Somerset, KY Wildlife Control

Somerset, Kentucky, is a beautiful place to live, especially with Lake Cumberland nearby. However, the abundance of natural beauty also means a higher chance of encountering wildlife in residential and commercial areas. While most wildlife encounters are harmless and even enjoyable, there are times when animals become a nuisance, causing damage or posing health risks. This is where nuisance wildlife control becomes essential.

Understanding Nuisance Wildlife

Nuisance wildlife refers to animals that invade human spaces and cause harm or inconvenience. In Somerset, some common nuisance animals include raccoons, groundhogs, snakes, squirrels, bats, birds, skunks, and opossums. These animals can cause various problems, such as:

• Property Damage: Animals may chew through wires, insulation, and wood, leading to costly repairs.
• Health Risks: Wildlife can carry diseases, such as rabies or histoplasmosis (commonly associated with bat droppings).
• Noise and Odor: Nocturnal animals can disrupt sleep, and their droppings or presence can create unpleasant odors.

It’s important to understand that an animal approaching a home doesn’t automatically classify it as a nuisance. We need to distinguish between nuisance animals and those that are simply going about their lives without causing harm, damage, or posing any threats. Nuisance wildlife control does not involve eliminating any animal that comes near a home. Instead, it focuses on the removal of animals that repeatedly invade our space, even after efforts have been made to minimize their presence.

How To Reduce Wildlife On Your Property

Minimizing wildlife encounters on your property can be effectively achieved through a series of proactive measures. Begin by securing trash receptacles with tightly fitting lids to eliminate accessible food sources that attract various animal species. For persistent issues with raccoons or bears, consider investing in specialized wildlife-proof bins.

It is also advisable to trim overgrown trees and shrubs, thereby reducing both shelter and access points for wildlife. Don’t forget that many trees produce fruits and nuts that attract pests, too. Any nuts and fruits not being gathered and consumed by humans should be cleaned up and removed just like leaves. Wildlife love fruits and nuts!

The installation of barriers, such as fences or netting around gardens, can also serve as an effective deterrent against unwanted animals seeking an easy meal. Corn is especially tasty to raccoons and deer, while other crops may draw a host of various wildlife. Where there is food, there will be wildlife. Limiting access reduces these unwanted encounters.

Eliminating standing water can significantly reduce the presence of pests, including mosquitoes, and deter other animals that seek water. Bird baths, low points that hold water, puddles, poor gutter drainage, and other similar water retention areas will attract anything that thirsts.

To further mitigate wildlife disturbances in and around your home, it is essential to seal all potential entry points, such as cracks, gaps, and holes, all around the exterior of your house. This preventive measure is crucial for keeping unwanted animals, including raccoons, opossums, rodents, squirrels, foxes, bats, birds, and chipmunks, out of attics, crawl spaces, and other areas.

Another effective deterrent is the installation of motion-activated lighting and sprinklers. When activated by an approaching animal, these devices can create an unsettling environment, prompting the creature to retreat and likely avoid returning in the future.

A very important step that is often overlooked is securing pet and livestock feed to prevent wildlife access. This entails avoiding free-choice feeding and ensuring that only the amount of food that can be consumed within a short period is provided. Leftover food should not be left out overnight or for extended periods, as it can attract unwanted wildlife.

Nuisance Wildlife Control Methods

Nuisance wildlife control should be performed by a licensed specialist who has the legal right to remove, trap, relocate, or even euthanize wildlife. Many species are protected, and many others require special permits or permissions to trap and remove. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse that enforcement agents will take into account. It’s best to stay safe and legal and let the pros at Four Seasons Pest Solutions handle all your nuisance wildlife control needs.

Whether you hire a pro or attempt to DIY, the best methods include:

1. Prevention: The best way to control wildlife is to prevent them from entering your property. This includes sealing entry points, securing trash bins, and removing food sources (some of which you can do).
2. Exclusion: This involves physically barring animals from entering your home or property. Techniques include installing chimney caps, vent covers, and repairing holes and cracks in structures.
3. Repellents and Deterrents: Using natural or chemical repellents can discourage animals from entering your property. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also serve as effective deterrents. These are efforts you can make against many nuisance wildlife species.
4. Trapping and Removal: For animals that have already made their home on your property, humane and legal trapping and relocation may be necessary. Our professionals are trained to handle and relocate animals safely and in accordance with the law.
5. Professional Wildlife Control Services: Engaging a licensed wildlife control service ensures that the problem is handled efficiently, safely, and humanely. Professionals possess the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage wildlife issues while complying with local laws and regulations.

Choosing the Right Wildlife Control Service in Somerset

When selecting a wildlife control service, consider the following:

• Experience and Expertise: Choose a company with a solid track record and expertise in handling the specific wildlife issues you face.
• Licensing and Certification: Ensure the service is licensed and follows Kentucky’s wildlife control regulations.
• Humane Practices: Opt for services that prioritize humane treatment of animals.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or neighbors.

Legal Considerations

In Kentucky, wildlife is protected by state laws, and certain species may have specific regulations regarding their handling and removal. It’s crucial to work with professionals who are knowledgeable about these laws to avoid legal issues.

Whether you’re dealing with a curious raccoon or bats in the attic, taking proactive steps and seeking expert help can make all the difference in managing nuisance wildlife effectively. Four Seasons Pest Solutions has you covered, no matter what your nuisance wildlife control requires.