5 Nuisance Animals You Didn't Know We Had in Northern California
Northern California, particularly the counties of Nevada, El Dorado, and Placer, is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. However, some of these creatures can become unwelcome guests in our homes and businesses. At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we deal with a variety of nuisance animals that many people don't even realize inhabit our region. Here are five such animals and how we manage them.
1. Flying Squirrels
Found In:
Tahoe, Truckee
Nevada City
What They Do:
Flying squirrels may look adorable, but they can cause significant damage when they invade attics. These nocturnal creatures love the warmth and safety of attics, where they nest and raise their young. Unfortunately, their nesting activities can lead to shredded insulation, chewed wires, and unpleasant odors from droppings and urine. Particularly, flying squirrels are known to build large colonies, stay with their families, and produce noticeable urine odors.
How It Affects People:
The damage to insulation can lead to increased energy costs as your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a stable temperature. Chewed wires pose a fire hazard, and the presence of droppings and urine can contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality.
Our Solution:
At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we humanely exclude flying squirrels using one-way doors that allow them to leave but not re-enter. We then secure all potential entry points to prevent future invasions, protecting your home and restoring your peace of mind. We have both Northern and Humbolt flying squirrels, so removal methods must be humane
2. Gulls
Found In:
Waste facilities and shopping centers across Nevada, El Dorado, Placer counties, as well as the rest of California
What They Do:
Commonly mistaken for seagulls, these gulls are often found scavenging at dumps and shopping centers. They can create significant messes, scattering trash and leaving droppings that can damage property and vehicles.
How It Affects People:
The presence of gulls can lead to unsanitary conditions, increased cleaning and maintenance costs, and potential health risks from their droppings, which can harbor bacteria and parasites.
Our Solution:
We employ a variety of humane deterrents, including bird netting, shock strips, and Eagle Eye deterrents, to keep gulls away from commercial and residential areas. These methods effectively reduce gull populations and mitigate the problems they cause.
3. Pikas and Weasels
Found In:
South Lake Tahoe
What They Do:
Pikas and weasels may be small, but they can cause considerable damage when they find their way into crawlspaces. These animals chew on wires and insulation, which can lead to costly repairs and even pose a fire risk.
How It Affects People:
Chewed wires can disrupt electrical systems and create fire hazards. Damaged insulation reduces energy efficiency, leading to higher utility bills. Additionally, the presence of these animals can be distressing and create an unsanitary environment.
Our Solution:
We specialize in exclusion techniques to prevent pikas and weasels from entering crawlspaces. By sealing entry points and using humane traps, we ensure these animals are safely removed and kept out of your home.
4. Feral Hogs
Found In:
Yuba County around Spenceville and into Penn Valley in Nevada County
Monterey, Sonoma, Tehama, and Lake counties
What They Do:
Feral hogs are destructive creatures that root up lawns, gardens, and farmland in search of food. Their foraging behavior can cause extensive damage to landscapes and agricultural areas.
How It Affects People:
The destruction caused by feral hogs can lead to significant financial losses for homeowners and farmers. Additionally, their presence can be a threat to local ecosystems and other wildlife.
Our Solution:
Gold Country Wildlife Control employs effective feral hog trapping services. Hunting and rifle programs are not and will not take care of a rapidly expanding feral hog problem on your farms
5. Chipmunks
Found In:
Throughout Northern California
What They Do:
While chipmunks might not seem like a major threat, they can cause surprising damage to insulation and crawlspaces. They often burrow and nest in these areas, leading to disrupted insulation and potential structural damage.
How It Affects People:
Chipmunks are not exactly exotic, however their surprise is in how much money they cost homeowners each year. The damage caused by chipmunks can result in higher energy costs and expensive repairs. Their burrowing can also undermine the structural integrity of buildings, posing risks to safety.
Our Solution:
We use humane exclusion methods to remove chipmunks and prevent them from re-entering homes. By sealing entry points and using deterrents, we protect your property from further damage.
At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we understand the unique challenges posed by Northern California's diverse wildlife. Our licensed and certified professionals are equipped to handle these nuisance animals effectively and humanely, ensuring your property is protected and your peace of mind is restored. If you're dealing with unwelcome wildlife, contact us today for expert assistance.
