Spring Brings Life To All Things - Especially Wildlife!

You might laugh at the idea of ceremonies surrounding Punxsutawney Phil, with people around the country depending on a groundhog for weather predictions. And although the celebration itself can certainly be a bit silly, there is something behind the tall tale: animals can sense when spring is coming, and they signal it with certain behavior.

As winter breaks, many nuisance animals come out of their long states of hibernation and deep sleeps, such as groundhogs, skunks, and bats. After filling their bellies, they look for a mate, and springtime is when new litters are born. Coyote pups are born in April or May; deer start birthing in April, and chipmunks, foxes, raccoons, bats, and skunks are also born in the spring.

Many animals may get more aggressive as they feel threatened since they have their young ones to defend. They're also more likely to be seen in the daytime during Spring since they'll need to go out foraging and hunting more often to feed their young. Some, like coyotes, are even known to "escort" humans, following them on a trail to make sure you don't approach their den. Since the animals are on edge and are more active during this season, make sure you take extra care to avoid encounters, giving them plenty of space if you do spot one. Be extra alert around bodies of water.

Spring rain can also bring the emergence of reptiles like snakes, turtles, and frogs. These animals are often most active after a downpour, especially in the evening. Since they're attracted to water, they also seek out damp spaces in your property, often making themselves cozy in crawlspaces and basements.  Making sure your drainage system is working well is a difference-maker in whether reptiles are attracted to your property, since, without the water, they won't have a place to lay eggs. Putting up a barrier around the perimeter of your property can also help keep those creatures from wandering into your home. In a pinch, coffee grounds, salt, and vinegar may help ward them off until you can get an animal removal expert out to take a look.

The return of migrating birds is another tell-tale sign that Spring has sprung. You'll notice the birds are also much more active and vocal, trying to attract mates and marking their territory around this time. You're also more likely to hear

woodpeckers hammering away, trying to woo a partner. They'll gather anywhere they can find good nesting material and food and are more likely to be spotted in urban areas in the spring season.

Flying pests like birds and bats can find the slightest openings in eaves and soffits and use chimneys and attic vents to make their way in. Once in, they breed and leave droppings that can cause illnesses in humans. The surest form of prevention is exclusion. Using hardware mesh and screens to seal up openings and chimney and vent caps keeps the pests from entering. For those like bats that maybe in there over the winter, one-way doors get them out and keep them out. 

One of the most effective ways to keep animals away is to ensure your property doesn't have things they find especially attractive. Mowing your lawn, clearing away brush, trimming back trees and shrubs, and choosing non-edible plants helps in reducing the number of nuisance animals. Raccoons and skunks are notorious for getting into open garbage cans, so, if possible, enclose the cans with a lock. Raccoons are super intelligent and can figure out simple locks. You'll also want to keep pet food indoors. You may also purposely draw animals away from your property by setting up a feeder or nesting site far away from the house. 

Rodents like mice and rats have very short gestational periods, so they can produce multiple litters in a single spring. They can sneak into your building through holes so small they often go unnoticed. Natural State Wildlife Solutions professionals can inspect your property and check for tiny gaps that we can seal with caulking, grates, and other covers or sealants to ensure the inside and outside are kept as two separate entities.

When spring does roll around, you'll want to be ready. Make sure you're in contact with the most-trusted nuisance wildlife removal service in Bentonville and the surrounding areas, Natural State Wildlife Solutions. Our experts can make sure your property is prepared for spring and the rest of the year. Contact us today for an estimate for our top-rated exclusion service and eliminate the issues before they start.