NUISANCE ANIMALS COMMON TO NEW
JERSEY
MICE
The most common of all animals in homes. Although
not very destructive, their droppings and the parasites
they carry can transmit diseases to humans. Mice
damage is usually confined to insulation and ceiling
tiles
RATS
Numerous species are present in NJ. They are prolific
in producing offspring. At times creating large
populations in one dwelling. Rats are able to chew
through most building materials including concrete.
A tenacious animal that has been known to attack
humans without being provoked.
SQUIRRELS
A common invader of attics and soffetts. Squirrels
are the most destructive of all animals. They can
inhabit a home year round. Squirrels are capable
of two litters a year, with up to six young per
litter. Nests are usually constructed out of insulation
or card- board and paper found in the attic. Occasion-ally
they will bring in leaves and twigs. Numerous nests
may be constructed through-out the attic, usually
in the corners. Another common location is at the
top of a fireplace chimney. They build a nest constructed
from branches tightly packed in the flue.
RACCOONS
Raccoons can cause considerable damage when entering
a building. A very strong animal, the raccoon can
tear its way in through many building materials.
Raccoons generally occupy the attic or crawl spaces
using one area of insulation for a nest al-though
they are not as destructive to the insulation raccoons
establish toilet areas away from the nest, and these
can become heavily soiled. Female raccoons may take
a mate or several suiters during mating seasons
in the spring and fall. A lone raccoon is not uncommon.
This animal can weigh up
to 40 pounds. Combined with up to five young they
can fall through ceilings by accident. Another very
common nesting area is the smoke shelf of a fireplace.
BATS
Little brown and big brown are the two most common
species in NJ. They can be found in buildings one
at a time or in huge colonies of over a thousand.
Bats need only ½ of an inch to gain entry.
Their damage is a result of their droppings and
urine. This matter is highly corrosive to wood and
metal. Their feces pose a serious health risk to
humans. Bats are considered to be a high risk animal
for rabies.
GROUND DWELLERS
Skunks, and woodchucks are also common to NJ. Each
of these animals burrow under buildings to make
their homes. Woodchucks are by far the most destructive.
Their burrows can be as deep as ten feet with tunnels
extending 50 feet or more in several direc-tions.
These burrows have been known to collapse the foundations
of homes, pools, porches and retaining walls. Skunks
also make tunnels but their claim to damage is usually
the destruction of lawns in their attempts to dig
up grubs and worms for food. Skunks are very territorial
and will spray when provoked. Their spray is oil
based and can be smelled for weeks in a confined
area.
EVIDENCE OF NUSIANCE ANIMALS AND AREAS TO INSPECT
IF YOU SUSPECT AN ANIMAL CONTROL PROBLEM, YOU MAY
FIND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HELPFUL. FOR A THOROUGH
AND PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION , CALL J R G TERMITE
AND PEST CONTROL AT THE ABOVE NUMBER. WE WILL BE
HAPPY TO COME OUT TO ASSESS THE SITUATION AND TREAT
AS NEEDED.
ATTICS
Look for the obvious first. Insulation that has
been pulled up and shredded, torn from its paper
backing, stuffed in corners or that has holes dug
through it. Then look for dropping piles from raccoons
or small droppings on or under the insulation indicating
smaller animals. Check all vents in the ceiling
to see if the vents or screens are damaged. Check
attic fans to see if the screens are chewed or if
the blades are bent. Look for foot prints in dust
on floor boards, air conditioning units and air
conditioning ducts. Check ceiling joists for bat
roosts. Use your nose to detect odors. Make note
of any poison bags or glue boards. Most importantly,
check all wiring for chewing damage.
BASEMENTS
Look for any droppings along the edges of the floor
and on top of the foundation sill. Inspect all window
frames for chewing marks, look for foot prints in
the dust on top of the water heaters. Make note
of any poison packs, mouse traps or glue boards
found. Look inside drop ceilings for similar evidence.
ROOFS AND GUTTER LINES
Check all vents for signs of animal entry such as
torn screens, bent metal or rub marks. Check chimneys
to see if nests are in the top of the flue or if
raccoons or dead animals are on the smoke shelf
. Take note of missing or damaged chimney caps on
both the fireplace and boiler flues. Check the edges
of the roof for torn, missing or replaced shingles.
For Spanish roofs, check for missing end caps or
nests inside each tube. Inspect the entire length
of all gutters. Look for holes chewed in the fascias
or nests inside the vent gaps. Look for screen or
new wood patches on the facia. Note any wire tunnels
protruding from the facia or soffetts. Also look
for fecal matter on the roof.
EXTERIOR
Check all areas along the perimeter of the building.
Look for holes or mounds leading under the foundation,
low decks, porches, etc. Also check under trim boards
for evidence of nesting. Look for stains leading
from soffetts and trim boards. This could be urine
from bats, squirrels or bird droppings. Inspect
all entrances of pipes or electrical conduit. See
if these openings have rub marks or signs of nesting.
OTHER AREAS
Inspect any additional buildings such as garages,
sheds, dumpsters or trash can bins, pools and the
landscape. With the buildings follow the same general
guide lines listed in this information sheet. For
pools check the filter traps for dead animals or
nesting of water animals such as muskrats. Look
at the lawns and shrubs. Note anything such as small
or large holes which lead to a burrow. Check for
tufts of grass being lifted.
<<
Back to the Pest Of The Month |
