naturalstate

Is Having One Gopher A Problem?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 02:38:11 GMT

How Much Damage Can A Single Gopher Do?

If you've seen the classic 1980s movie Caddyshack, you are no doubt familiar with the comedy's rascally, troublemaking gopher . The clever rodent torments the greenskeeper throughout the movie, making a total mess of the golf club grounds. The greenskeeper tries everything to get rid of it and ultimately attempts to blow it up with dynamite at the end, but the gopher emerges unscathed and happily dances to the catchy tune "I'm Alright" as the credits roll.

Memorable, to be sure, but have you ever wondered just how destructive a pest must be to become a legendary pop culture icon for that characteristic in the first place? The truth is, that wily silver-screen critter is not a far cry from the real thing. You may have chuckled and cheered for the movie's victorious critter, but what happens when that destruction takes place in your backyard? Well, that's no laughing matter. Would you like to know how much damage a single one can do to your property? Turns out, it's a lot.

A Serious Concern In Northwest Arkansas

Most people call them gophers , but they are really pocket gophers, named after the fur-lined pouches in their cheeks. There are roughly 18 species native to North America, but in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, just a couple that cause trouble: Baird's and the Ozark.

They are large rodents, herbivores, tunnellers, and nonstop chewers, and the damage they do residentially, commercially, and agriculturally is extensive. All it takes is just one animal to perpetrate havoc, and they are primarily solitary except when females are raising their young. So, if you've spotted one on or near your property, there is likely just one, but one is all it takes. One gopher, one home, one heck of a mess. The first signs of damage you'll notice when a gopher has invaded your property are their many holes. They create gigantic burrow systems quickly and have been known to build as many as three new fan-shaped mounds daily.

With a gopher in residence, it's only a matter of time before your entire landscape becomes riddled with underground tunnels. These pests have long claws and sharp teeth that make them excellent excavators. One animal can displace as much as four tons of soil per year. But even worse, those tunnels are just below the surface, leaving your lawn dangerously susceptible to collapse.

Gophers have a voracious appetite for many types of greenery. Grass, roots, tubers, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, seeds, and even your trees are on the menu. They've also been known to fell trees just like beavers, although they are more likely to "girdle" them, removing a vital strip of bark at their base that often causes the tree to die. If left unchecked, a gopher can rapidly turn a lush landscape into a barren, brown wasteland. They have also been known to damage pipes, chew through wires, block drainage systems, and weaken other vital infrastructure such as foundations. So, restarting the router may not work well the next time your internet goes out.

Tired Of Dealing With Gopher Issues?

If that property damage doesn't make you sick, the animal might. Like many rodents, they can carry numerous diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, and even rabies. You don't have to be bitten to get sick, either. It is enough to just come into contact with their saliva, feces, or fur. Furthermore, they are usually crawling with lice, fleas, and ticks.

If you've discovered one on your property, you should not confront the animal yourself because it can be dangerous to handle. Not only because of the diseases but also because they may bite if threatened. But you also don't want to do nothing. Every day the animal remains is another day of costly destruction (and forget the dynamite.) Your wisest option is the assistance of a professional wildlife control company. You'll find none better than Natural State Wildlife Solutions in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

When a gopher or other wild animal invades your space or causes trouble, Natural State Wildlife Solutions is the experienced local professional to take care of it. We pride ourselves on our humane solutions, friendly responsiveness, in-depth knowledge, and exceptional service. We'll have that gopher gone in no time, and then you'll be the one singing, "I'm Alright." Contact us today for an estimate.

Raccoon Myth Busters

Wed, 31 May 2023 20:02:19 GMT

Separating Raccoon Fact From Fiction

When it comes to raccoons, there are numerous myths and misconceptions that have been passed down through generations. These fascinating creatures often find themselves at the center of exaggerated tales and unfounded beliefs. We want to set the record straight and debunk these common misconceptions about raccoons.

Myth: Raccoons Are Adorable And Harmless Creatures

Fact: While it's true that raccoons can be cute and have an appealing appearance, it's important to remember that they are still wild animals. Raccoons possess sharp teeth and claws that can cause significant harm if they feel threatened or cornered. It's crucial to maintain a safe distance and avoid direct contact with raccoons.

Myth: Raccoons Are Dumb Scavengers With No Remarkable Intelligence

Fact: On the contrary, raccoons are highly intelligent creatures. They have demonstrated problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a remarkable ability to remember solutions to tasks for up to three years. Research has shown that raccoons can successfully navigate complex environments and even open latches, jars, and doors. Their dexterous paws and inquisitive nature contribute to their cleverness.

Myth: Raccoons Are Carriers Of Rabies And Pose A Significant Health Risk

Fact: While it is true that raccoons can carry rabies , it's important to note that the incidence of rabies in raccoons is relatively low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 10% of raccoons tested positive for rabies in recent years. However, it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid contact with raccoons to minimize the risk of exposure to this disease.

Myth: Raccoons Are Harmless To Ecosystems And Play No Important Role

Fact: Raccoons are actually considered keystone species in many ecosystems. They have a crucial impact on seed dispersal, promoting the growth of diverse plant communities. Raccoons also help control populations of small rodents and insects, making them valuable contributors to the balance of local ecosystems. However, when raccoons invade urban areas and disrupt the natural balance, their presence can have negative consequences for both humans and other wildlife.

Myth: Raccoons Make Great Pets And Can Be Domesticated

Fact: Raccoons are not suitable pets. They have specific dietary and environmental requirements that cannot be met in a domestic setting. Additionally, keeping raccoons as pets often illegal without the appropriate permits, as they are wild animals protected under wildlife conservation laws. It's important to appreciate raccoons from a distance and allow them to thrive in their natural habitats.

At Natural State Wildlife, we understand the importance of coexisting with wildlife while also maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both humans and animals. If you find raccoons in your yard and would like assistance in their removal, our team of experts is here to help. We employ humane and effective methods to ensure the well-being of both the animals and our clients.

In conclusion, it's essential to separate fact from fiction when it comes to raccoons. While they possess undeniable charm and intelligence, it's important to remember that they are wild animals with specific behaviors and needs. By debunking common myths and misconceptions, we can better understand raccoons and ensure a harmonious coexistence with these remarkable creatures in our natural environment.

Do You Need An Exterminator For Bats?

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 18:27:16 GMT

Can You Get Rid Of Bats Yourself?

Arkansas is home to sixteen species of bats . The mere mention of this creature gives many people the creeps. They are the world's only winged mammals. A single colony made a home in a cave near Batesville and is credited for eating 35 tons of insects yearly. That protects people from mosquitoes and other bugs that could spread disease. Bat feces, known as guano, was used in gunpowder through the 1800s; however, it is very dangerous to handle.

They are undoubtedly odd, which may be part of why they're the subject of so many myths and legends. They have long arm and finger bones, elongated through the wing and connected with a membranous double-layered skin. They possess a clawed thumb on the front feet, while the hind limbs have knees facing the wrong direction and claws on the toes.

Some incredible varieties live in the Natural State, including the fastest flying animal on earth: the Brazilian Free-Tailed, which researchers have recorded hitting 99 mph. Another kind called the Townsend's Big-Eared , known for curling its ears to look like rams' horns, is found only in the northwestern part of the state and can live up to 30 years.

However, you certainly don't want them in your home. Their guano and urine smell and stain and spreads bacteria and disease. Their claws tear up walls and insulation. They track in grease and dirt and worsen cracks and holes. The noises they make can disturb homeowners or visitors to your business. If you have an infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately.

When it comes to an infestation, one thing is certain: you should not try to deal with it yourself. Doing so puts both you and the animal at risk. Bats are known to spread rabies and histoplasmosis and harbor other zoonotic viruses, and exposure to its droppings puts you at risk. As part of a removal plan , a licensed wildlife professional uses commercial-grade cleaners and disinfectants to rid your home or business of the bacteria the bats and their bodily fluids spread.

More than that, however, you could be dealing with four endangered species: the Ozark Big-Eared, the Gray, and Indiana. The Northern Long-Eared Bat was also re-classified as endangered in 2022. Violation of the Federal Endangered Species Act can lead to a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in prison, so it's best to let an expert handle things.

When considering who to hire to address the problem, you may wonder who would be best to turn to, an exterminator or a wildlife control professional. Although there's overlap in these professions, there are several key differences in the job. Using a variety of pesticides, traps, and other remedies, pest control companies quickly exterminate the immediate issue from your property. In general, they specialize in insects, rats, and mice. For a bat infestation, however, you're better off with a licensed wildlife control professional who strives to humanely rid your property of the nuisance animal(s). Their long-term focus includes taking steps to ensure they don't come back. Wildlife professionals inspect to determine how the problem began, what property modification is needed, and what needs repairing, and then work on remediation. They're the correct option if an animal has entered your home or business, and bat-proofing your property as a preventive measure is suggested.

Bats can squeeze through holes the diameter of a dime and cracks less than half an inch wide. If that opening remains unsealed, more bats or other pests enter. A major part of a wildlife control professional's training is to spot those gaps, which the average person won't detect, and then seal them up so the infestation doesn't start anew. Taking care of those openings is crucial. Those holes often form around air intakes, plumbing, power and cable lines, and spaces around doors, windows, chimneys, and air vents. Experts figure out what sort of grate, cloth, or one-way door would be best so that bats can't enter, but air can still move through.

If you have a bat problem or looking to prevent one, there is Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We are the #1 rated wildlife removal, repair, and exclusion service in Benton County and the surrounding areas. Our removal tactics are thorough and humane. We also take care to clean and disinfect the area after the creature has been removed, then make any repairs that may be needed and seal up holes and cracks so the creature isn't able to return. Contact us today for an estimate for all your nuisance wildlife needs.

Our Crazy History With Wildlife In The US

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 13:32:47 GMT

Unusual Wildlife Stories In The US

Some of the most normal wildlife species in the U.S. carry an interesting and sometimes even surprising history. Whether it's a simple raccoon or the origins of Groundhog Day, you can find an interesting tale to attach to some of the prevalent species in the country.

Our country has quite a few traditions surrounding local animals. Groundhog Day has been celebrated since the late 1800s when the Germans that settled in Pennsylvania brought a modified version of Candlemas Day to the United States. Today, we say if a groundhog sees its shadow, a "second winter" or six more weeks of bad weather is on the way. While it's not an officially recognized national holiday, many parks and cities outside Pennsylvania hold Groundhog Day Parades celebrations.

Another U.S. tradition is to pardon a turkey at the White House for Thanksgiving. This habit stems from the tradition of sending a gift turkey to the White House for Thanksgiving dinner. It's believed that the tradition of pardoning animals happened sporadically afterward, with some presidents "sparing" certain gifted animals; the first official use of the terminology "pardon" was for President Kennedy's turkey in 1963. The practice of sending a presentation turkey to a farm was normalized under President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and has become a satirical and humorous ceremony for citizens to watch since his successor, George H.W. Bush, made the "presidential pardon" official the ceremony.

There have even been strange White House pets. In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge was given an animal to be eaten during the Presidential Thanksgiving dinner, but it was no turkey. Instead, President Coolidge spared and kept a raccoon as a presidential pet . The President also received a black-haired bear from Mexico, an African pygmy hippopotamus, and a pair of lion cubs as gifts since he and the First Lady were known to be animal lovers.

Unfortunately, some well-meaning animal lovers have caused issues that are still having effects on us to this day. Eugene Schieffelin, a Shakespeare enthusiast, released about 100 European starlings into Central Park, New York, in the late 1800s. They can now be found throughout the country and are one of North America's most abundant bird species. While the fan initially wanted to see the birds mentioned in the famous author's plays, these birds are invasive, competing with native species and destroying crops.

Another well-meaning habit that turned out to be a poor idea was the practice of keeping squirrels as pets. These rodents were a popular gift for children in the 19th century because they were considered low maintenance and available in many pet shops. They were initially introduced to American parks to "beautify and add interest" to the greener spaces in cities. The idea was that these areas of nature were necessary for maintaining a space that could improve physical and mental health. Unfortunately, the results did not go as planned. Squirrels were not domesticated and are destructive, especially in today's homes, with wires, pipes, and other appliances that can be chewed or damaged.

Arkansas is no stranger to smart birds, with four common species of corvid flying around. The corvid family includes birds like crows, ravens, jays, and nutcrackers and are considered some of the most intelligent birds. Common ravens can solve puzzles, blue jays are known to collect shiny objects, and studies show crows can recognize people's faces (and sometimes hold a grudge).

Even as an animal lover, it's important to understand the difference between being curious about your neighborhood creatures and setting a distance from potential pest problems. Crows have become so accustomed to humans that they have been known to bring gifts to people that feed them. For example, one girl in Seattle regularly fed the crows in her neighborhood and even recognized many of them well enough to give them names. Unfortunately, feeding these birds guarantees their return and leads to even more showing up, even if you stop feeding them. Wildlife experts had to get involved, and the family was restricted from setting out more than ¼ lbs. of bird food to try to dissipate the massive group.

Diving deeper than the stranger and more unusual stories doesn't hurt when learning more about wildlife. It's also important to understand that while certain animals may look cute, they can be invasive and destructive to your property. At Van Buren's #1 wildlife service, we're dedicated to helping balance these creatures and your home to support the environment. Contact your local professionals at Natural State Wildlife Solutions to request an estimate for your wildlife solution needs.

What Draws Bats To Your House?

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:06:31 GMT

Why Do Bats Love Our Homes & Businesses?

Of the many nuisance animals that can sneak into your home, bats may be near the top of the list for most terrifying. As the only flying mammal, they can flit through a room very fast; some species can even reach 100 miles an hour. You may wonder how they get into your home or business in the first place and what attracts them to a house or building.

One thing to keep in mind is that bats can squeeze through incredibly small spaces. Though their bodies seem plump, and their wings can be massive, some species can squeeze through a slit as small as just half an inch wide. That means even a small crack, a tiny gap in your siding, or a missing shingle can entice the creatures to enter your home or business. Their wings have bones that resemble a hand, making them very maneuverable, and they can reach areas that may be difficult for other animals to reach.

So why are the bats there in the first place? They are often in your building by mistake. Though these creatures aren't blind, they focus largely on their echolocation to help them find their next meal. That may lead them to accidentally fly through an open window, door, or vent while seeking something to eat. Other species, like the Little Brown and Big Brown Bat, may go into your house or office on purpose, seeking food, water, and shelter. Since their normal habitat of dead or old trees has been largely deforested, bats are becoming more and more likely to seek out attics and eaves in place of a tree for their roosts.

They give birth when the weather warms following the Winter Season, and once their pups are born, the mothers leave them in the roost while the adults hunt during the night. For those first few weeks of the pup's life, the bat needs to know it's leaving its baby in a safe place. Unfortunately, that can mean invading your property. Humid conditions can result if your attic is improperly insulated, creating the perfect water source.

Some bats may attract full colonies, with up to 20 winged creatures setting up shop in a single darkened space. If your home is free of food, water, and a viable place for them to rest, they're less likely to invade en masse. Since bats feast on insects and plants, having either of those near your home could also draw them in. Bird baths, ponds, and landscaped water gardens could be culprits for what's attracting them to your house.

You may want to substitute some of your fruit trees for decorative flower bushes if you notice a bat problem. However, you'll need to choose the right ones because they are attracted to flowers like Yucca, Honeysuckle, French Marigolds, and more. Compost heaps, while great for the environment, make good hiding spaces for grubs and an easy meal for bats. Hire a pest control professional to the property if too many bugs draw the creatures in.

Despite their bad reputation, they are important to the ecosystem. Over 300 fruits, including bananas, peaches, agave, figs, and cacao, depend on them animals for pollination. That is one of the reasons that many species are federally protected and why Natural State Wildlife Solutions handles them with great care. They also eat their body weight in insects nightly, up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour, and other insects like moths, grasshoppers, and beetles.

Although they may be special, keeping your distance is still important if you see a bat. It isn't just their proficiency in pollination and insect devouring that makes bats impressive; they also harbor more dangerous viruses and bacteria than any other animal species on earth. They're also the animal that bears the highest responsibility for rabies deaths in the United States. Some zoonotic viruses they carry can spread through direct contact, like a bite or scratch, or indirect contact, like exposure to their feces and urine.

An encounter with them is a potential danger. If a bat does make it onto your property, it's important to call a wildlife control professional to handle them. Natural State Wildlife Solutions removes bats as carefully and gently as possible. We pride ourselves on our humane removal methods and thorough, systematic inspections and repair work. Our exclusion services include using one-way doors that prohibit them from re-entering. Contact us today for an estimate or more information about our nuisance wildlife removal services.

Which Animals Hibernate?

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:06:30 GMT

Hibernating Animals In Northwest Arkansas

As outdoor temperatures drop, many of us begin planning for the long winter ahead. People start winterizing their homes, bundling up, spending more time indoors, and storing supplies. But it’s not just people that participate in these activities. Animals prepare as well. For many creatures, being ready for the winter is critical to survival. Some animals even have a biological coping mechanism that we do not: hibernation.

Hibernation 101

The process of hibernation is more complicated than you might think. It is not just about bulking up and then sleeping for a prolonged period. During hibernation, an animal significantly lowers its metabolic rate, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. These changes enable the animal to go longer without food and make it possible to survive in colder conditions.

Another important aspect of hibernation is that only a few animals do it, and not necessarily in the same way. Only about ten animals enter an actual state of hibernation wherein they sleep for multiple days, weeks, or months. Other hibernating animals enter a state of torpor in which their activity levels slow, but they spend part of their day awake. Arkansas has a few true hibernators and some of the torpor variety.

The Animals That Do (And Don’t) Hibernate in Arkansas

Rodents

Of the rodents in our state, only groundhogs and chipmunks are true hibernators. Both animals put on extra weight to help sustain them through their long slumber. A groundhog’s weight can nearly double just before hibernation!

Rats , mice , and squirrels are not true hibernators but enter a daily torpor and are less active. They gain more weight and stash away extra food, but they continue eating and drinking throughout the winter.

Meanwhile, gophers and voles don’t hibernate and remain active. However, they tend to move deeper underground, and you might not see new mounding activity from them.

Snakes & Reptiles

Snakes and other reptiles have their special form of hibernation called brumation. It is a state of torpor, as they don’t sleep for extended periods. They don’t eat, but they drink and sometimes come out during the day to sun themselves. They also might share their dens with other snakes to preserve body heat. Garter snakes are particularly known for this. A hibernating den can sometimes contain hundreds of snakes.

We also have one hibernating reptile, the wood frog, with a mind-boggling trick that no other creature has yet to pull off. It freezes solid during the winter and then thaws out and wakes up in the spring!

Mammals

We do have a few bears in Arkansas. Interestingly, they may be the most famous for hibernating, but they are not true hibernators. They go in and out of torpor and often give birth and nurse cubs during wintertime.

We have 16 species of bats in Arkansas, and the only true hibernators are the Indiana and Northern Long-eared. And yes, your attic is one of their favorite places to do that.

Armadillos , skunks , opossums , moles , and raccoons are less active during the winter, but they don’t hibernate or go into torpor. Skunks are the most active of this group and are even known to mate during winter.

Many bird species migrate to warmer climes, although some do not (such as pigeons). The birds that stick around in winter are typically less active but don’t hibernate or go into torpor. The only bird in existence that is a true hibernator is the common poorwill (but it is not found in Arkansas).

None of our semi-aquatic pests hibernate. Beavers , otters , and muskrats remain active and don’t even enter a state of torpor. They do spend more time in their dens and put on extra weight to help get them through. Beavers have noticeably fatter tails that slim down as winter progresses.

What To Do If You Encounter A Hibernating Animal

It is unwise to disturb a hibernating animal. The animal can be startled and may respond aggressively. Additionally, the animal has minimal energy reserves at the time and may be unable to survive being roused prematurely.

That said, we also know that a hibernating animal inside or too close to your home can be a serious problem, and the same is true in the spring when animals begin to stir. Animals emerging from hibernation and desperate for food are often the most dangerous to humans. Some animals (especially rodents) may seek to avoid hibernating altogether by residing in your home.

If you have a wildlife problem, your wisest course is the animal control experts at Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We provide effective and humane solutions, and nobody does it better. Contact us today and let us help.

Can You Ignore A Rodent Problem?

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 14:35:55 GMT

How Fast Can A Rodent Problem Get Out Of Hand?

Regarding infestations, rodents are among the pests that can do an extraordinary amount of damage in a short amount of time. If you notice signs of an infestation but choose to put off taking care of it, you may be astonished at how quickly the problem can multiply. It will likely worsen exponentially until it reaches a full-scale takeover of your home or business. Ignoring a rodent infestation puts your health and property at risk.

One of the reasons infestations get out of hand so quickly is that they breed incredibly fast. What starts as a small problem can skyrocket to a massive one in no time, becoming unmanageable for home and business owners. Rats become fully mature and start having their babies after six weeks. A study published in the National Library of Medicine says a single day in a rodent's life is equivalent to about 35 days in a human's life. As a result, they can produce about eight litters a year with an average of 7-10 pups per litter, though they've been known to have as many as 14. If you start with just a couple of rodents in your home or business, you can have dozens within a few short weeks.

Rodents' gnawing habits do massive amounts of damage to your property over time, and every day they're allowed to flourish, the greater the likelihood that something could go wrong due to that destruction. Their teeth constantly grow throughout their lives, with rats' incisors expanding by four inches yearly, that's about a millimeter a day. These creatures chew and gnaw to wear their teeth down; if they don't, the front teeth grow so that they cannot eat. Mice completely renew their front teeth in 35-45 days.

Rodents gnaw on wood, plaster, and concrete and chew at aluminum siding, wallboard, or paneling. A favorite of theirs, however, is wiring. Although they don't seem to be a huge fan of metal for their chewing, they like the protective coating because it's easy for them to hold the wires in place, and the cylindrical shape makes it easy to reach their teeth efficiently. Unfortunately, chewing wires causes fires in homes and businesses across the United States and the world yearly. The problem is so bad that various Health Departments have said fires attributed to an "unknown origin" can be assumed to have started because of mice or rats.

It isn't just their teeth grinding that does damage; rats also wreak havoc through their burrowing. The longer rodent populations are left unchecked, the more damage they'll do, and rats are known to burrow near your home's foundation to create nests. The rodents use underground pathways to store food or to escape if they sense danger. They'll create more tunnels and rooms as the family gets larger. If the nests grow enough in size, they can cause foundation cracking and eventually damage the structural integrity of the entire building.

They have also been known to attack humans, a problem becoming increasingly common as humans and rodents come into contact with one another more often. Rats have even been known to bite babies in their cribs as the smell of milk dripping from bottles onto the baby or into the crib attracts them.

They are a threat to your health in other ways, too. The International Food Safety and Quality Network estimates rodents contaminate as much as 20% of the world's food supply. Rats and mice are known to spread various pathogens and diseases, including Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, Monkeypox, Rate Bite Fever, Salmonellosis, and many more. Those can be transferred through direct contacts, like being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent, but you can also be exposed without even realizing there's one in the area. Breathing in contaminated air, touching contaminated materials, inadvertently touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, or ingesting food contaminated by the animals can spread disease. Their hair, urine, and feces enter the food they contact as they forage, spreading those germs further.

The longer these problems are allowed to persist, the worse they'll get. Whether you're facing an infestation or hoping to avoid one, Natural State Wildlife can help. We use humane but thorough, systematic methods that ensure the problem is not only remedied but that it doesn't return. Our locally-owned business is licensed, insured, and dedicated to serving Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Contact us today for more information on rodent removal, exclusion , and damage repair .

What To Do If You Encounter A Wounded Animal

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 02:21:47 GMT

The Best Way To Help A Wounded Animal

Although wild animals are meant to stay in the wild, they wander into areas where they can collide with people from time to time. They can be beautiful to view from afar, but closer encounters can become dangerous fast. So, what happens if you see an animal that appears to be wounded and clearly needs help? Approach or back off? The truth is the response may need to vary depending on the situation.

For the most part, you should view injured animals with extreme caution. Wild animals become more aggressive when wounded because they're scared and confused and may think you're trying to capitalize on their vulnerable state. They're more likely to lash out and bite or scratch you than to accept your help. A Wyoming woman , for instance, was gored by a deer right outside her door. They can also spread various diseases that could harm you and your pets.

Sick or injured animals may wander onto your property. They could be looking for shelter or in an altered state of consciousness and not understand where they are. Rabies, for instance, can cause animals to appear injured. It can be dangerous to approach animals that appear in this state, and calling a professional for help is the proper approach. The same holds true if a wild animal dies on your property. There are laws regarding the disposal of large animals.

Another common way people encounter wild animals is because they accidentally hit one with their car. The natural response may be to want to get out of the vehicle and check on the animal. That's extremely dangerous for several reasons. First, parking your car on the side or middle of the road and wandering out into the street could lead to further car accidents. Also, animals may feel threatened as you approach and lash out, trying to defend themselves from what they perceive as an attack. Deer, for instance, are known for attacking people who hit them with their cars and get out to check on them. If the animal's presence on the road is hazardous to passing drivers, then it is appropriate to call the police.

People also find sick or injured birds or birds that have fallen from their nests. Hatchlings are baby birds that are young enough that they don't yet have feathers. Those can be treated differently from feathered birds. Nestlings might break their wings falling out of their nests, and there are ways to return them to their parents carefully, so they'll be accepted and cared for. It's still important to wash your hands after handling the creature. However, if the bird is older and has feathers, you put yourself at significant risk of exposure to disease and bacteria. Birds can spread salmonella and carry things like Cryptococcosis and Histoplasmosis. Those illnesses, and ones like Psittacosis, can spread even without touching the bird. People can pick it up from bacteria in droppings and respiratory droplets from infected animals. Young birds have naturally high death rates, which keeps their population in check; although it may be sad, if you see a hurt bird, it's best to leave it alone.

Remember, your decision on how to act if you see an injured animal shouldn't be based on instinct alone. Arkansas has laws about whether you can handle or keep certain animals. The state allows people to keep bobcats , coyotes, gray and red foxes, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels found in the wild. If you decide to keep that animal, it's mandatory to keep it permanently unless it's a white-tailed deer. You can give the deer to a wildlife rehabilitator, who can return it to the wild. You are not allowed to keep birds captured from the wild, nor things like bats or anything else that lives in a cave, box or snapping turtles, or endangered species.

If you encounter wounded wildlife in public, you should call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or Fish and Wildlife. On private property, contact Natural State Wildlife Solutions, and we can take care of the needs of your home or business on top of removing the animal.

Overall, it is best to leave wild animals alone or leave them to the experts. Wildlife handling takes training, experience, special tools, and expertise. Natural State Wildlife Solutions professionals have those things covered, and we're right here in Northwest Arkansas. We not only fix the infestation but also take steps to ensure the incident doesn't repeat itself. Contact us today for an estimate or for more information about our services.

Superstitions About Wildlife

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 17:08:41 GMT

Interesting Myths And Superstitions About Wildlife

Superstitions are an integral part of our history and folklore. When superstition is repeated often enough, it can become mistaken as fact and ingrained in our culture. Superstitions, even the crazy, unbelievable ones, have profoundly affected human behavior since the beginning of time. Even when they defy logic, we still cannot seem to help ourselves. To this day, we don’t walk under ladders. We throw spilled salt over our shoulders. We avoid black cats. And we know you’ve hopped over a sidewalk crack a time or two to spare your mother’s back. But aside from those familiar classics, did you know there are some interesting superstitions about wildlife too?

The Crow – A Harbinger Of Doom, Death, And Evil

With their dark black feathers, beady eyes, and a haunting cry that many people find grating, it’s not hard to see why the crow gets a dubious rap. Cultures worldwide have perceived this highly intelligent bird as much more than an animal. In Greek mythology, the crow is a messenger that travels between the mortal and spiritual realms. In Ireland, they are the mischievous spirits of faeries. In Native American folklore, the crow is a trickster. In England, they are the consorts of witches, and in the United States, they are an omen of bad luck. A group of crows is even called a murder. So, do crows deserve this reputation? Absolutely not, although they can certainly be a nuisance to homeowners. But will the superstitions surrounding crows likely ever fade away? As Edgar Allan Poe famously wrote in his poem The Raven, “Nevermore!”

Owls, Witches, And Hauntings

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you probably know that owls are famously associated with witchcraft, but that was no J.K. Rowling invention. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed witches could transform themselves into owls, and old folk tales abound that say witches used owls as messengers. Another known myth states that hearing an owl hoot three times is bad luck. Perhaps most intriguing, we’ve also heard that owls often cohabitate with ghosts, and a nesting owl’s presence is a sure sign that the place is haunted. The owl is an enigmatic and interesting animal, to be sure, and known for its intelligence and wisdom. But believing these superstitions? Not so wise.

Bats & Vampires

The connection between bats and vampire lore is legendary, and we have Bram Stoker’s Dracula to thank for that. But did you know that the old superstition about bats drinking human blood has actually been proven true? In 2017 scientists discovered that Diphylla ecaudata, also known as the hairy-legged vampire bat, had indeed fed on human blood during an analysis of their feces. (The good news is that bat is native to Brazil. But not such great news? There are vampire bats in Mexico, although they haven’t been discovered in the United States. Yet.

The Sly Fox

Superstitions about foxes abound, portraying this misunderstood mammal as sly, sneaky, and deceptive. This perception goes back to the Incas. Yes, foxes are incredibly clever. And interestingly, studies show that the more domesticated and friendlier foxes become with humans, the smarter they get. But are foxes malicious? No, although they are predators and are known to cause headaches for homeowners, especially those who own livestock. When an intelligent fox repeatedly finds a way to break into your hen house, you probably won’t have many good things to say about them.

Snakes – The Ultimate Symbol Of Evil And Temptation

Snakes. Although some people love them, most people fear and dislike them. Our mistrust of these animals takes us straight back to the Bible and the Garden of Eden. Snakes are the ultimate representation of evil and are linked with Satan himself. But as wicked looking as these serpents may be, they are not inherently evil. Indeed, snakes are an important part of the world’s ecosystems and might even be considered a “keystone” animal. They typically help keep food chains in the natural world balanced because they are apex predators. On the other hand, snakes can be invasive and cause problems for homeowners, too.

The Ultimate Truth About Wildlife Superstitions

Superstitions are myths, but they begin with some kernel of truth, usually when someone has a problem with something. The same holds for wildlife, too. When an animal damages your home, makes you feel threatened, or otherwise harms you, it’s important to remember that the animal is just trying to survive and is probably just as afraid of you as you are of it. For reliable wildlife solutions without the myths and mayhem, reach out to Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We deal in super service, not superstitions, and we are here for you when you need us.

How To Choose A Wildlife Removal Company

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 01:56:06 GMT

Choosing The Best Wildlife Removal Professional Is Important

While humans need to coexist peacefully with wild animals, the inconvenient truth is that they can still be a nuisance to well-intentioned homeowners. Dangerous wildlife, such as coyotes and bobcats , may wander onto the premises in search of food or shelter. Though more likely to avoid people and rarely aggressive when left to their own devices, they can still pose a threat to children or outdoor pets. Even seemingly harmless animals can be troublesome, causing costly property damage. For example, rodents are known for chewing through electrical wiring, and gophers have a habit of tearing through landscaping.

No matter how much we admire and care for the natural world around us, sometimes wildlife removal is simply unavoidable. Though the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission loosely regulates the industry, taking matters into your own hands can still be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing . The best and most convenient option is to search for a trustworthy wildlife removal service to take care of the problem for you.

Vetting Wildlife Removal Services In Arkansas

Humane removal often involves many procedural steps, and essential safety equipment is non-negotiable. The first step to choosing a wildlife removal service is to conduct adequate research. First and foremost, ensure that the company in question is licensed and insured with the proper training. Additionally, you want to obtain a detailed breakdown of their service costs.

As with most professional services, reliability is one of the most important characteristics. An esteemed company can be trusted to act appropriately in your home and respect your privacy and property. Reading reviews from past customers is an excellent way to gauge a company’s history. Once you find a viable option, have them perform an on-site inspection. During the assessment, ask questions about their removal process. A reputable wildlife removal service not only answers your inquiries but also provides detailed solutions and exclusion strategies.

Most of the time, removal is only a temporary solution. Long-term strategies that prevent curious animals from gaining access to your home and property are generally preferable. Additionally, try to look for a company that specializes in prevention and exclusion in addition to removal.

Red Flags To Watch Out For

Perhaps the biggest red flag is an aversion to answering your questions. A reputable wildlife removal service should have no problem answering your questions and should eagerly take the time to explain things to you. Exchanging information is essential, and well-intentioned technicians should openly share helpful tips and strategies.

When it comes to the wildlife removal industry, experience is certainly something to prioritize. A wildlife removal company that is well-established and highly experienced with the local wildlife is more likely to know how to handle specific species properly. There may be location-specific information that is essential for effective and humane removal.

Responsible & Humane Wildlife Removal Services In Northwest Arkansas

Wildlife removal does not have to be inhumane or inconvenient. By partnering with a professional wildlife removal company, you can learn more about the wildlife in your area in addition to how you can prevent further issues. Wildlife removal companies worth your time also offer damage repair and exclusion. Natural State Wildlife Solutions even offers habitat modification and has over a decade of experience dealing humanely with Arkansas fauna and assessing and repairing the damage they cause. Contact us today to learn more about how our trained personnel can remove intrusive wildlife and provide long-term solutions. When you contact us, you are contacting the #1 rated wildlife removal company in the area.

Can You Relocate Gophers?

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 20:53:53 GMT

It's Not Only Impractical To Relocate Gophers It's Inhumane

When removing animals that carry disease and endanger humans, it is important to consider the available options. Pocket gophers are an unprotected species that are incompatible with the health of humans and other animals. They also prevent the proper use of the property by humans. When dealing with pocket gophers, first consider the specific animal being removed. They are not protected by law as many similar animals are. Prairie dogs, for example, present completely different removal options and legal restrictions.

Pocket gophers and prairie dogs are similar but are very different animals. Prairie dogs are squirrel family members. Gophers are part of a separate animal family and solitary animals that do not like interfering with others' space. They live underground and constantly burrow and move soil. Prairie dogs are social animals and live in groups, spending most of their time above-ground.

Poisoning as a method of control can be hazardous to humans and other animals in the area. Killing a non-targeted animal with these specific poisons is illegal in some areas . The use of smoke or repellents is generally ineffective, especially in developed regions. Using these methods does not allow for an accurate determination of whether all the gophers have been removed. Additionally, poisoning and repelling are not humane.

A one-time live capture and release of pocket gophers is not a practical option for removing them from habitats shared with humans. They are very resilient and spend their time underground in the burrows they dig. Attempts at one-time live trapping involve extensive excavation of burrow habitats and disrupting the area's availability for human activity. In some areas, sixty solitary animals can thrive and dig an inordinate number of burrows. Even if such extensive and expensive measures are taken, the level of disruption of the animal's habitat may not be enough. There would not be a specific way to know if the total removal from the subject area had been accomplished. At Natural State Wildlife Solutions, we have found that a program of monthly control works best. If one breeding pair is missed in the trapping, the population can be replenished within two years.

Even if the live-trapping were feasible, there is no humane method for releasing them into the wild. These creatures are born in burrows and spend their entire lives there. If released into a habitat with no burrow they can use, they suffer and die. They are not social animals and would not share their burrow with newly transplanted animals into their habitat. It is also essential to consider the humane treatment of gophers and the unnecessary trauma caused by live-trapping and animal transfer to an unknown environment. It would be cruel to individual animals to be displaced by a mechanical trap and then die a stressful death. Further, trans-located mammals that carry diseases have been shown to cause rapid and uncontrolled disease dissemination, including rabies.

In the wild, an ecosystem can support just so many animals. The habitat where previously trapped gophers would be released could end up being taxed beyond sustainability. These conditions present two unpleasant options. Food scarcity becomes prevalent, and the gophers and other animals slowly starve and die a long, agonizing death. The second scenario is that animals who prey on gophers like foxes , weasels, snakes , coyotes , and more flourish and upset the delicate balance of the food chain. After a time, the area becomes unable to sustain the remaining wildlife.

Another thing to consider is that gophers are aware of their surroundings. They know where to go when they are hungry, look for a mate, and escape when threatened. Without this "cognitive geography," relocated animals have a hard time finding food and sufficient places to live. In a limited study of relocated grey squirrels , 97% of them had disappeared from the relocation area within eighty-eight days.

In the case of gophers, the disappearance may mean the animal has found its way back home. In a study in Southwest Arkansas, Baird's pocket gophers were captured, fitted with tracking devices, and released within a 5-acre plot of land. The average time to recapture was eight days.

Should I Be Concerned About Birds In My Yard?

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 23:27:24 GMT

When Seemingly Harmless Birds Create Destruction And Health Issues

Birds are not typically an animal that we think of as a nuisance. In fact, they are one of our most popular household pets. We erect birdfeeders in our yards and go on birdwatching trips to observe them in their natural habitats. We even protect them with federal laws to support their continued well-being. We love and admire them in multiple ways, and co-existing peacefully with birds has become an ingrained part of our culture. But despite their obvious beauty, charm, and the good we know they do for our environment, they can still become a nuisance. Our flying friends can create numerous costly issues for homeowners in Northwest Arkansas and many other locations around the globe.

When Birds Become A Nuisance

Birds are destructive when they nest in, on, or near our homes, which they seem fond of. Our homes attract them for many reasons, not only because you might have birdfeeders or birdhouses hung nearby. Our homes present a source of food, water, shelter, and nest-building materials. You might see a comfy lounge chair cushion, but a bird sees a source of fluffy, soft stuffing ideal for padding their nest.

They can damage a lot more than just our outdoor furniture, however. They enter attics, garages, sheds, eaves, vents, pipes, and more. They also damage insulation, wiring, siding, and other structural materials. Their nesting habits are of great concern, as they create blockages in gutters which can lead to a water-damaged roof, and in a chimney , the nests can block the flow of gases and create a fire hazard. They can also cause many costly issues with our home’s heating, air conditioning, drainage, and plumbing systems.

Additionally, they can make a mess of our surrounding landscapes. They tear up our lawns and flowerbeds, damage decor, and decimate our gardens. They even damage trees and other flora, especially when flocking in large numbers. Excessive amounts of bird waste in the soil can cause a nitrogen imbalance (sometimes referred to as nutrient burn) that stunts and sometimes kill vegetation. Bird droppings are also incredibly corrosive. Its uric acid can dissolve paint and other surfaces, which has been well known to destroy roofing. The damage it does to our cars is so prevalent there is even a name for it, "paint etching". At the very least, they can make a foul-smelling, unsightly mess. And at their worst, those droppings can make people and other animals very sick. They are often considered a mythical harbinger of spring, but in reality, they are a harbinger of diseases.

Health Concerns From Birds

Birds spread numerous zoonotic diseases, including E. Coli, Histoplasmosis, Encephalitis, Salmonellosis, SARS, various flu strains such as H1N1, and more. They also carry parasites like tick s, worms, lice, and mites. Coming into contact with their droppings, feathers, nesting materials, or other related debris can put your health at risk, and you do not even need to have direct contact with a bird to become ill. Some of those dangerous pathogens, such as histoplasmosis, are airborne diseases. If you have them in your attic , you are at risk. The dust created by dried droppings can contaminate the air, which is then circulated throughout your home by the HVAC system. The parasites they carry often leave their host animals to seek out new ones (especially if the host dies), and if they are around your home, that means you.

In short, allowing birds to nest inside or around your home is not a good idea. When they get too close to our personal space or take advantage of our benevolent nature, it can mean nothing but trouble.

The Nuisance Birds of Arkansas

There are more than 400 species of birds in Arkansas, many of which can cause problems for homeowners, including pigeons , sparrow s , starlings , crows and more. They are intelligent, territorial, and capable of being very stubborn. Getting rid of them when they cause problems can be very difficult and frustrating. Trying to chase them away rarely works, and there are also laws regarding what actions we can and cannot take. If you have a nuisance bird issue, it is a problem that requires professional help.

Your Best Solution To Bird Problems

Natural State Wildlife Solutions is your best answer if you have a problem with nuisance birds. As the top-rated nuisance wildlife experts in Northwest Arkansas, you can rely on us to handle the issue swiftly, efficiently, and humanely. Contact us today and let us know how we can assist you.

Snake Encounters

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 20:37:11 GMT

Everything You Need To Know About The Poisonous Snakes Of Arkansas

The stunning natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley is simply unparalleled. Many of us cannot even imagine being anywhere else yet living here in our little corner of paradise does come with its share of dangers, including many poisonous snakes in the area. It’s a bit of a conundrum. After all, it’s their home too, and they play an important, essential role in the local ecosystem. While we cannot simply exterminate them, we can learn to coexist with them peacefully. Knowledge is the key.

Identifying Arkansas’s Venomous Snakes

There are presently 39 known species of snakes native to Arkansas , only 6 of which are venomous:

Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Appearance: Tan with darker brown hourglass-shaped bands on its back, sometimes thinly bordered with white. Their underside is usually without a pattern, but you might see lower spots between the bands extending down onto the belly. They have elliptical-shaped pupils. Adults average 24” to 36” in length. Juveniles have a bright yellow tail, which fades away as it matures.

Favored Habitat: Hardwood forests, rocky areas, brushy fields, and hillsides.

Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Appearance: Black or with dark, muddled patterning. It has a dark stripe that runs from nostril to neck. The scales around its mouth are lighter and without vertical bars. It has elliptical pupils. When disturbed, it often opens its jaws and displays the white “cotton mouth,” for which it is named. Adults average 24” to 36” in length. Juveniles have a bolder pattern and a yellowish-green tail.

Favored Habitat: Aquatic. They prefer wetland habitats like swamps, lakes, marshes, ponds, drainage ditches, and streams. However, they also venture over land and can sometimes be found far from permanent water sources.

Texas Gulf-Coast Coral Snake (Micrurus tener)

Appearance: Alternating black, red (sometimes speckled with black), and yellow bands that extend onto the belly. Its snout is completely black, and the first colored band you’ll see next to it is yellow. Unlike most poisonous snakes, their pupils are round, not elliptical. To differentiate this coral from others, note that the red band on this one touches the yellow. A common, helpful rhyme goes, “Red on black, venom lack. Red on yellow, kill a fellow.” Adults can grow as long as 48” but usually average only 24”. Juveniles have the same coloring as adults.

Favored Habitat: Moist pine, hardwood, and mixed pine/hardwood forests. Likes loose, sandy soil, pine straw, leaf litter, and debris like fallen logs or lumber piles.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Appearance: Gray, yellow, or light brown with darker, chevron-shaped crossbands and a rust-colored mid-dorsal stripe. Its head has a darker band from the eye to the jawline (not always obvious) with elliptical pupils. The tail has a rattle (the trait it is named for), producing a crisp “cha-cha-cha” sound to ward off unwanted attention. Adults average from 36” to 60” in length, but larger specimens are not unusual. Juveniles display the same pattern as adults but tend to be more muted in color and won’t have a functioning rattle until after its first molt.

Favored Habitat: Hardwood, pine, and bottomland forests. They also like rocky areas, leaf-littered or brushy fields, and hillsides.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)

Appearance: Mottled brown, tan, and black body with large, diamond-shaped mid-dorsal patches edged with white except near the tail. The head is triangular and has two dark, diagonal lines on each side running from eye to jaw. The tail has a rattle and distinct white bands alternating with black, sometimes referred to as a “coon” tail. Its pupils (like most venomous snakes) are elliptical. Adults can range from 3 to 5 ft. long, but larger ones have been found. Juveniles sport the same patterns but may be more muted in color. Also, like other rattlesnakes, juveniles have a “button” at the tail at birth where the rattle grows, but the segments of the rattle (and their ability to make sound) only develop with each molt.

Favored Habitat: Likes upland, rocky open areas, pine and hardwood forests, and rocky, sunny outcrops.

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius)

Appearance: This is a smaller rattlesnake. Its body is typically gray, bluish, or brownish. It has black, incomplete banded spots with gaps along the sides and a rust-colored mid-dorsal stripe. The head is boldly patterned, its pupils are elliptical, and it has a very small rattle. Its sound has been compared more to a buzzing insect than a typical rattlesnake. Adults average 14” to 22” in length. Juveniles are often lighter in color and have a yellow spot at the tip of the tail. Like other rattlers, juveniles cannot rattle until after their first molt.

Favored Habitat: Likes hardwood, pine, and mixed forests as well as open, brushy lowlands.

How To Minimize Encounters

Contrary to the way snakes are sometimes portrayed in movies and media, they are not aggressive towards humans. They won’t typically bite unless threatened and usually try to run (slither) away first. The following tips can greatly minimize your chances of a snake encounter:

Only walk on paths with good visibility and little ground cover where one could be concealed. If walking at night, carry a light. Make noise so animals know you are coming (carrying a walking stick is great for this), and watch where you step. Try not to displace rocks or logs, and don’t step over obstacles unless you can see where you are stepping.

Be mindful of where you put your hands. Don’t put your fingers under debris or in places you cannot see. (If you must turn something over, use a pole or branch and stand back when you do it.)

Wear boots or close-toed shoes and long pants when doing outdoor work or moving through areas known for snakes.

Snakes are cold-blooded and need to use their environment to regulate their body temperature. In the summer heat, expect them to be more active at night. During fall or spring, they are likely to be looking for sunny spots to warm up during the day. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly.

If you see a snake in the distance, do not approach it, but make enough noise so that it knows you are there. If you come into proximity by accident, slowly and calmly back away and remove yourself from its path, and do not try to kill it. (It is illegal to do so in Arkansas except when under direct threat.

What To Do If You Are Bitten By A Snake

Snakebites are fairly uncommon, but they do happen. Rattlesnakes are the worst offenders and account for approximately 63% of the bites in the state. Deaths are extremely rare, however. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, only three deaths from snakebite have been recorded here, and those happened many decades ago. Here’s what to do (and what not to do) if you’ve been bitten by a snake :

First of all, ignore what you’ve seen in movies and television. Those actions are dramatized, not based on fact, and usually do more harm than good.

Don’t cut in or around the wound.

Don’t try to suck out the venom.

Don’t apply a tourniquet.

Don’t use a snakebite kit. Those typically espouse outdated ideas on treating the bite and contain items you should not use, like a blade for cutting, a tourniquet, and a suction device.

Don’t apply ice. It won’t help and could cause frostbite.

Don’t run or exert yourself. Lie down if possible.

Do remain calm and keep your heart rate down as much as possible.

Do immobilize the bitten area or limb as best you can and keep clothing and jewelry away from it. Try and keep the bitten area at or below the level of your heart.

Do clean the wound with alcohol or clean soapy water if you have it available.

Do stop whatever activity you were engaged in and go to the hospital immediately. Call 911 if medical transport is necessary. (Anti-venom should ideally be administered within 4 hours.)

Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (it can speed up the effects of the venom).

Do remember what the snake looked like so you can describe it later. (Take a picture if you can, but do not try to capture it.) And, even if you are fairly sure it wasn’t venomous, seek treatment. Better safe than sorry.

How To Deal With Snake Problems Around Your Home Or Business

If you have a snake on your property that needs to be removed or other snake issues (whether venomous or not), avoid the temptation to handle the animals yourself. Please contact a professional for assistance like Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We are the leading local experts. We can swiftly and humanely remove the snake threat and advise on preventative measures to help keep them away.

DIY Attic Restoration

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 15:56:56 GMT

The Challenges Of DIY Attic Restoration?

Attics are often stuffed with items and then forgotten about. In that time, wildlife can start-up an entire community, causing damage slowly and silently until the space is nearly unrecognizable.

The U.S. Fire Administration says there are 10,000 attic fires annually, costing Americans $477 million in property damage. Those fires' leading cause is an electrical malfunction, which becomes dramatically more likely when you have critters gnawing on your wires.

The CDC warns that you might not think about many places that animals could contaminate after an infestation. For instance, if the insulation within your attic comes into contact with a pest's urine or feces, it needs to be removed and replaced. If your attic isn't properly ventilated and insulated, moisture can accumulate in the summer, which many pests find incredibly appealing.

Attics are not constructed the same, and those differences can matter greatly when assessing the damage caused by wildlife. For instance, if you have a trussed roof, the framing can connect at angles that make the space weaker than one framed with rafters and more susceptible to pressure. If you suspect an animal may have set up shop in your attic, it's best to let a professional check the area for an infestation.

Bats

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say bats must not be allowed into your home. Bats can do damage in an instant. Because they can eat twice their body weight in a single night, that means a lot of guano. Attics are dusty on their own, but as bats' guano dries, it becomes incorporated into that dust and carries bacteria that can cause Histoplasmosis. The problem is so extreme that even kicking up dust is dangerous. You can become extremely sick if you try to clean that stuff up yourself without professional protective gear and expertise. Bats are also one of the most common rabies carriers, and their teeth are so small and sharp that many people don't realize when they've been bitten.

Raccoons

Raccoons are sneaky devils and love to set up dens in chimneys and attics. Young raccoons don't leave the nest until they're more than two months old, so mother raccoons love to use attics as a hiding space while the babies grow up. They are known to become frantic and massively destructive when they feel threatened or think their young could be in danger. If you approach the animal without knowing how to do so, you are putting yourself in harm's way. Damaged insulation can cause your energy bill can skyrocket. The government has specific requirements about how insulation in the attic must be maintained and how it must be replaced and disposed of if it's damaged.

Once you realize you have a raccoon in the attic, getting rid of it is another problem entirely. Many states, including Arkansas, have laws about trapping and relocating raccoons. The animals can attack if startled and can carry rabies. They also can carry roundworm, which can spread to people and pets by merely coming into contact with the animal's feces or urine.

Squirrels

Most of their time is spent in trees, but they often substitute attics as nesting spots. Squirrels have long, curved claws and sharp teeth to pierce through nuts and seeds. Those same appendages are the perfect tools for wreaking havoc in your attic. Though they can grow to over a foot and often weigh more than a pound, they can sneak in through holes that start extremely small. They chew and scratch to make the hole large enough to fit themselves through and for materials they use for a nest. They can chew through the glue that binds storage boxes and wiring, creating a fire hazard. That risk goes up if you try to fumble around with those wires without knowing what you're doing. The holes they cause can mean significant problems for the attic's stability. The EPA has stringent rules on how to get squirrels out of an attic. Because of that, the Agency says integrated pest management solutions are a must.

Attic Restoration

It would be best to have someone with experience who can be precise throughout a job like that. The licensed and insured professionals at Natural State Wildlife Solutions can ensure that is the case. We're not interested in tricks, and we won't waste your time. The Northwest Arkansas and River Valley Area communities trust our services because we get the job done quickly, effectively, and affordably. We get them out, prevent them from coming back, clean up after them, and restore your attic. Contact us today for an estimate.

Avoid Wild Animal Issues In The Spring

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 02:07:12 GMT

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. Coyot e 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 snake s , 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.

Rodent s 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.

Possum vs Opossum

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:37:57 GMT

Difference Between Possum And Opossum - Is There One?

Most people assume the word "opossum" is the scientific word for "possum." Ready for a shocker? That's not at all the case. Possums are found in Australia and New Guinea, whereas Opossums are located in North America.

Captain John Smit h , who helped found the Jamestown colony in Virginia, is credited for naming the opossum back in the 1600s. He called the animal "aposoum," which means "white beast" in the Algonquian language used in Virginia in the 17th century. The first known use of the word came in 1610. A passage from the work, A True Declaration of the Estate of the Colonie in Virginia reads, "There are Arocouns, and Apossouns, in shape like to pigges, shrowded in hollow roots of trees; There are Hares and Conies, and other beasts proper to the Countrie in plentifull manner." More than 100 years later, the naturalist Sir Joseph Banks went with Captain James Cook to Australia and saw an animal that he compared to "an animal of the Opossum tribe." That animal later became known as a "possum."

Linguistically, there are some significant causes of confusion. Of course, the words themselves are very close and refer to confusable animals. Phrases also aid in the mix-up. For instance, when Americans say someone or something is "playing possum," meaning "playing dead," they are referring to an opossum. The two do have their similarities: both are marsupials, furry, and nocturnal. Other than that, though, they are very much their own creatures.

Opossum

America's only marsupial was initially found in the southern United States but has been working its way north and becoming more common in Michigan and Ohio over the years. As adults, opossum s are about the size of a house cat. They have coarse, grey fur and a long tail that resembles a snake due to its scales. Their toes are pink, and their fangs are sharp, with a long, triangular snout and a pink nose. Its hairless ears are often at risk of frostbite during the harsh winters in the Northeast.

Baby opossums are typically born in March or April, with nine pups to a litter. The babies are born underdeveloped and have to crawl into their mothers' pouch and finish growing for about two months before they're able to leave. After that, the babies spend some time traveling on their mothers' backs, then finally go off on their own.

Opossums are known to create dens under people's homes or decks and take up residence in their attics. They sneak out at night to raid your trash or steal your pet's food. They will also try to sneak into your window well and find themselves stuck, scraping at the edge with their feet and damaging the walls. The animal can also strike when surprised or provoked, leaving a nasty bite.

Possum

There are 23 different species of the possum in Australia, the most common of which are the Brushtail Possum and the Ringtail Possum. The animals are incredibly territorial and mark their chosen space with urine and an oil secreted from glands across their body. They spend most of their time in trees, but will also make their way onto your roof, chimney, or garage.

The Brushtail Possum has a pink noise and pointy face like the American opossum but has tall, round ears and a bushy tail. Rather than solely grey, its fur can also be black or golden-brown. The Brushtail Possum is blamed for transmitting Bovine Tuberculosis in New Zealand, and many are slaughtered to stop the spread of the disease. The Ringtail Possum, meanwhile, is aptly named. It has grey and white fur and russet notes on its tail and limbs. This particular species is not found in New Zealand. Possums were introduced in New Zealand as part of the 19th-century fur trade. The population has since exploded into a nuisance. The problem is so bad that the government had to establish the National Possum Control Agencies in the 1990s.

People Who Know What They're Talking About

When taking care of nuisance wildlife, you need someone who really understands what they're up against. At Natural State Wildlife, we know that no two situations are precisely the same. We'll work with you to find what's best for your home or business and ensure the most effective service possible. There's a reason why we're the most trusted wildlife removal and control company in Bentonville, Arkansas , and the surrounding counties. Contact us today for an estimate.

Understanding Wildlife Activity

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 02:24:12 GMT

Seasonal Changes And Wildlife Activity

Spotting a wild animal out of place can be alarming. Humans and wild creatures simply weren’t made to mix, and for the most part, we both keep our distance. But certain times of the year, animals have different habits or behavioral patterns that make them more likely to roam or run into human spaces. It’s good to be aware of the seasonal changes that can put you near wildlife.

There are more than 650 different species of birds in North America, and over half go on an annual migration to areas with more plentiful resources. Since Arkansas is in the Northern Hemisphere, bird s here migrate northward in the spring, seeking out plants that are just starting to bud, insects emerging from their eggs, and areas to nest that are still up for grabs. Arkansas sits in a pathway of birds moving between hemispheres, and we tend to see quite a lot in transitional seasons. The ruby-throated hummingbird and certain types of buntings and warblers are ones bird-watchers tend to seek out, but with the beauty comes the beast. Crows, sparrows, and starlings look for new homes in the spring, and if your home is on the list, they may never leave. These three pests can leave a trail of destruction in your yard, and disease carrying feces in your home.

The main reasons wild animals approach human habitats are that they’re looking for food or shelter. Just like humans, animals want a place to keep warm in the winter. Even semi-aquatic animals like beavers , muskrats , and otters have changes to their bodies and habits based on the season. For instance, beavers are much larger during the summer because they shrink during the winter as they are lower in body mass but develop a thicker coat. None of those animals migrate or hibernate and are instead active year-round, gnawing away at bark and hunting for fish in the rivers. When freezing weather makes food hard to find, they travel further from their dens and can end up on your property. From afar these animals may look cute, but otters, especially, are an aggressive predator.

Of course, body size plays an enormous role in how animals react to temperature changes. Larger animals can fast for longer periods than small animals because the smaller ones tend to have faster metabolisms. Larger animals can also adjust their diets more easily, eating more flora like fruit, vegetables, and nuts in the summer and more fauna like small animals and bugs in the winter. It’s in the winter that the large mammals are more likely to roam around searching for food. Many larger mammals like bobcats , coyotes , and foxes that we see in Arkansas tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. They’ve also been spotted around Arkansas homes more and more often, sometimes seeking shelter below people’s decks or hunting for their pets when other food becomes scarcer.

Size also impacts where you’re likely to see the animal. For instance, rodents like mice , rats , and squirrels are very small and can squeeze into tiny holes and openings to make their way into your home or business. Your attic is the perfect spot for them to hunker down for the winter. Insulation makes for nice warm nesting material and a great place to multiply come spring. As the weather warms, you may go from seeing no signs of a problem to a full-on infestation.

Reptiles are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Since they’re cold-blooded, they seek sunlight to warm up or shade and water to help cool them down. In the colder months, reptiles like snakes , lizards, and skinks would love to find a nice warm place like your home. However, those that don’t often sit in the middle of pathways or roads trying to get some sunshine, and because the cold makes them a bit lethargic, they are easier to stumble upon. These animals are the most active in the hotter times of the year, and especially active near your home if you have a rodent problem.

If you find yourself close to a wild animal, keeping your distance is very important because they may attack if they’re scared or startled, protecting their young, or if they’re hungry and confused. If you’ve got a nuisance wildlife problem, it’s important to call on the experts at Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We can seal off weak points on your property and entryways the animals use to get into your home with exclusion . Closing things off while simultaneously removing the animals is the winning formula we use. We can also repair the damage they have caused. Contact us today for an estimate.

Keep Wildlife Out

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 01:25:40 GMT

Keep Wildlife Outside This Winter

When animals sneak into your home or business, they’re after the same things constantly: food, water, and – especially in the winter – shelter. Northwest Arkansas goes three months with average temperatures dipping below freezing in the evening. Although plenty of animals have a good coat of fur, animals, like people, would prefer to be out of the elements when temperatures get that low. That’s why it’s so important to work on keeping them out before the cold starts pushing them in. To do that requires combining multiple strategies, trapping the animals currently on your property or in your home, then taking steps to ensure they don’t return, while bolstering your building’s ability to keep the wildlife out.

Keeping things clean inside the house isn’t enough; you’re better off making sure they don’t approach your property in the first place. When you start on your wildlife exclusio n efforts, you should first look for things that could be attracting them to your property. Make sure plants or bushes close to your doorways or windows are trimmed back, so animals like squirrels , raccoons , mice , and rats can’t use the greenery for cover, and then walk through the front door when the opportunity presents itself. Overhanging tree limbs should be cut back to ensure an animal can’t hop from the branches to your roof. Woodpiles should be stacked far from the building because they are a favorite nesting place of raccoons.

Getting rid of easy water sources is a quick and effective way to discourage them. You should look for standing water that pools up in your lawn or accumulates in flowerpots, old tires, and clogged gutters. Keeping your garbage can locked tight can eliminate the smells from wafting further away and calling to the wildlife. Bird feeders may bring in beautiful, winged animals, but they also make a great snack for squirrels to fill up on and then hop over to your roof and sneak into the attic. Ensuring your property is protected from wildlife means analyzing the entire space, not just the building itself.

In some cases, animals could be sneaking in through barely-noticeable holes and gaps, and there are many of those created when the building was constructed. Look for water, electric, and natural gas pipes, near floor joints, open crawl spaces, and washing machine and stove vents. Molding around doors and windows are especially susceptible to gnawed holes that animals use to make their way through. Those problems can be fixed by filling the holes in with caulking or covering them up with wire mesh, or both. The caulking isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation, though; there’s different material used for indoors versus outside. You’ll need to choose a durable formula that won’t crack when the thermometer reads lower than 32 degrees.

Most entries don’t occur by happenstance, however. Animals can be extremely innovative, and if they’re truly determined to find a way into your house, they often put in work to get there. That is why taking away the attractants is so important. The UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology says raccoons can tear off roof shingles and ventilators just to get into an attic and create a nest out of torn-up insulation. So, make sure they don’t have other hiding spaces like hollow trees, gaps underneath decks, or piles of brush. Many examples of nuisance wildlife are nocturnal, so installing floodlights that turn on when they sense movement can also go a long way in scaring the critters off.

Although there are some things you can take care of yourself to keep wildlife out, it’s important to have an expert examine the space. Then there is what to do if you trap a creature in your home. Professional technicians can find signs of animals that are nearly invisible to the untrained eye, inside and out. Beyond that, experts plan for possibilities, making sure to be proactive rather than reactionary in their exclusion efforts, saving you time and money in the long haul.

The licensed and certified professionals at Natural State Wildlife Solutions can inspect your property and assess the areas you may have missed and form an exclusion plan tailor-made to your home or business. We’ll examine every angle to make sure you aren’t left vulnerable to an invasion. Then we’ll formulate defensive strategies, get to work on the changes that need to be made immediately, and discuss other potential protections you may wish to install. Contact us to set up an inspection or for an estimate.

Wildlife Myths

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:05:05 GMT

Don't Belive Everything You Hear About Wildlife

In most of our day-to-day lives, humans and animals are separate from one another. An encounter with a wild animal can be scary for both the person and the creature. However, logical concerns about animals are often overshadowed by myths and misconceptions.

One of the animals with the most old wives’ tales surrounding it is the bat . They’ve been linked with death since the ancient Mesoamericans. The Mayan God Camazotz, named “Death Bat” in English, is believed to represent night, death, and sacrifice. The Zapotec Tribe believed this God was linked to a portal into the underworld. The thing they’re associated with most closely is vampires, and the fiction is somewhat based on reality. The vampire bat does feast on blood, but rarely humans. Also, bats are not blind.

Many myths about animals portray them as more deadly or powerful than they truly are. Native American mythology frequently displays skunks as evil monsters with deadly spray and poisonous meat. Some tribes, though, admired the animals for their self-defense tactics and believed the smelly spray could ward off disease. Today, the old wives’ tales revolve around the animal’s odor and how to get rid of it. You might have heard that tomato juice is the only way to get the stench out if a skunk sprays you , when in fact, it is quite far from the truth; tomato doesn’t break down the stench. Instead, you’re better off using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid, which counteracts the chemicals in the skunk’s fluid.

Snakes have also spent centuries as the main character in stories, and usually an evil one. The Greeks had Medusa, whose hair of serpents could turn people to stone. The Aztec God of wind and rain is Quetzalcoatl, a mix of bird and rattlesnake. A snake was the one to tempt Eve to bite into an apple in the Garden of Eden, leading the animal to be associated with lies and evil throughout Christian tradition. In Ireland, St. Patrick is said to have been attacked by snakes in the 400s, leading him to cast the entire species into the sea. The Vikings told a tale of a sea serpent, Jormungand, the son of Loki, who encircled his entire body around the planet and traded lives with Thor during Ragnarök, the battle that would end in the destruction of Earth.

There is a misconception that young snakes are more dangerous because their venom is different from that of adult snakes, but researchers have debunked that, saying different doesn’t necessarily mean more lethal. Some people also think they can tell whether a snake is venomous by looking at the shape of its head, but there a lot of non-venomous snakes that share the triangular-shaped heads of other more dangerous types like cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and copperheads.

One of the earliest old-wives’ tales we are told as children is that if we touch a toad, we’ll get warts. This myth probably came from the toad’s warty looking skin, but warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, and cannot be spread from a toad to a person. It is also not true that camels use their humps as water storage containers, or that armadillos curl up in a ball and roll away from a threat. When calling someone bird-brained, you may want to think twice. Perhaps it is because of the size of their brains that birds have been seen as dumb, buy they are one of the smartest creatures after primates and dolphins.

Moles have some pretty strange myths behind them. In the 18th century, it was believed that if you held a mole in your hand until it died, you would acquire a healing power. Over centuries, it was also believed that mole blood and body parts could cure epilepsy, goiter, protect against toothaches, and remove warts.

Some people believe if they come across a raccoon , it’s a sign that they should adjust in their lives, either accepting gifts sent by the universe or moving on from a certain situation or way of acting. One of the most common raccoon myths is that if you see one during the day, it probably has rabies. There are any number of reasons why we may see a nocturnal animal like a raccoon or a fox in the daylight. It is not a reason to believe they are rabid.

Many human-animal interactions could go much more smoothly if we knew what was true about wildlife. Fortunately, Natural State Wildlife Solution's technicians are specially trained to deal with nuisance animals. If you have a wildlife problem, don’t put your family at risk; contact us today.

Destruction Caused By Nuisance Wildlife

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 02:05:48 GMT

How Much Damage Can Nuisance Wildlife Due To Your Property?

YouTube is littered with videos of people being reckless with wild animals, and the number of exotic pets in the United States is at 50% of total pet ownershi p . That number would probably be much lower if we called them what they really are, wild animal pets. Our tolerance of these animals is probably built up from childhood, where these cute creatures are given human qualities. For example, there are over 50 raccoons in cartoons and movies, like Pocahontas and Dr. Dolittle. Squirrels may be the most popular animal stars with Rocky from Bullwinkle and SpongeBob’s Sandy Cheeks.

The warm fuzzy feelings we associate with those characters lead us to believe they are the same cute and cuddly creatures in the wild. We’ve been going so far as to invite them onto our properties with regular feedings. We sometimes fail to realize how destructive these creatures can be when they decide food isn’t enough and that you would make the perfect roommate.

It’s hard to believe squirrels were once the most popular pet in the US. They are relentless, and if there is no opening into your house, they can make one. Some of their favorite places to chew through are the soffits under the eaves of your roof. Fascia board and siding are no match for their sharp incisors, and the holes they create can allow water penetration which may lead to mold growth, termites, and infestations by other animals. Once inside, they head for the penthouse (the attic) because our attics can provide many amenities on the squirrel’s checklist.

Insulation makes for wonderful bedding and a warm, safe spot to build a nest. Even when not torn up, their feces and urine can contaminate whatever it touches, making for a hazardous and costly cleanup. If one should find its way into your home, the fun really begins, as an Atlanta couple found out . While on vacation, a wayward critter found itself trapped in their home. While trying to find a way out, the animal chewed the window frames and caused holes in many of the windows. When all was said and done, they needed to replace almost every window in the house. The rodent also chewed furniture, door frames and pooped throughout the house. In the end, there was over $15,000 in damages.

While a much bigger animal, raccoons are extremely smart, built to live up to the masked bandit nickname. Their super intelligence and dexterous fingers allowed them to open 11 out of 13 locks in a 1908 study . When ripping through our garbage is not enough; our home is the next stop. They can easily make their way in through open chimneys and can tear off roof shingles and roof vents to gain access. Like the squirrels, the attic makes a great place to nest, and they head there in late winter to have babies and cause similar destruction.

Chimneys offer similar conditions as raccoons find in hollowed-out trees with the added benefit of central heating. They can tear away the chimney lining for bedding. Blockages they cause in the chimney can result in a fire hazard. The chimney also provides access to the home’s ventilation and ductwork. Much of today’s ductwork is lined with or made from sheets of insulation that raccoons can easily tear up for bedding and nesting. The insulation also absorbs urine very easily. Due to the ductwork’s location, once contaminated, it can be quite costly to replace. You don’t want to find out the hard way that you have a raccoon problem like the woman who had several fall through her ceiling and then trash her bedroom.

While those rodents generally cause damage up top, skunks can launch a ground assault. They are best known for attacks on our noses, but their focus is typically on the strongest part of our homes, the foundation. With extremely powerful front paws and sharp claws, they dig burrows under foundations, leading to structural damage, leaks, compromised footings, and poor air quality. Fixing the foundation can cost more than $5,000. You shouldn’t discount the damage they can cause to property with their spray either. A wayward skunk found its way into a Colorado home. By the time it finished coating the home with spray, damages were about $9,000 to clean and repaint. Replacing the floors may boost that total to about 18k.

It’s hard to imagine tiny animals like birds and bats causing much damage. Crows, sparrows, and starlings often nest inside gutters, and the ensuing blockages can cause standing water to rise and infiltrate the roof. This can lead to water damage, insect infestations, and in extreme cases, a collapsed roof. Many birds travel in flocks, and if just 100 pigeons find your roof appealing, they can produce almost 5,000lbs of droppings in a year. That load was behind the roof collapse of a Vacaville, California, gas station.

Bat droppings can be equally devastating in your attic, contaminating whatever it touches. Bats can also chew on walls and insulation, and their nightly flights can expand openings created by other animals. On top of the physical damage, the bats’ damage can also lead to higher utility bills.

It is estimated that beavers are responsible for over $200 million in timber damages annually. While they generally don’t chew on our houses, the floods their dams can cause drown crops and compromise the structural integrity of our driveways, patios, and decks. These animals were responsible for a 7ft-wide by 8ft-deep sinkhole in a North Carolina highway.

Mice and rats have an easier time getting into your home or business because they are small and flexible. Like the rest of the rodent family, they need to keep their teeth in check by gnawing to grind them down. They have no problem tearing through refrigeration lines and destroying HVAC systems. One of their favorite targets is electrical wiring. They chew the insulation off for nesting and the wires for tooth sharpening. In an effort to become green, the auto industry has been using organic material to protect a vehicle’s wiring, and cars are the latest rodent target. Toyota was even sued for using soy-based insulation and not covering rodent damages under their warranty. Rodents are also believed to be responsible for about 20% of unsolved fires yearly.

Before nuisance wildlife becomes a costly issue, contact Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We think animals are cute too, but there is nothing adorable about the damage they can cause. We are available today to discuss an estimate.

Arkansas Invasive Species. How Did They Get Here?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:57:43 GMT

Where Did The Invasive Species Of Arkansas Come From?

By definition, an “ecosystem” refers to a “biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment” or a “complex network or interconnected system.” The connections within that system form over millennia, and imbalances that adjusts how the organisms involved in the community interact can jeopardize its success and health.

Exotic animals are disruptive and destructive to the ecological processes, going after the same resources that native species need to survive and out-competing them. They also threaten native species via predation and displacing them from their homes. In many cases, they also don’t have natural enemies because would-be predators in that area haven’t had time to adapt to go after them. That’s why invasive species, no matter how small, can be extremely dangerous.

Invasive species can also spread disease to humans and livestock and damage crops to the extent that a region’s economy is impacted. The effort to control invasive species costs the United States government an estimated $137 billion each year. Worldwide, that number reaches $1.4 trillion.

Invasive species don’t just wander over outside of their typical habitat and settle down. With air travel, railways, highways, and boats, they can arrive in many manners of transport. That often happens accidentally, making early detection and management key to mitigating the harm the invader may inflict.

One of the most invasive species in Arkansas is also one that puts a shiver down most spines, rats. The Norway Rat is the most common ground dweller and causes tremendous damage to homes, businesses, and food supplies. They are believed to have arrived in the colonies by boat around 1776, holed away in the food stores of Hessian fighters who were hired by England to fight the colonists.

Around the same time, the Norway’s little cousin, the house mouse , also made the trip here. First brought to South America by the Conquistadors in the early 1600s, the mouse made its way to the US with British colonists and French traders in the 1700s. Making a new home here even longer than the Norway rat is the roof rat. They have been sailing the seven seas along with humans since man started traveling the oceans, hence their nickname, ship rats. The first visitors to North America are to blame for today’s scourge. These three rodents can spread disease and damage crops.

European starlings, English sparrows, and pigeons are non-native and considered nuisance animals in Arkansas, destroying crops and gardens. The birds carry several diseases that can spread through their droppings, which also contains acidic qualities that can damage property. They also cause damage to native songbird nesting grounds. Starlings made their way to the United States in the 1890s in Central Park in New York City. An avid fan of William Shakespeare released 100 of the birds because he believed they were the author’s favorite birds.

Sparrows were brought to Brooklyn, New York, in 1852 to help eradicate a caterpillar problem. The insects were decimating Elm Trees. There are now over 540 million sparrows and 240 million starlings.

One thing they have in common, the same person, Eugene Schieffelin, was responsible for both releases.

Pigeons have been in the United States for over 400 years. They were originally brought here for food, sport, and for a way to communicate. For centuries, they were kept as barnyard animals and were considered a normal part of the environment. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the pigeon started to receive bad press. Then in 1963, they were blamed for two deaths and that moved them towards public enemy number one status.

Taking care of nuisance wildlife like those birds is permissible in Arkansas. The problem is, getting rid of them on your own is no easy task. The state of Arkansas has laws prohibiting the poisoning of birds and trapping them puts you at risk of exposure to disease. Firing a weapon within city limits is also illegal.

If you have a problem with invasive species or other types of wildlife you aren’t keen on having around your home or business, like raccoons, opossums, snakes, and beavers, contact Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We’re the top-rated wildlife removal company in our region, not only because of how effective we are but also because we use humane removal solutions that you can trust. We also offer services to fix up the damage left behind by nuisance wildlife, and our exclusion service ensures they can’t get back in. Contact us today for an estimate, and we’ll get started on making your home or business wildlife-free.

Squirrels Were Once The Most Popular Pet In The US

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:08:44 GMT

The United States' Love Affair With Squirrels

Today, squirrels are considered vermin. They have seemingly insatiable appetites and can raid the crops or fruits you might have in your garden or farm. They dig into lawns, search for nuts, and chomp into tree bark. They destroy property while building their nests, tearing up vents and sidings. Their incisors never stop growing, so the animals constantly gnaw to keep their teeth at bay, leading them to chew through wires that create fire hazards. They can also spread bacteria and diseases like rabies.

But this negative view wasn't always the standard. At one point, in fact, they were the most popular pet in America. The American Grey was the most common choice, but Red and Flying Squirrels made appearances as well. Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, they were viewed as ideal pets for children because they required relatively little work and could be purchased easily in a market. One even made it to the White House as President Warren G. Harding's pet . A photograph from 1922 published in the Library of Congress shows the 29th President kissing the squirrel on its cheek as the animal cuddles toward him affectionately.

The attraction to them as pets was reserved mostly for the upper class since they had more time and money to spare. Adorable pictures from the 18th-century show high-class children were posing with their squirrels kept by their sides on gold leashes. Benjamin Franklin is even credited for writing the eulogy of a friend's squirrel that was bitten by a dog in 1722, saying, "Few squirrels were better accomplished, for he had a good education, had traveled far, and seen much of the world. Thou art fallen by the fangs of wanton, cruel Ranger!"

Through the 19th century, authors shared their wisdom on how to properly care for them as pets. They suggested a varied diet and an exercise wheel and advised how to train them to do simple tricks by using food as a motivator. Some authors advised to make sure you get your squirrel while it's very young so that it can be domesticated to a greater degree; otherwise, you're bringing a wild animal into your home.

While most people try to shoo squirrels away from their gardens, scientists maintain that the rodents contribute greatly to the ecology, especially in forests. They have a habit of burying seeds they hope to save to eat later. You might spot them rubbing their faces on acorns to mark them with their scent, increasing the chances they'll find the seed later. Some travel as far as 100 acres away during this process. The problem is, they wind up forgetting or losing the seed and instead, they have merely transported it to a new place and planted it. That expands forests not just in size but in diversity. However, we still don't want them in our attics.

With that love for squirrels, which remained strong for hundreds of years, why did people change their minds about them as pets? There are a few answers to that. One issue is that although they may have been great pets in the olden times, they are not suited for modern households with wires and pipes to chew through. Since they're wild animals, they're also extremely energetic and difficult to tame. They need constant exercise, as well as continual access to things they can gnaw on to keep their teeth from growing too much. If they're kept in a cage, they are very intelligent and can find a way to escape over time, then go after other materials in your house.

There are also exotic pet laws that developed between the 1920s and 1970s to protect and conserve wildlife. That put restrictions on keeping squirrels as pets, and in many states, it's illegal to have one as a pet. In Arkansas, the Game and Fish Commission allows people to have them in limited quantities. If you do keep one, though, they come with strict rules from the government, and you cannot release one back into the wild without a visit from a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

If you aren't in the mood to try your hand at raising a squirrel, which can lead to a disaster for you and the animal, and need help eradicating them from your property, call Natural State Wildlife Solutions. We use humane techniques. We can also inspect your property and fortify it so that the animals are not encouraged to return and are blocked from entry if they do show up. Contact us today for all your nuisance wildlife needs.

Do Opossums Make Good Pets?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 12:23:46 GMT

Do You Want A Possum As A Pet?

As wild animals, there are plenty of things to appreciate about opossums . For one, they are deceptively clean despite their appearance, grooming themselves frequently like the average housecat. Unlike mammalian pests, they do not carry rabies. Their lower body temperature prevents the virus from surviving. Like rats , they have an excellent memory and have demonstrated impressive problem-solving abilities in lab experiments. There is a lot more to them than meets the eye.

Despite how interesting they may be, and contrary to some popular Facebook memes, they do not make good pets. Eager pet owners claim that opossums can be docile or affectionate. However, just because they may seem harmless does not mean they are less wild than your average raccoon or skunk. There is a big difference between the creature on your lawn and a domesticated animal that has been bred for human contact. As far as pet ownership goes, opossums require specialized care and a high degree of investment when it comes to time and resources. Generally, they do not survive long enough to enjoy whatever quality of life you can give them. They are the very definition of big investment for little reward. More importantly, they find captivity extremely stressful, and keeping them as a pet can be harmful to the animal.

Why They Don’t Make Good Pets

If you thought caring for a cat or dog was expensive or taxing, think again. Regular pets are a breeze to take care of compared to an opossum . They are the opposite of picky eaters in the wild, scarfing down anything they can get their hands on. They’ve been known to scavenge through the garbage and forage through gardens. They feed on invertebrates, rotting fruit, carrion—if you can name it, they’ll eat it. However, replicating their nondiscriminatory diet is exceptionally challenging. If that weren’t bad enough, failing to meet their nutritional needs can have drastic consequences on their health, resulting in permanent disabilities and expensive veterinary treatments.

So, not only is it tough to meet their dietary needs, but it is also crucial that you do so. Now that sounds like a recipe for disaster for even the most experienced pet owners. Even if you somehow manage to provide them with adequate meals, the payoff isn’t particularly rewarding. Or, in this case, long. Opossums are not known for living prolonged healthy lives—quite the opposite. In the wild, their average life span is only three years. They can double that duration when successfully cared for in captivity, but their quality of life remains poor.

Opossums are categorized as an R-selection species. What does that mean? In short, they abide strictly by the motto “live fast die young.” Scientifically, they have a high growth rate and produce many offspring, many of which fail to survive to adulthood. In other words, they age very quickly. If they make it to their first birthday, they can likely suffer from cataracts and obesity. Their immune systems are also extremely weak, making them susceptible to disease. Females, in particular, are prone to genital and urinary tract infections.

Moreover, bringing them up in a domesticated environment doesn’t make them any less wild.

They require a ton of exercise and can be aggressive toward other animals. Though they seem to have an inexplicable relationship of mutual respect with cats, they pose a more significant threat to dogs and can use their sharp teeth to inflict severe injuries.

What To Do If You Find An Opossum

While opossums aren’t particularly dangerous to humans, there are plenty of reasons why you don’t want them sniffing around your property. They can carry numerous parasites and diseases, including tularemia, flea-borne typhus, and leptospirosis, to name a few. Having them around can be dangerous to pets, and though they feast on ticks, they can do more harm by spreading fleas. They can also damage property in attempts to gain shelter or scavenge food.

Though opossums are typically transient creatures, they may continue to revisit a particularly suitable environment. Hungry opossums love to feast on rotten fruit and table scraps. As such, picking up fruit that has fallen from trees and keeping your yard free and clear of leaves and debris can help dissuade them from sticking around. Keep outdoor trash cans covered and never leave pet food out overnight.

Rather than trying to deal with an opossum problem on your own, you can hire a wildlife control professional to remove the opossum from your property. Contact Natural State Wildlife Solutions today for expert wildlife removal and exclusion services in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

If you raise a wild animal from a baby will it stay tame?

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:38:37 GMT

Will A Wild Animal Stay Tame?

At one point or another, many of us have looked at a baby lion, or tiger or bear (Oh, my) and thought, “Oh, I WANT ONE!” And if you added a tiny baby monkey into that mix, “I would be IN HEAVEN!” As happy as it might make you, that joy would only be temporary.

The fact is this; those cute, cuddly animals don’t stay little forever. They grow up fast and become critters that, without proper training and facilities, most of us likely are not capable of caring for properly. And regardless of what you think, Tony the Tiger isn’t going to give you a second thought if he gets hungry and you are looking like a snack. There is an example of one man who raised a tiger from a cub in his New York apartment, who honestly believed that the animal treated him as an equal. That was until the guy brought home a stray cat, and the tiger went wild, literally, and bit the man.

Oh yeah, the tiger was 425lbs. When animal control came to remove the big cat, they also found a five-foot alligator. So, even if you raise them from the youngest of babies, wild animals have a basic instinct that the love and care from you, in most cases, doesn’t override. Expecting to receive love in return from a wild animal can get you hurt.

Having a wild animal as a pet is a BAD idea for so many reasons. Living in captivity is not healthy for the animal, and many wild animals naturally carry hazardous diseases to humans, from rabies and distemper, salmonella, and parasites. In many states, you’ll break the law by keeping a wild animal, and only four states have no laws regarding keeping a dangerous wild animal as a pet, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina, and Alabama.

If an animal is raised in captivity, most of us are ill-prepared concerning its necessary nutrient intake or provide it ample room to roam. In Buffalo, New York, a teenage boy kept a cougar cub in his basement. When animal control was finally called, the cub was crippled due to not receiving a diet high enough in calcium, causing its legs to deform.

Raising a wild animal as a domesticated pet can also cause what amounts to “social anxiety” in the animals. Because they do not have the opportunity to socialize with others of their species, the animal’s psychological needs are not being met. This can even cause them to become violent, as is often the case with domesticated monkeys. This lack of socialization is also a factor in why these animals cannot return to the wild.

What happens if these creatures find their way out to roam the streets? In Houston, TX, a tiger was found wandering a person’s yard. While the animal didn’t attack anyone, it certainly did give residents and authorities a scare. Then, in Ohio, a man released over 50 wild animals into the streets. The beasts were killed to ensure the safety of the residents.

What normally doesn’t enter into the minds of most is that the wild animal you thought was abandoned in the park or the forest may not need saving. Chances are, it will be okay right where you found it. Many animal mothers leave their young alone while out looking for food as a way to keep predators away.

In addition to the bigger wild animals, people also try to domesticate smaller wild animals without understanding entirely what goes into caring for them. A book bought at the local pet store can build a false sense of security. One common animal that falls into this category is the adorable sugar glider. Sugar gliders can carry disease in their fecal matter, and if you don’t watch their diet, they can quickly become overweight, which causes health issues. Also, sugar gliders are social animals, and they do not do well living without a mate to keep them company, resulting in anxiety and sometimes self-mutilation.

If you find yourself in over your head with a pet wild animal and you need it to find a way home, you should give us a call at Natural State Wildlife and let us help you try and get the animal back to its natural environment. We want to do our part in keeping the rich animal wildlife tapestry of Arkansas a beautiful part of our state’s culture. Also, keep us in mind if you have a wild animal issue at your home, business, commercial or agricultural property. We are the most trusted wildlife removal service in Arkansas.