Wildlife Identification Guide

What is wildlife?

Wild animals are those animals that live outdoors and are not domesticated. Every wild animal survives best in its own unique habitat. As people have taken over the habitats of many wild animals, they have come to rely on people and our homes for some of their food, water, and shelter needs. Common species of wildlife that invade Salt Lake City properties include gophers, voles, squirrels, and raccoons.

Is wildlife dangerous?

Wildlife can be dangerous, posing threats to people and our property. Wild animals are unpredictable and, when threatened, will defend themselves. Scared wild animals will bite, scratch, hiss, or growl.

In addition to physical harm, wild animals are considered dangerous because of the health threats they pose and the damage they can cause to our property. Wild animals carry and transmit bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens that can make us and our pets ill. While foraging for food or creating nesting sites, they cause damage to lawns, gardens, and the foundations of buildings.

Why do I have a wildlife problem?

Properties with lots of access to food, water, and shelter are places wild animals like to call home. Our yards, gardens, trash cans, and compost bins often provide the perfect place for wild animals for forage for food.

Sometimes wild animals decide to move into our homes while searching for a warm, sheltered place to nest. Inside of our homes, they cause a lot of problems, including spreading bacteria, causing structural damage, and contaminating food.

Where will I find wildlife?

Where wild animals decide to live depends on their unique species and preferred habitats:

• Gophers prefer to tunnel under loose sandy soil and are common in gardens and areas of dense vegetation.

• Voles live in dense grassy fields, gardens, meadows, and lawns. Voles nest in underground burrows around tree roots, dense landscaping, and beneath fruit trees.

• Squirrels usually nest up off of the ground in trees. They also move into barns, sheds, garages, and homes to nest and be close to food sources.

• Raccoons create dens in the ground, under decks or sheds, between rocks, and in hollow trees. If they find their way inside, they nest in chimneys, attics, and crawlspaces.

How do I get rid of wildlife?

A wildlife infestation is a frustrating pest problem. The easiest way to get rid of wildlife and other pests is to partner with Pest Pro Pest Control. We provide the effective services needed to protect Utah residential and commercial properties from insects, rodents, and other pests.

At Pest Pro Pest Control, we are committed to helping Utah home and business owners maintain pest-free properties with our guaranteed pest control services. For more information about our wildlife control treatments, reach out to Pest Pro Pest Control today!

How can I prevent wildlife in the future?

Keep your Utah home and yard protected from wildlife with the help of Pest Pro Pest Control and the following prevention tips:

• Keep the grass cut short and cut back any overgrown vegetation.

• Trim back tree branches from your home.

• Fix any holes along the roofline and at roof intersections, and place caps on chimneys.

• Place mesh covers over soffits and attic vents.

• Harvest fruits and vegetables from garden areas.

• Place trash in outdoor garbage cans and compost bins with locking lids.

• Get rid of bird feeders from your property.

• Limit the places wildlife can nest or burrow by eliminating woodpiles, fallen trees, rock piles, and construction debris from your yard.