The Wildlife of Braselton: Common Animals and How to Keep Them Out of Your Home
Braselton, Georgia, is home to various wildlife, which, while fascinating to observe, can pose significant challenges when they invade residential areas. Understanding these local animals, their habits, and the preventive measures homeowners can take is essential to maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment. In this blog, we will explore the common wildlife found in Braselton and provide practical tips on keeping them out of your home.
Common Wildlife in Braselton
1. Raccoons
Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable creatures known for their dexterous front paws and masked faces. They are nocturnal and often rummage through trash cans in search of food. Raccoons are also known to enter attics and basements, seeking shelter.
- Habits: Raccoons are omnivores, feeding on fruits, vegetables, small animals, and human garbage. They are most active at night.
- Prevention: Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, close off access points to attics and basements, and remove outdoor pet food.
2. Squirrels
Squirrels are common in urban and suburban areas, often seen scurrying up trees and across power lines. While they are generally harmless, they can cause damage when they enter homes.
- Habits: Squirrels build nests in trees but may seek warmth and shelter in attics. They chew on wood and electrical wiring, which can be hazardous.
- Prevention: Trim tree branches away from the house, install chimney caps, and seal entry points around the roofline.
3. Bats
Bats are crucial in controlling insect populations but can become a nuisance when roosting in attics or other parts of a home.
- Habits: Bats are nocturnal and feed on insects. During the day, they seek dark, quiet places to roost.
- Prevention: Install bat houses away from your home, seal cracks and crevices, and ensure vents are properly screened.
4. Opossums
Opossums are marsupials that are often mistaken for large rats. They are scavengers and can create a mess when they raid garbage cans.
- Habits: Opossums are nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and carrion. They may seek shelter under porches or in sheds.
- Prevention: Secure trash cans, close off spaces under porches, and remove food sources like fallen fruit.
5. Coyotes
Coyotes have adapted well to suburban environments and can pose a threat to pets and small livestock.
- Habits: Coyotes are omnivores, hunting small animals and scavenging for food. They are most active during dawn and dusk.
- Prevention: Keep pets indoors or supervise them outside, secure livestock, and remove food sources like pet food and compost.
6. Rats
Rats are notorious for causing damage and spreading diseases. They are a common pest in both urban and rural areas.
- Habits: Rats are nocturnal and thrive in environments where food and shelter are readily available. They can chew through walls, insulation, and wiring.
- Prevention: Seal cracks and holes in walls and foundations, store food in airtight containers and maintain a clean and clutter-free home.
7. Birds
Birds can become pests when they build nests in vents, chimneys, or attics, leading to noise and potential damage.
- Habits: Birds are diurnal and seek sheltered locations for nesting. They are attracted to areas with ample food supply.
- Prevention: Install bird netting or spikes on ledges, keep vents covered, and use reflective deterrents to keep birds away.
8. Snakes
While many snakes are harmless, they can be alarming when found in or around homes. Some may pose a danger to pets and humans.
- Habits: Snakes are generally shy and avoid human contact. They are attracted to areas with abundant prey like rodents.
- Prevention: Keep the yard clear of debris, seal gaps and cracks in foundations, and control rodent populations to reduce snake attraction.
9. Groundhogs
Groundhogs, or woodchucks, can cause significant damage to gardens and foundations with their burrowing habits.
- Habits: Groundhogs are diurnal and herbivorous, feeding on plants and vegetables. They dig extensive burrows.
- Prevention: Use fencing to protect gardens, install underground barriers to prevent burrowing, and remove attractants like garden produce.
10. Armadillos
Armadillos can disrupt lawns and gardens with their digging in search of insects and grubs.
- Habits: Armadillos are nocturnal and have poor eyesight. They are known for their burrowing behavior.
- Prevention: Use strong fencing to block their path, remove food sources like insects, and fill in burrows promptly.
11. Flying Squirrels
Though less common, flying squirrels can invade attics and cause damage similar to their tree-dwelling counterparts.
- Habits: Flying squirrels are nocturnal and glide between trees. They seek out attics for nesting.
- Prevention: Seal entry points in the roof and eaves, install chimney caps, and use live traps if necessary.
12. Rodents (Mice and Rats)
Mice and rats can contaminate food, damage property, and spread diseases.
- Habits: Rodents are nocturnal and opportunistic feeders. They are adept at finding entry points into homes.
- Prevention: Keep food stored in sealed containers, maintain cleanliness, and use traps and baits to control populations.
13. Bees
Bees are beneficial for pollination but can be problematic when they establish hives in walls or attics.
- Habits: Bees are diurnal and form colonies. They seek sheltered locations for hive building.
- Prevention: Regularly inspect for hive activity, seal potential entry points, and contact professionals for safe removal.
14. Hornets and Wasps
Hornets and wasps can be aggressive and pose a threat with their stings, especially if nests are disturbed.
- Habits: These insects build nests in sheltered areas like eaves and attics. They are protective of their nests.
- Prevention: Remove food sources, keep trash secured, and regularly check for and remove nests early in the season.
Preventive Measures for Homeowners
Preventing wildlife from entering your home involves a combination of exclusion techniques and habitat modification. Here are some detailed steps you can take:
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for any openings that wildlife could use to enter. This includes gaps in the foundation, holes in the roof, and openings around vents and utility lines. Use materials like steel wool, caulk, and hardware cloth to seal these entry points.
2. Maintain Landscaping
Trim tree branches away from the house to prevent animals like squirrels from gaining access to the roof. Keep shrubs and bushes well-trimmed to reduce hiding places for wildlife. Remove any piles of debris, wood, or leaves where animals might take shelter.
3. Secure Trash and Food Sources
Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a secure location. Avoid leaving pet food outside and clean up any spilled birdseed or fallen fruit from trees. Compost bins should be secured to prevent animals from scavenging.
4. Install Barriers and Deterrents
Consider installing chimney caps, vent covers, and gutter guards to prevent animals from entering through these points. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can also deter nocturnal wildlife. For gardens, use fencing or netting to keep animals out.
5. Use Repellents
There are various wildlife repellents available, including natural and chemical options. These can be sprayed around the perimeter of your property or in areas where animals are known to frequent. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider environmentally friendly options.
6. Educate and Involve the Community
Raising awareness in your neighborhood about the importance of wildlife control can lead to a more coordinated effort. Community initiatives like local wildlife monitoring groups and shared resources for animal-proofing can be highly effective.
When to Call Professionals
While homeowners can handle many preventive measures, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. If you have a persistent wildlife problem or an animal has already entered your home, contacting a licensed wildlife control expert is best. Professionals can safely and humanely remove animals and provide long-term solutions to prevent future intrusions.
Conclusion
Braselton’s diverse wildlife adds to the area’s charm but can become challenging when these animals encroach on human habitats. By understanding the habits of common local wildlife and implementing effective preventive measures, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of nature without the inconvenience and hazards of unwanted animal guests. Regular maintenance, vigilance, and community involvement are critical to successful wildlife control.
For more information on wildlife control services and to schedule an inspection, call us at (678) 768-7235.