We’re all familiar with the risk of rodents, bugs, insects and other pests invading our properties but what happens when something a little more unexpected makes themselves at home?

Wildlife such as foxes, moles, rabbits and squirrels will very rarely find their way inside but it’s not uncommon for them to be found in gardens and other outdoor areas. While they may be cuter than your typical pest, wildlife can cause a lot of damage around properties, attract other pests and it can also be a worry if you have pets.

So, what can you do when these creatures become a nuisance to your home or business premises?

Know the legislation

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) means that there are strict rules when it comes to applying rodenticides outside. This is because they can be highly toxic and need to be used correctly to ensure that wildlife and other non-target animals like pets are kept safe.

Please don’t try to use rodenticides outside. If you have a problem with wildlife in a domestic or business premises, please contact a professional pest controller. You can find out how Prokill adheres to CRRU rules on our website.

Dealing with a mole infestation

Mole problems can be difficult to deal with because they live underground. Repellents, poisons and fumigants are all popular options but as we mentioned above, please leave this to the professionals.

Moles prefer to live in areas where the soil stays moist so if you want them to move on quickly, you could try improving the drainage on your property.

Dealing with a squirrel infestation

It’s not uncommon to see squirrels and while the odd one here or there isn’t a problem, big numbers of them can cause a lot of damage. Squirrels can also become problematic if one manages to get in through the loft because they can chew through walls, timber, cables and electrical wiring.

Some top tips for getting rid of a squirrel infestation include:

• Remove any food sources such as bird feed, rubbish and pet food
• Use gutter guards and cover downspouts so they can’t enter buildings through the roof and facia boards
• Trim tree branches which hang over the roof
• Seal entry points and cracks in walls
• Remove any firewood being stored against the building

Dealing with a fox infestation

Foxes are seen as pests because they scavenge any food they can, they cause damage to gardens and landscapes and for anyone who keeps chickens or rabbits in their garden, it can be a worry.

Some effective ways to deal with a fox problem include:

• Eliminate whatever is attracting foxes to your property. This could be rubbish, an easily accessible chicken coop or nice warm shelter
• Spray a non-toxic chemical such as Scoot, Wash Off and Get Off, Stay Off or Get Off My Garden. Please always follow instructions even when using non-toxic chemicals
• Don’t leave ground-floor windows and doors open, especially after dark. Foxes may make their way inside for food
• Store rubbish in secure metal bins
• Keep outside areas free of clutter
• Extend your fence above and/or below ground. You may need planning permission for this

Dealing with a rabbit infestation

Rabbits may seem harmless, but they can cause plenty of damage to gardens. Some top tips for getting rid of rabbits include:

• Rabbits will only live in areas that provide cover from predators. If you have low-growing shrubs, brush piles, tall grass, a shed or other structure, this will be very appealing to them
• Fill your garden with plants that rabbits don’t like to eat such as geranium, marigold, Mexican sunflower, bleeding hearts, daffodils, forget-me-nots, ginger, hyacinth, lavender, peony and rhododendron
• Add barrier fencing to protect plants
• Water scarecrows, fake snakes and owls, aluminium pie pans and ultrasonic devices can help scare off rabbits

The best thing to do when faced with a wildlife infestation is to call a professional pest controller. Prokill specialises in wildlife control for both domestic and business premises. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information or to book in for a free, no obligation audit.