of bats in the world, making them the second largest group of mammals (after rodents). They are found on every continent except Antarctica and can live in a wide variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. Bats play an important role in many ecosystems, serving as pollinators and seed dispersers as well as helping to control insect populations.

Despite their importance, bats are often misunderstood and feared. In many cultures, they are associated with darkness, death, and evil. This negative portrayal of bats is unjustified and can lead to real harm. Bats are vital to the health of our planet, and we should do everything we can to protect them.

Are you dealing with a nuisance bat problem on your property and need to get rid of them fast? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional bat removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and Clarksville, TN. We serve commercial clients, as well.

Interesting Facts About Armadillos

Posted on October 6, 2022 by smokywildlife

Armadillos are small and interesting mammals that have a hard shell on their backs, which protects them from predators and helps them to stay cool in hot weather. In the United States, we only have one species of armadillo, the Nine-Banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), also known as the Long-Nosed armadillo.

Continue reading to learn some more interesting and fun facts about armadillos, including what to do if you are dealing with nuisance armadillos in or around your Nashville property.

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Nine-Banded Armadillos in Tennessee

Nine-Banded armadillos can be found in North, Central, and South America, including here in Tennessee. They have an average body length of about 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) and a weight of 8 to 17 pounds (3.6 to 7.7 kg). Nine-Banded armadillos are unique mammals because they are covered in a shell of thick, protective scales. They are also distinguishable by their long snout and tiny eyes.

More Interesting Facts About Tennessee Armadillos

Armadillos are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and deserts.

Armadillos are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. They like to eat insects and other small animals.

Armadillos are proficient diggers and often make burrows in which to live and rear their young.

Armadillos are not very good swimmers, but they can hold their breath for a long time. This allows them to cross rivers and streams without drowning. Armadillos can also run very fast, up to 30 miles per hour!

Beware of Nuisance Armadillos in Tennessee

Some people think armadillos are cute, but they can actually be a nuisance. Armadillos are often considered a nuisance because they dig up yards in search of food. They also carry a disease called leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, which causes skin and nerve damages. Furthermore, they have quite a nasty bite, as armadillos will attack if threatened or provoked, which is often the case with curious pets like dogs and cats. If you have an armadillo problem, the best solution is to call a wildlife removal specialist. If you see an armadillo, it is best to leave it alone.

Are you looking for a trusted Nashville critter control service that can help you get rid of armadillos at an affordable price? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured armadillo removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

What You Need to Know About Wild Raccoons

Posted on September 26, 2022 by smokywildlife

Our animal kingdom embraces a long list of fascinating and beneficial critters. Depending on the region in which you live, you are likely to spot a variety wildlife, whether on car rides, hikes, picnics, rounds of golf, bike rides, fishing trips, or even a stroll through your neighborhood. Here in the Smoky Mountain region, one of the most predominant species of wildlife known to explore both woodlands and human territories are raccoons.

Raccoons are regularly spotted in rural and urban communities, but they also stick to the natural forests and wooded areas in the Smoky Mountains. When it comes to wild raccoons, namely raccoon sightings, there is much to beware of. The more knowledge you have about wild raccoons, the better you can react and navigate an encounter.

Continue reading to learn some general information about wild raccoons, some fun facts, and who to call for professional assistance and advice when it comes to raccoon control and preservation.

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The Common Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

Raccoons have many names and appellations. This is because they are found in several different regions of the United States, and exhibit marginally different features, habits, and lifestyles. Raccoons are part of the Procyon genus and scientifically referred to as Procyon Lotor, loosely meaning “dog-like”. In addition to this very formal title, these animals are also known as the Common Raccoon, North American Raccoon, and the Northern Raccoon.

Raccoon Species Around the World

In addition to these colloquial names, raccoons are also referred to by their habitat and behaviors. There are at least six known species of raccoon and various subspecies. They are highly adaptable mammals that can live in a variety of different climates all over the world, including Central, South and North America, Canada, Asia, Europe, and even the Caribbean. This variety leaves room for a lot of interesting names.

Other species of raccoons include, but are not limited to, the Ring-Tailed Raccoon, Upper Mississippi Valley Raccoon, the Eastern Raccoon, Ten Thousand Island Raccoon, the Crab-Eating Raccoon, the Tres Marias Raccoon, the Guadeloupe Raccoon, the Coati, the Cozumel Raccoon, and more. The differences among each species include size, weight, fur color, diet, behavior, and other identifiable and physical characteristics.

Local Raccoons in Tennessee

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night and rest during the day. During the night, raccoons generally hunt and forage for food. Although primarily nocturnal, they are known to venture out in the day from time to time for particular food sources. In the United States, these food sources are commonly turning out to be residential and urban garbage cans and dumpsters.

Raccoons travel and behave in colonies, usually consisting of their own kin. The beginning of the year has proven to be their breeding time, with a gestation period of about sixty five days or so. The males do not partake in raising the raccoon pups, so females separate following reproduction. Raising baby raccoons is not a terribly dangerous time period for female raccoons, mostly because raccoons have very few predators. This does not mean that they cannot be subjected to danger.

In certain parts of the world, animals such as coyotes, cougars, mountain lions, and bobcats, and more, will feed on wild raccoons. As natural instinct allows, raccoons are known to claw, bite, hiss, growl, and scream at anything threatening it. This defensive behavior is commonly seen in urban areas near humans and domesticated pets.

Raccoons are an Omnivorous Species Like Us

Raccoons are omnivorous so their diet can consist of everything from invertebrates to plant material. Depending on the time of year, habitat, and species of raccoon, food sources will differ. For example, in the late summer and autumn months, Northern raccoons are known to indulge in fruits, acorns, walnuts, and other seasonal foods that are rich in nutrients and calories. This better prepares them for their winter hibernation period. In the springtime and early summer months, raccoons dine on less favorable items, such as worms, insects, and other readily accessible invertebrates.

On top of these easy-to-obtain foodstuffs, raccoons will also eat fish, bird eggs, snakes, amphibians, and several other vertebrates, so long as they can reach them or catch them! Other regionally raccoon food preferences include crabs, lizards, plants, berries, crayfish, and even human food. This all depends on where they live and how accessible the food items are. Different species of raccoon display different habits when it comes to hunting and feeding.

Although not conclusively proven, raccoons are thought to wash their food before eating, also referred to as “dousing”. There are several theories to explain this behavior, however, most believe it is simply an archaic habit dating back to when raccoons mostly fed on shorelines and foraged food sources from watering holes. Other theories suggest that raccoons cannot produce an adequate amount of saliva to consume their food, so they must moisten it with water for sufficient digestion.

Raccoons are Losing Natural Habitats

Unfortunately, due to over-development and mass construction, some species of raccoon have been forced to live among humans in residential and urban areas. These raccoons have learned to adapt to this kind of living over the past fifty years. They use our municipal waste sites to forage food, as well as, home gardens, dumpsters, pet food bowls, and more. They use every opportunity they can find to gather and eat foodstuffs in our metropolitan areas.

For shelter, raccoons in suburban areas are known to use houses, buildings, attics, garages, sheds, and roofs, sewer drains, outside play sets, pet houses, hollowed trees, crawl spaces, porches, decks, and more. They are moderately intelligent mammals that can learn to overcome obstacles and remember certain tasks for up to three years! They can use their dexterous hands and claws to open gates, pick locks, dig holes, lift, push, and rip away anything in their way. This causes a lot of structural damage to homes and buildings in these municipal neighborhoods and areas.

Raccoon Removal and Control

When building and homeowners experience an animal infestation problem, it is important that they act fast. Structural damage, repairs, cleanup, and attacks are all potential consequences of a raccoon infestation. This is especially vital for families or buildings with small children. Wild raccoons can not only be defensive and protective of their clan, but they can also carry a plethora of communicable diseases, including Rabies, Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis, and more. To avoid a raccoon attack or contagious infection, it is crucial to remove raccoons as soon as you are aware they of their presence. Typically, a Nashville TN wildlife control company can be called out to diagnose the issue and facilitate a set of remedies to eliminate the threat.

Are you having trouble with nuisance raccoons around your Tennessee home or office building? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for raccoon removal and control service in Nashville and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial properties.

How to Eliminate Dead Animal Odor in Your House

Posted on September 14, 2022 by smokywildlife

There are many types of nuisance wildlife in Tennessee, but some are more prone to infesting our interior spaces and eventually biting the dust. Animals like raccoons, opossums, birds, squirrels, and rodents are notorious for getting inside and getting stuck; or simply living out the remainder of their lives inside your home or business.

Nuisance critters like these generally seek out shelter in residential and commercial settings, finding their way inside roof vents, wall voids, crawlspaces, attics, and beneath porches, decks, and stoops. Once there, they generate an unthinkable mess with their hair oils, urine, feces, rotting food scraps, nesting, and destructive habits. But there are some things worse than an animal infestation mess, and that is the smell of a dead animal carcass.

After hiring a certified Nashville wildlife removal company to get rid of a dead animal, you can opt for infestation cleanup and decontamination services to treat the affected area. However, it is quite common for dead animal odors, as pungent as they are, to linger well after dead animal cleanup services. This is especially true for cases of multiple carcasses.

If this sounds like your current dilemma, continue reading below to learn what you can do to abate these odors until they have dissipated for good.

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Household Remedies for Treating Dead Animal Smells

When animals die in or around your home, the smell can be virtually impossible to tolerate, especially right after dead animal removal service. Cleanup and decontamination treatments can only do so much when it comes to eliminating dead animal smells, which is why it is important for you to treat post cleanup lingering odors with basic household remedies.

You wouldn’t think that a dead skunk under the deck or a groundhog under the stoop would generate enough decay odor to seep inside the property, but they can. Even dead animals outside can cause lingering death odors inside your home or business if they are in close enough proximity.

Fortunately, there are several products and remedies you can implement that will help reduce the pungency and make your indoor spaces tolerable until the smell stops naturally. These dead animal smell hacks will not grant instant gratification, nor 100% eliminate the dead animal odor in your home. They will, however, take the edge off. But if the smell is faint, they can mask it entirely.

Dead Animal Odor Removal Granules

For dead animals that expire in non-traffic areas of a home, like crawlspaces, attics, and wall voids, dead animal odor removal granules are a great way to go. These are chemical-free and all-natural odor absorbing granules that you simply scatter over the affected area. These also prevent bacterial hazard and pest infestations.

Odor Eliminating Fogging Cans

Odor control fogging products are an effective way to eliminate the toughest of dead animal smells. Also known as “odor bombs” or “eliminating foggers”, these products are automated. All you have to do is push a button; and 10 or 20 seconds later, a strong force of deodorizer is released. These fogging treatments can treat spaces up to 600 square feet.

Odor Absorbers

You can purchase residential grade or commercial grade odor absorbers through your choice online retailer or at your local home improvement store. Grocery store also common carriers of odor absorbing products. You can place multiple odor absorber containers around the smelly areas of your home to help clear out some of the pungency. Residential grade odor absorbers are recommended for minor to moderate cases of dead animal odors. If you’re dead animal odors are stronger, opt for commercial grade odor absorber.

Odor Neutralizers

Odor neutralizers are popular product on the market for both residential and commercial environments. When you think of an odor neutralizers spray, you might think of a popular brand like Febreze or Ozium. And you would be right to do so. These two products are sprays that work well to sanitize the surrounding air and eliminate airborne odors.

Home Fragrances

Whether in addition to one of the options above, or as a lone resort to cover up residual dead carcass smells, home fragrances like candles, wax burners, incense, essential oils, fragrance plugins, and even fresh, aromatic flowers.

Are you looking for prompt and professional assistance with a dead carcass or animal infestation? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional dead animal removal in Nashville, Tennessee. We also provide animal infestation cleanup and repair for both residential and commercial clients.

3 Effective Strategies For Keeping Raccoons Out of Your Trashcans

Posted on August 17, 2022 by smokywildlife

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat anything that we do, plus some more! So, it is no surprise that trashcans are a common target for raccoon pillaging. Raccoons see garbage as an all-you-can-eat buffet, and they can sniff out a good trashcan or receptacle from a mile away. If your garbage cans have been tampered with by raccoons or other types of wildlife, it is time to take action and make a plan for defense.

Continue reading to learn 3 simple and cheap ways to keep raccoons out of your trashcans for good, plus a bonus tip on how to protect the entirety of your property from wildlife damages.

Raccoon Trappers Nashville Tennessee 615-610-0962

Raccoon Control for Garbage Cans

Raccoons have highly dexterous paws that are human-like, giving them the ability to grip and grasp trashcan lids with acute manipulation. Raccoons are also excellent climbers, which gives them the ability to access areas of a property that other animals cannot. So, while you think your trashcans are protected against wildlife tampering, raccoons might still be able to get to them because of their unique physical abilities.

For this reason, it is necessary to implement strategic raccoon control for garbage cans. Fortunately, there are three highly effective and affordable ways you can do this: Christmas lights, ammonia, and/or bungee cords.

Christmas Lights

If you really want a unique approach to garbage can, raccoon control, consider stringing Christmas lights around your trashcans. The blinking lights will divert their interest because they are bright and reduce their privacy. Simply turn them on at night and flick them off in the morning. You can even set them up on a timer that does this for you.

Ammonia

Not only will ammonia keep raccoons away, but it will also thwart several other species of wildlife from tampering with your garbage, including stray dogs and coyotes. You can purchase ammonia in the local department store or through your trusted online retailer for as little as three dollars a pack. Simply sprinkle some inside your trashcan or on the trash bags themselves before putting them inside.

Bungee Cords

If you are not confident that Christmas lights in ammonia will keep raccoons out of your trash, get yourself some bungee cords and secure the trashcan lids down manually. Although raccoons have dexterous paws, they do not have super strength. So long as you secure the trashcan lids down well enough, raccoons won’t be able to lift the lids and gain access to the scraps inside.

Use an Animal Repellent to Keep All Critters Away

You can make your own non-toxic animal repellent to keep all nuisance critters off of your property. You will need capsaicin oil, putrescent egg, water, and a large spray bottle. Simply mix all the ingredients together and spray the perimeter of your property. Because of the capsaicin oil, be sure to keep young children and pets away from any treated area, as the spice can irritate their eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, and ears. If this happens, contact a doctor immediately.

For full on protection against nuisance wildlife like raccoons, you need a professional to develop and initiate an effective critter control plan for your property. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control services in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. We serve both residential and commercial clients of the most competitive rates around.

How to Feed Squirrels Without Turning Them Into a Nuisance

Posted on August 4, 2022 by smokywildlife

When feeding the wildlife around your home or office, it is important to follow certain guidelines if you want to prevent future nuisance critter problems. This point is especially true for squirrels. Squirrels are notorious for overstaying their welcome in terms of nuisance wildlife tampering and activity. Not only can they pillage your pots and planters, but they can also steal all your birdseed, pet food, and even your garbage.

As a squirrel admirer, you will be happy to learn that there is an easy way to nurture and feed your backyard squirrels without turning them into a nuisance. Continue below for these tips and more!

Squirrel Critter Control Nashville Clarksville Tennessee 615-610-0962

Tips for Feeding Squirrels

You can find squirrel feeders all over the place. From your local home improvement and garden stores to your favorite all-encompassing online retailer, squirrel feeders are easy to procure and even easier to set up. Just be sure you get yourself some quality squirrel feed! This is just one way you can protect your property from nuisance squirrel activity.

Let’s review some of the most important rules when feeding squirrels around your house:

Avoid Using Human Foods

Although it may be tempting to leave out some fresh fruit and vegetables, or some crunchy peanut butter, is not recommended to feed human food to squirrels. Not only is people food deficient of certain nutrients essential in a squirrel’s diet, but depending on manufacturing and ingredients, it can also make them sick. If you wish to make your own squirrel feed, aim for organic, unprocessed ingredients like nuts, legumes, and seeds.

Secure Your Trash

Squirrels love a good garbage raid. They will pillage any open and accessible trashcan whenever possible. Even if you are feeding squirrels, they will still go after your garbage receptacles if the opportunity is there. To prevent squirrels from reaching this level of nuisance activity, be sure to secure your trashcans inside until collection day or replace your trashcans with metal ones that cannot be chewed through. The same goes for pet food that is kept outdoors.

Place Feeders Further Away From Your House

When choosing locations for your squirrel feeders, it can be tempting to lodge them close by where you can see them and enjoy the show. But if squirrel feeders are too close to your house, you may run into some nuisance squirrel problems down the line. Hanging feeders too close to your siding can give squirrels access to your roof, which is a prime target for attic and chimney invasions. Hanging them from your patio can cause concern if you have young children or pets, as squirrels are known to carry diseases, and can become too comfortable, causing them to turn territorial and aggressive.

Are you concerned about the nuisance squirrel activity on or around your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed squirrel removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Essential Facts About Nuisance Raccoons

Posted on July 20, 2022 by smokywildlife

Raccoons can cause a lot of trouble for both home and business owners. Their high level of intelligence gives them an advantage in the scavenger world, while their dexterous, human-like paws give them the ability to grip, grasp, pry, and pull. These attributes make them the perfect storm in terms of residential and commercial pests.

If you are currently dealing with a nuisance raccoon problem or have noticed in increase in raccoon visits on your property or in your community, it is important to take the right precautions and implement the most responsible protections.

Continue reading to learn some basic facts about raccoons that will help you better understand their behaviors and give you the tools necessary to raccoon-proof your property against tampering and intrusions.

Raccoon Control Nashville Tennessee 615-610-0962

Information About Raccoon Pests

What They Look Like

Raccoons come in all different sizes, shapes, colors, and more, depending on which region of the world they are from. Here in the Smoky Mountain region, the Common raccoon is usually a combination of muted colors, including gray, brown, white, and black. They have large, furry tails that are striped with black rings. Aside from their ringed tails, their most distinguishable trait is a black patch of fur around their eyes that resembles a burglar’s mask. Raccoon offspring are born without ring tails and black mask, as these traits develop as they get older. At full maturity, an adult raccoon is similar in size to a large house cat and weighs between 15 to 40 pounds.

Where They Live

Raccoons, like most mammals in Tennessee, prefer to live near water sources and forested areas. They will make their dens inside hollow trees or brush piles, or simply use dens that were previously dug by other animals. In populated areas, raccoons are known to use residential and commercial properties as a means of shelter. Attics, basements, garages, porches, crawl spaces, and roofs are some common areas where raccoons are found. They can cause an extreme amount of damage, which is why this behavior has classified them as a nuisance animal in these areas.

How They Behave

To each other, raccoons will chirp, purr, and grunt as a means of communication. In situations where raccoons feel threatened or scared, they will often hiss, snort, and growl. Many people assume raccoons in Tennessee are dangerous, but they will not attack unless they are sick, nursing young, or provoked in some way. In everyday life, raccoons are nocturnal, so they are only active at night. During active hours, they often hunt for food, but certain times of the year, they will also be on the lookout for warmer shelters. As mentioned earlier, they have highly dexterous paws and sharp claws, which gives them amazing climbing abilities. You will often spot raccoons high up in trees, on roofs, and more.

What They Eat

Raccoons are omnivores just like us. They eat animals, plants, legumes, and more. The most common foods eaten by raccoons in Tennessee include eggs, clams, fish, snails, beetles, insects, larva, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even small birds and amphibians. In populated areas, raccoons are known to love pet food and garbage, so be careful leaving your trashcans out overnight. If you watch a raccoon eating near a body of water, it will look as though they are “washing” their meal, but really, they are just using their highly sensitive paws to better identify whatever it is they are about to eat.

When They Breed

Raccoons generally mate in the early spring, so you can expect late spring and early summer births. Female raccoons have a short gestation period, around 60 days, and can birth anywhere from one to five pups at a time. Raccoon babies are called “kits”, or more informally, “pups.” Pups stay with their mothers until the next spring, in which time they have learned to climb, feed, and care for themselves.

Why They are a Nuisance

Because of their high intelligence, climbing skills, and human-like paws that can grab hold of anything, raccoons are consequently a highly-destructive animal. They are known to dig up lawns in search of grubs, pillage chicken coops, destroy gardens and potted plants, pry open porch boards for access below, rip off roof shingles and siding, and much more. But above all else, they are most notorious for causing a large mess out of trashcans and dumpster containers. They will even eat pet food and livestock feed. These raccoon damages are more than just structural and costly, they are also a safety and health risk.

How to Get Rid of Them

If you have a nuisance raccoon problem in the Tennessee or Smoky Mountain regions, act now and hire a professional operator for safe critter control assistance. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for affordable raccoon removal services in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding counties. We provide residential and commercial work.

How to Tell if You Have Squirrels in the Attic

Posted on July 7, 2022 by smokywildlife

It is not difficult to confirm a squirrel infestation in the attic. After all, you are here because you have likely already experienced a few tell-tale signs, like sounds of chatter and scurrying about. Squirrels are nimble and fast, plus experienced at accessing residential structures, like attics and crawl spaces. If you suspect that you have squirrels in the attic, here’s what you need to know:

Squirrel Removal Nashville Tennessee 615-610-0962

Squirrel Damages Can Add Up Fast

Squirrels are rodents, and like most rodents, they are filthy and carry a long list of diseases and parasites. They mark their territories, in this case your attic and insulation, with their urine, which creates foul, lingering odors throughout your home. Their droppings carry and transmit salmonella, which can put both people and pets at risk of infection. Squirrels are also avid chewers and will pilfer all electrical wiring and more in your attic space.

Overall, squirrels in the attic will cause a lot of damage and unhygienic environments. The longer they hold occupancy, the more damages will accrue, which makes renovations timelier and costlier.

Squirrel Control is a Must

Before getting started on extracting squirrels from the attic, it is important to understand how to keep them out of there in the first place. If you do not implement any degree of animal-proofing around your house, you cannot prevent future tampering and infestations. Squirrel control involves sealing up any exterior openings and access points that will allow squirrels to get in. This includes installing squirrel abatement devices like valves and mesh screening, as well as roof vent covers and chimney caps.

Once you understand how to protect your property against nuisance animals like squirrels and chipmunks, you can better assist in the process of getting rid of squirrels, altogether.

Best Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic

There is really only one tried and true method of squirrel removal and that is to hire a licensed and insured wildlife control company in Nashville. Not only are specific permits and licenses required to raise and relocate wildlife in Tennessee, but there are also strict procedures on how to extract wildlife and facilitate safe animal-proofing strategies for residential and commercial properties. What does all this mean? It means you should never attempt to touch, harm, trap, or kill animals unless you are permitted under law to do so.

When experiencing problems with squirrels in the attic, crawl space, roof, chimney, or wall voids, your best tool is a skilled wildlife control operator. They have the authority, resources, equipment, and knowledge to safely extract squirrels and prevent them from becoming a problem in the future. They can also provide minor attic restorations and cleanup services for animal damages.

Not sure who to trust for safe and humane critter control in Tennessee? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for affordable squirrel removal in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The Ecological Importance of Beavers

Posted on June 20, 2022 by smokywildlife

Did you know beavers are a keystone species? This means they are important to us, like many other animals in our local wildlife populations. Continue below to learn all about the ecological importance of beavers, plus some safe and humane ways to abate nuisance beaver activity on or around your property.

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What is a Keystone Species?

Although beavers are known as a nuisance, esteemed biologists classify them as a keystone species. A keystone species is one that is ecologically important to both humans and the environment. You see, beavers are notorious for construction complex dams, which make what is known as beaver ponds. These ponds create lively wetlands, which are considered to be one of the world’s most biologically productive ecosystems. Not only do they increase wildlife activity and plant growth, but they are also perfect breeding grounds for salmon and trout schools, and they naturally improve water quality.

Beaver ponds naturally improve water quality because they act as natural sponges, storing and slowly releasing water runoff. In turn, this decreases the rate of downstream flooding and erosion. As a result, plants and algae absorb the nutrients from the sun and process the organic waste. This essentially eliminates the runoff toxins and contaminants in the water. Overall, beaver wetland ponds lay the grounds for an entire food chain, thus supporting all sorts of wildlife and living organisms.

Beaver Dam Problems

Beaver dams may lead the pathway to new, biologically-productive ecosystems, but beavers are known as a nuisance for good reason. Beaver dams, canals, and lodges can create flooding and vegetation decline on properties, which can also cause foundation damage and similar structural issues. Also, beaver dams are well-known for killing trees. This has to do with the flooding, which waterlogs tree trunks and depletes the soil of essential nutrients.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can safely control a nuisance beaver population near your property. In fact, if you so choose, you can have the beaver population removed entirely and relocated to a safe and far away habitat. On the other hand, some properties can benefit from a controlled beaver population since they are ecologically valuable.

Fun Beaver Facts

🦫 Adult beavers can weigh as much as 70 pounds!
🦫 Beaver houses are called lodges, and they can be quite complex!
🦫 Beavers mate for life, keeping the same partner until death do them part.
🦫 Beavers maintain a highly-organized social structure.
🦫 Beavers slap their tails on the water to warn other beavers in their clan.
🦫 Beavers are mostly nocturnal, so they are active from dusk until dawn.
🦫 Beavers build mud puddles saturated with urine to mark their territory.

Are there nuisance beavers causing trouble on your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed beaver removal in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve residential and commercial clients all throughout Middle Tennessee and its surrounding counties.

What You Need to Know About Fox Removal and Control

Posted on June 6, 2022 by smokywildlife

Where does that age-old phrase, “sly as a fox” come from? Well, if you knew anything about the species themselves, you would understand. Foxes are stealthy, cunning, and agile. These attributes, combined with their incessant curiosity and devotion to survival, make them a common nuisance pest in rural and urban areas. If you are noticing an increase in fox activity and tampering on your property, it is not too late to intervene.

Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Fox removal and control, including where to get safe and professional critter abatement services in the Smoky Mountain region.

Fox Removal and Control Nashville Tennessee 615-610-0962

Spotting a Fox

It is common for people to confuse a coyote or stray dog, and sometimes even a cat, for a fox. Although similar in size to a medium dog, foxes have narrow heads, long snouts, and bushy tails. Here in the Tennessee region, the most prevalent species of fox is the Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which gets its name from its rust- colored fur coat. As for behavior, foxes can climb trees just like cats and bark like dogs. They use their barking skills to communicate with one another or to defend themselves in threatening situations.

Foxes tend to be a nuisance for home and business owners because they like to use man-made shelters as their own. They often choose things like dog houses, sheds, pool houses, jungle gyms, barns, and even gaps below, porches and patios as shelter. This can cause a lot of structural damage, plus pose certain hazards for children and pets. As notorious diggers and burrowers, they can also do a lot of lawn and foundation damage.

Foxes also pose safety and health threats. Not only are they carriers of diseases, potentially Rabies, but they are also known to attack children and pets upon provocation.

How to Get Rid of Foxes

Fortunately, deterring nuisance fox activity is simple. There are many strategies to choose from, but combining more than one typically generates the most successful results. These strategies include environmental modification, animal proofing, and professional animal trapping and removal.

As for a fox repellent, one of the key essential ingredients is urine. You can use your own urine, or you can purchase predator urine, which is typically made from coyote or Bobcat. Simply apply the urine to the perimeter of your property to create a barrier or invisible fence for foxes.

Tips for environmental modification include sealing up or blocking off any areas that foxes can use as shelter. It is also helpful to remove any type of edible material or food from your property, including pet food, livestock feed, birdseed, and squirrel feeders.

Professional critter control for foxes is the best approach to solving a nuisance fox problem. They have the proper resources, equipment, training, and permits to get the job done promptly, and most importantly, effectively.

Choose a service that adheres to safe and responsible animal removal and trapping, such as Smoky Wildlife Control of Tennessee! Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for prompt and professional fox removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients at the most competitive prices around.