Every city has its share of natural critters that local wildlife experts must routinely remove from inside residences and businesses, and Boston, MA is no exception. Here are the top 10 common nuisance wildlife that invade Greater Boston-area residences and businesses and how to identify each.
10 Most Common Nuisance Wildlife
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Bats
One of the only flying mammals in existence, bats are small, winged, nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. Signs of a bat infestation on your property include squeaking and fluttering noises at night and the smell of ammonia/vinegar due to an accumulation of bat urine and guano. Your windows may also begin to build up a milky residue from the toxic droppings.
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Chipmunks
Chipmunks are small rodents that are known for their chubby bodies, fluffy tails, and tiny ears; however, the critters are most easily identified by the stripes going down the sides of their bodies.
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Groundhogs
One of the larger rodent species, groundhogs are known best for their ability to dig. While there are a number of different critters that could dig holes on your property, groundhog infestations can be identified by the size of the holes they make, which are usually about a foot in diameter. If the holes are a bit smaller in size, you may be dealing with moles instead.
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Mice
Mice are small rodents that have small bodies and big ears. Color wise, they are known to have fur that is white, gray, or brown. While cute in appearance, mice are destructive to residential properties as they can chew through important wires and infrastructure. If you start noticing small bite marks and droppings around your property, you may have a mouse problem.
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Opossums
Opossums are infamously known for their ability to play dead when they feel threatened. Visually, opossums are most easily identified by their pointy snouts, nude tails, and round ears. The marsupials vary in color, some having gray coats and others having brown.
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Raccoons
Raccoons are another nocturnal mammal that are a common nuisance to homeowners. Raccoons are known best for their black masked appearance and dexterous paws, which are great for opening trashcans and rummaging through trash bags. If you wake up to find knocked over trash cans and litter thrown around your backyard, then you might have a raccoon problem.
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Rats
Rats are perhaps the most common nuisance pest. Their notable features include greasy, dark fur, long tails, and sharp teeth that they use to chew through materials like wood, drywall, and siding to access homes. If you notice bite marks on packaging in your pantry, you might be dealing with rats.
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Skunks
Skunks are best known for their black-and-white color scheme and the foul scent they spray when scared. The omnivores aren’t picky about the types of food they eat. Similar to raccoons, skunks will rummage through garbage cans if they are not properly sealed.
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Squirrels
While there are many different types of squirrels, most are about the same size, which is slightly larger than the average chipmunk. Squirrels usually occupy trees around residential properties, but will cause significant amounts of damage if they access your home. The pests can shred attic insulation and gnaw through support beams with their powerful teeth.
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Woodpeckers
Known for using their beaks to peck holes into the sides of trees and buildings, woodpeckers are more likely to be heard before they are seen. However, when you do see them, they can be identified by their very colorful feathers, which are usually red, white, and black in color.
Knowing which nuisance animal you are dealing with is the first step in identifying a growing infestation. However, the best way to combat nuisance wildlife and maintain a pest-free property is to enlist the experienced services of the wildlife removal professionals at Critter Control® of Boston.
Rely on Your Greater Boston Area Nuisance Wildlife Removal Experts
At Critter Control® of Boston, all of our nuisance wildlife removal services are effective, safe, and humane. Our team of professionals only use non-toxic and chemical-free methods to remove nuisance wildlife. Schedule an inspection of your Boston-area property and receive a free estimate for our efficient nuisance wildlife removal services by contacting Critter Control® of Boston today at 617-975-0440.
