Wildlife coexists with humans almost everywhere. In some cases, they are harmless and go unnoticed. Other times, they wreak havoc on your property and need to be controlled or removed. Here are some things to keep in mind before taking measures to control your wildlife problem:

Know the Law

There are many state regulations when it comes to the removal of wildlife, and in some instances, you may need a permit to do so. Check out your state’s parks and wildlife department to figure out how to handle a wildlife problem legally. Quite a few species of birds, bats, reptiles, and amphibians are protected in the state of Louisiana. Make yourself familiar with the full list of endangered and threatened animal species to avoid any legal trouble. 

Take Precautions

There are several precautions you can take to prevent wildlife problems. Wild animals that have made their way onto your property are usually seeking either food or shelter. Keeping your home and yard well maintained will minimize housing options for unwanted critters.

• Seal holes in your attic – many animals can make their way into a hole smaller than the size of a penny
• Keep your grass mowed so small rodents don’t take cover in your yard
• Remember to never feed a wild animal. Doing so creates a dependency on you for survival, and the animal will return if it knows you are a source of food.
• Secure your trash! Many nuisance animals are scavengers, and will gladly eat your leftovers. Keeping your trash bins in a garage or using a bungee cord to keep the lids shut restricts access to your garbage.
• Some domestic animals – such as cats and small dogs – are easy prey for wildlife. If you know of a wildlife problem in your area, watch your pets, and don’t leave them outside unattended.  

Helpful Information on Trapping Nuisance Wildlife

If you opt to trap wildlife yourself, educate yourself on proper methods for removal. For example, trapped animals should be released at least 5 miles away to prevent them from returning. Do not trap animals in the spring or early summer – this is breeding season for many animals and if you remove a parent, the young have little chance of survival.

Know When to Call a Professional

If you suspect that you have a family of wildlife living on your property, it is best to have a wildlife control professional handle the problem.

If you are bitten by a wild animal, call animal control and seek medical attention immediately. If the animal has been trapped, do not release it – it should be tested for the rabies virus and other diseases.

If an animal has been injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitation site for help. Do not try to remove an injured animal from its natural habitat without a rehabilitator.

Pied Piper Pest Control Inc. is proud to serve Greater New Orleans’s property owners for their pest control needs. We provide pest control services, wildlife control, and WDI reports. Call us at 504-366-1333, contact us by filling out our online contact form, or connect with us on social media to find a solution to your pest problem!