Washington has its share of unwanted and invasive species in our area. For example, White-nose syndrome, which is incredibly dangerous to bats, and could push some bat species towards extinction, has arrived in Washington and a drop in bat populations will mean a significant increase in populations of the insects that they prey on, some of which are agricultural pests.
Another example is the Asian Giant Hornets (Murder Hornets), which pose a serious threat to Washington honeybees and the honeybee industry. While the extent of possible damage to Washington’s honeybee industry is not yet known, a similar hornet in Europe has reduced beehives by 30 percent and up to two-thirds of the honey yield.
Lastly, European starlings and sparrows are aggressively taking over the nests of woodpeckers and other birds. These same birds like to invade other things, too, like your home. They aren’t the only wildlife trying to find food, water, and shelter in your home. Raccoons, snakes, squirrels, opossums, and skunks are just a few more examples of Olympia wildlife becoming a nuisance in developed areas.
Raccoons like to den near a water source, so frequent rainfall in Olympia provides a variety of comfortable habitats. Raccoons are well adapted to urban and suburban environments and attracted to unsealed trash cans and outdoor pet food. In colder months, raccoons will attempt to access a home through the chimney or den under a deck. These pests come with the risk of disease and property damage and should be removed immediately.
Opossums are the only marsupials native to North America. They are nocturnal; therefore, residents rarely see opossum damage until the next morning. Tipped-over garbage cans and trash strewn across lawns are common sights when opossums are around. These pests also raid gardens and dig through compost bins to find food. Opossums are also capable of spreading disease through the parasites they carry, including fleas and ticks.
Squirrels are so fun to watch. They fill up their cheeks with acorns and race up and down trees. It’s all fun and games until your bird feeders are destroyed, the siding on your home has been chewed through, and nests are built in your chimney. The Eastern Gray squirrel is a particular nuisance since it is the one to most likely enter your home. They are most active in the early mornings and evenings.
Native squirrels in our area include the Western Gray Squirrel, Douglas Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Northern Flying Squirrel. Non-native squirrels are the Eastern Gray Squirrel and the Eastern Fox Squirrel. Squirrels have also been known to chew on wires lying on the roof of homes, causing power lines to droop, digging holes in your garden, and chewing holes in your attic where they may build a nest.
Squirrels mate from late winter to early spring, with litters arriving from March to June. All squirrels except flying squirrels and the western gray squirrel can produce a second litter in the Fall.
Skunks carry rabies and other diseases, making them dangerous to humans and pets. Female skunks seek a quiet, safe place to have baby skunks. Many find places underneath your home, porch, or decks. If the mama skunk feels threatened at any time, it will release an odor that repels any living creature.
Suppose they spray while living underneath your home; those odors can rise and enter your home, taking weeks for the odors to fade.
Skunks like to chew wood, tear screens, or burrow to find the right spot under your home. Don’t risk being sprayed by a skunk in trying to remove it by yourself. Call us instead.
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by JCA Enterprise, LLC , dba Critter Control of Olympia.