Waukesha County is a great spot for wildlife. Lakes and greenspaces provide nature’s creatures with suitable natural habitats. Plants, trees, flowers, seeds, insects, and other animals offer food, shelter, and competition that keeps species in check. Then, there are the humans. A human presence not only alters ecosystems but can also change animal behavior, eventually requiring wildlife removal.
What Kind of Animals Require Wildlife Removal in Waukesha?
Wild animals that become habituated to humans no longer fear them, especially if the animals think they’ll have access to easy food. Many wildlife might not seem wild due to their abundance but make no mistake — it’s not safe to approach them.
While Wisconsin is home to many critters, these are the most common types of wildlife in Waukesha:
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Skunks
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Raccoons
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Birds
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Squirrels
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Mice
Perhaps the last one causes you to shiver, but the others are plentiful and may seem tame. Who doesn’t think a squirrel scampering right up to you begging for food is absolutely adorable? Of course, each of these animals has its preferred food source and habitat. Here are some helpful facts about the five species most likely to appear if you search "types of wildlife near me."
1. Skunks
Despite what you may see in popular culture, skunks don't spray their scent willy-nilly. Instead, they usually stomp their feet in warning beforehand, giving predators and humans a chance to back off. If you don't get the memo, they'll utilize their unique anal glands to shoot foul-smelling musk.
2. Raccoons
Raccoons have dexterous hands and opposable thumbs, allowing them to open lids and doors that would stop other animals. These critters can get aggressive when cornered, and since they may carry the rabies virus, you should never approach them.
3. Birds
You can find several bird species fluttering around Waukesha:
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Northern flicker
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House wren
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Baltimore oriole
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House finch
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Brown-headed cowbird
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European starling
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Barn swallow
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American crow
4. Squirrels
Fluffy-tailed squirrels of the red and gray variety populate Waukesha. Since they feed on nuts and seeds (as well as fungi, insects and plants), they'll happily empty birdfeeders and infiltrate gardens.
5. Mice
The house mouse, harvest mouse, and deer mouse all reside in Wisconsin. These critters are smaller than their close cousins, rats, and can chew through various materials.
What Attracts Wildlife to Human Dwellings?
Critters don't mean to cause problems — like all living things, they have a survival instinct that drives them to seek water, food and shelter. Unfortunately, humans often provide these things unintentionally.
1. Water Sources
Standing water, such as birdbaths and decorative ponds, can attract animals, especially during the dry season. Even puddles from frequent lawn watering may appeal to wildlife desperate to quench their thirst.
2. Food Sources
Humans create several food sources that animals find attractive:
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Garbage cans
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Compost bins
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Gardens
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Pet dishes
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Bird feeders
To avoid unwanted guests, you should remove pet dishes and bird feeders, then secure gardens, compost, and garbage inside fences.
3. Shelter
Bushes and trees provide ample shelter, especially when they're overgrown. Trimming your landscaping can reduce the risk of critters hanging around.
Why Should You Avoid Feeding Wild Animals?
It can be tempting to feed the furry critters in your yard or out on the trail, but doing so can endanger the animal and create a nuisance. When wildlife start getting their food from human sources, they depend on people for sustenance. This creates problems.
Human-fed animals are apt to encroach on human spaces, including homes, and may also have trouble finding food on their own. Once these animals set up residence, they don’t leave of their own volition. When this happens, it’s crucial that you not attempt removal on your own. Calling professionals in humane wildlife control in Waukesha maintains the animal’s safety and your own. These technicians have training in animal behavior and life cycles to ensure wildlife removal happens in a truly humane way.
There are additional dangers in feeding wild animals. When fed human food, they don't get the necessary nutrients. While they might like the bread you feed them, it can actually cause them harm as their digestive systems aren't built for it.
If they discover the wonders of your garbage bin, as many raccoons are prone to do, they run the risk of physical harm as well. Raccoons can get their heads stuck in jars, causing them to starve to death. Birds and squirrels can become entangled and choke on plastic rings. Rinsing containers and cutting your plastic rings are two steps to reduce the likelihood that your garbage becomes dangerous to wildlife; securing your trash bins prevents them from becoming a free buffet.
How Can You Enjoy Wildlife Safely?
Have no fear, animal lovers. You can still enjoy the wildlife, even those that scamper about your yard. Watching a squirrel bury or dig up a nut or a robin tug a worm free from the dirt can be highly entertaining, and you can enjoy it knowing that the animal is doing exactly what it’s supposed to. A great place to enjoy the wildlife in Waukesha Country is in its many parks and open spaces. Here, it’s possible to see these animals in a natural environment and keep your distance. These spaces are safe places for wildlife, providing them room to roam, forage and reproduce with less human contact.
Why Should You Hire Professional Wildlife Removal Services?
Even the greatest care in keeping wild animals wild doesn't always prevent them from making your home their own. If you discover uninvited guests, such as raccoons, squirrels, mice, birds, or bats, in your living space, contact the Skedaddle team in Milwaukee. These professionals serve the greater Milwaukee area and will ensure safe and humane wildlife removal from your home or business.
To start, the team will evaluate your property to identify the type of animals causing the problem. They'll then develop a wildlife control plan and provide a quote. If everything looks good to you, the removal process can begin.
Additionally, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help homeowners avoid reinfestations. The key is finding gaps in your walls and roof, as animals can squeeze through these and nest in the walls. These experts can find hidden holes and fill them.
If you have critters in your attic, basement, or walls, it's time to call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Professional wildlife removal ensures no animals get hurt and your home remains safe and sanitary. For more information, give us a call or go online.
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