Dayton, OH, is nestled in the western portion of the state near the Miami River. Residents encounter a variety of wildlife here, which often become a nuisance when found in or near homes.
Opossums frequent yards and may hiss or bare their teeth if cornered. Both skunks and opossums den under porches and sheds.
Although coyotes are common in Dayton, they aren't native to the Southwest Ohio area. The animals are able to survive and even thrive in most habitats. These hunters will exploit yards for small prey such as voles, shrews, or mice. While they are curious, coyotes generally avoid people. Pet owners with large-breed dogs often have trouble with coyote packs out on the hunt. The wildlife pests may view other canines as a threat to their territory or their pups during breeding season. Dayton homeowners with rabbit hutches or chicken coops also have conflicts with these predators.
White-tailed deer are plentiful in Dayton and other Ohio cities. These animals cause problems when they destroy gardens or landscaping. In addition, white-tailed deer move to new areas at dusk and dawn, often crossing roadways and causing vehicle collisions. While some Ohio homeowners use frightening devices or repellents to deter white-tailed deer from their lawns, these methods become less effective over time. Large herds can quickly overrun a neighborhood.
Below are some of the most common wildlife we deal with on a daily basis.
Easily recognizable and well-adapted to residential settings, raccoons are common in Dayton neighborhoods. The pests can access food in nature, but they also forage in trash cans and dumpsters. Raccoon feces in yards and on decks can spread roundworm and other pathogens.
Squirrels thrive in urban habitats like Dayton and are never far from trees or buildings. Agile climbers, these animals can scale a house and enter through damaged roofing. Homeowners should avoid sealing any holes without checking for wildlife first. Squirrels trapped indoors may become frantic and cause
damage in the attempt to escape.
All native species of
bats in Ohio are nocturnal and feed on insects. A bat generally stays in two roosting sites each year and may end up in a
home, barn, or shed. While beneficial for mosquito control, bats can transmit
rabies to people and pets.
Skunks are also visitors to Ohio lawns. These animals have striking black and white fur as well as a pungent
spray they release when threatened.