Eastern Shores of The Delaware Bay Area Pest and Wildlife Removal services
Delaware Bay area is located along the mid-Atlantic coast and is home to diverse wildlife. While this wildlife dramatically contributes to the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity, some species can become nuisance pests when they reside in or around homes and commercial properties.
A few common nuisance wildlife in the Delaware Bay areas of the eastern shores of Delaware include raccoons, squirrels, skunks, bats, snakes, foxes, birds and muskrats.
Here, we explore these wildlife animals; however, if you need pest and wildlife removal in the Delaware Bay area on the eastern shore, do not worry. Wilkins Wildlife handles all kinds of wildlife removal and control problems.
Raccoons
The intelligent and dexterous raccoon is a leading nuisance wildlife species. Drawn by plenty of food sources like fish, crabs, and trash, raccoons thrive in the suburbs and urban areas near Delaware Bay. Using their hand-like paws, they can easily pry open doors, lids, and other entryways into homes. Once inside, raccoons can spread trash, damage insulation, and create unsanitary conditions with feces and food remnants.
They are also prone to getting trapped inside chimneys and attics once entering. They are known to den in chimneys, under decks and sheds, and within hollow trees. Getting rid of nuisance raccoons is challenging, given their persistence and intelligence. A combination of exclusion methods, deterrents, and trapping may be required to fully evict raccoons and prevent them from causing recurring issues around homes.
Squirrels
Squirrels are arguably the most pervasive nuisance wildlife issue for homeowners around the eastern shore areas of Delaware Bay. The high squirrel population thrives on the abundance of oak trees and other natural food sources. Their nimble climbing skills and ability to jump long distances allow them access to attics, soffits, and other openings. Once inside, they can cause considerable damage by chewing on electrical wires or insulation.
Squirrels also frequently nest in the large branches of trees, becoming a nuisance with their constant noise and debris raining down below. Ridding homes and yards of squirrels poses many frustrations. Their small size allows squirrels to squeeze through tiny gaps and chew through exclusion materials. Persistence and a multi-tactic approach are often needed to evict squirrels and keep them from returning.
Skunks
Skunks like the striped skunk thrive in the area due to ample food sources like grubs, small rodents, and garbage—their ability to adapt to suburban and urban settings conflicts with homeowners. Skunks will den under decks, porches, sheds, or burrows under bushes. They frequently raid trash cans and dig up lawns looking for grub worms.
Skunks are also known for spraying their noxious musk as a defense. The lingering odor can be extremely unpleasant if skunks spray around a property. Homeowners will often hear skunks fighting or foraging at night.
Managing skunk issues poses challenges, given the risks of getting sprayed. Exclusion techniques like sealing off dens and preventing access under sheds are important. In some cases, trapping and removing problem skunks may be recommended to resolve nuisance issues for good.
Bats
The abundant insect populations near the bay and its wetlands draw bats to the area. During summer, bats seek out attics, soffits, and other voids in buildings as ideal roosting spots to raise their young. Once inside structures, bats can make loud noises, leave droppings, and become unsanitary. Their entry and exit through small openings can also allow light into attics and compromise insulation.
Diseases like rabies or histoplasmosis are also concerns when bats inhabit living spaces. Homeowners usually notice bats first from hearing scratching sounds at night as they enter the structure. Exclusion solutions like sealing up exterior openings are essential to prevent bats from roosting long-term inside.
Snakes
Several species of snakes frequently become nuisance wildlife for homeowners around the eastern shores of the Delaware Bay area. Due to the marshy terrain and abundance of mice, rats, and amphibians, the area provides excellent habitat for garter snakes, northern water snakes, and the venomous northern copperhead. While most species pose no danger to humans, snakes often wind up in yards, crawlspaces, and buildings while foraging for food or seeking shelter.
Seeing these unwelcome reptiles near homes understandably alarms residents. Snakes can damage property or pose risks to pets if venomous species exist. Preventing their access under porches, through foundation cracks, and into pools and landscaping is essential but often tricky.
Foxes
The red fox is a common nuisance wildlife species throughout the Delaware Bay region. As opportunistic omnivores, foxes readily adapt to suburban settings rich in food sources like trash, pet food, small pets, and abundant rabbits or mice. Backyards with sheds, decks, or porches provide convenient den sites for foxes to raise young. They may also dig burrows in the ground.
With few natural predators, foxes can thrive close to neighborhoods. Homeowners often complain about foxes raiding garbage cans, preying on outdoor pet birds and poultry, or leaving an unpleasant musky odor in their dens. Some foxes become bold and exhibit little fear of humans. With their ability to squeeze through small holes or under fences, excluding foxes poses challenges.
Birds
Along with these bay area common mammals and reptiles, various bird species also become nuisance wildlife for homeowners. Canada geese flock to the many lakes, ponds, and coastal wetlands of the Delaware Bay area. Large resident flocks overgraze grassy areas and leave behind a mess of droppings. Geese can become quite aggressive during the breeding season.
Seagulls are another nuisance bird attracted to trash and food scraps left outside homes, schools, and businesses near the bay.
Muskrats
Muskrats are a common nuisance wildlife species found throughout the wetlands and marshes of Delaware Bay. With their natural habitat encompassing water vegetation and shorelines, muskrats frequently encroach on residential properties bordering streams, ponds, and the bay itself.
Known for burrowing into pond banks or damming up swales, muskrats can undermine structural integrity and cause flooding issues. Their tunneled dens dug into saturated soil damage foundations, docks, or levees. Muskrats may also invade suburban landscapes to feed on lawns and ornamental plants.
Nuisance Wildlife
So what should Delaware Bay area homeowners and business owners do about nuisance wildlife issues? The experts at Wilkins Wildlife Removal provide humane wildlife control and removal services throughout the Bay area on the eastern shores of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
Please browse our website navigation to see the many wildlife animals we remove and control, as we are not limited to the few listed here.
Trapping and Exclusion
Wilkins Wildlife Removal offers comprehensive solutions, including wildlife trapping and exclusion.
The exclusion process involves sealing any possible entry points that wildlife could use to enter a building. Crack and void sealing products like CrownCoat Brushable sealant are applied to fix and close up cracks. Exclusion products like Ridge Guards and Xclusion Pro Roof Vent Pest Guards are installed for animals trying to access the roof ridge area. These specially designed guards and mesh screens prevent wildlife from being able to enter while still allowing proper ventilation. The overall goal of exclusion is to humanely block access and remove the motivation for wildlife to attempt to enter the building.
Before removal efforts, the wildlife team locates nests and dens to ensure no baby animals are present. Any young found are gently removed and placed in a safe location. For adult animals captured, Wilkins Wildlife Removal works to relocate them to suitable habitats. Alternatively, unharmed wildlife may be handed over to wildlife authorities to be released. Throughout the process, care is taken to minimize animal stress and harm.
Contact for Bay Area, Eastern Shore Delaware Wildlife Removal Services
Nuisance wildlife on the eastern shores of the Delaware Bay area can be destructive, dangerous, and unhealthy for homeowners and commercial property owners. By implementing intelligent, ethical, and lasting solutions, Wilkins Wildlife Removal helps restore peace of mind for residents and business owners dealing with pest issues. The rapid response ensures wildlife problems are taken care of efficiently.
To learn more or schedule service, contact Wilkins Wildlife Removal BedBug 911 online or call (302) 236-3533 to speak with our wildlife management experts serving the Delaware Bay areas of the eastern shores of Delaware.