Bat Removal in Harrisburg PA

bat removal harrisburg pa

Bat Removal in Harrisburg, PA

Typical bat removal in Harrisburg, PA involves Big Brown Bats or Little Brown Bats. Both species are prevalent in Pennsylvania. However, their populations have dwindled due to white-nose syndrome.

White-Nose Syndrome is a fungus that attacks bats during hibernation periods. The disease is fatal for bats but luckily does not affect humans. Comparatively, bats are common carriers of rabies and histoplasmosis, which are both fatal to humans if untreated.

The percentage of bats carrying rabies in low, but local bats have tested positive before. Rabies is transmitted through a scratch or bite from a bat.

Moreover, histoplasmosis is a fungus contained in bat droppings (guano). During cleanup, it becomes airborne. We recommend that an experienced technician handle clean-up to avoid any transmission.

Our removal process

First, your home is inspected to identify their entry points. Bats squeeze through spaces that are the size of a quarter! This is why exclusion is an important part of our process.

During our inspection, we find their primary entrances. We will then install one-way doors which allow bats inside your home to exit, but not return.

Our experienced technicians check chimneys, rooflines, all types of ventilation, fascia, soffit, and various types of siding. We understand all building components and are able to repair and replace elements throughout our process.

Exclusion

Our exclusion process for bats can be somewhat restricted depending on the breeding seasons. Some exclusion work on secondary entrance points is performed, however; primary entrances are left open until the babies can fly. During the warmer months, the doors must remain in place until late August. If later than that, the doors would remain in place until May when they wake from hibernation.

Our Clean-Up Process

Once our exclusion process is completed, we begin the clean-up process. Proper clean up includes special vacuums and PPE that prevents the spread of diseases.

Schedule your inspection for bat removal in Harrisburg, Pa and surrounding areas with Backyard Wildlife Solutions by calling us or using our contact form. Backyard Wildlife Solutions offers bat removal, bat exclusions, and bat control in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading, York, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, and surrounding areas in Pa.

 

Bird Problems in Homes

birds nest in vent

Bird problems in your home are caused by a variety of issues. In a few other blogs, we discuss birds in dryer and bathroom vents and birds behind shutters.

There are other types of vents on homes that are exploited by birds! Many of these vents are located on or near the roof of your home.

Types of Vents

Ridge vents are mounted at the peak of your home and are often missing end caps due to birds or other animals. Gable-end vents are mounted on the sidewalls of your home near the peak.

Depending on the age of your home, these vents may or may not have built-in screening. Often, built-in screening is not heavy enough to prevent animals from entering. Ultimately, these two types of ventilation systems are the most common roofline vents for bird problems and bird entry.

Additionally, we have a lot of experience with bird problems in dome vents and static vents. Powered dome vents contain a fan and pull air from the attic. Their screening systems are similar to roofline vents. Furthermore, static vents are stationary vents that also help with airflow from the attic. These have no screening at all and provide a perfect opportunity for birds to enter!

Removal and Remediation

As we discussed in prior blogs related to bird problems, birds carry diseases and make terrible messes. If they have invaded your home, they should be removed as quickly as possible. Moreover, the affected areas should be restored to safe conditions. We offer heavy gauge vent screening and other permanent components that match the aesthetic of your home!

Call us or use our contact form if you have bird problems and we offer permanent, custom exclusion solutions. Backyard Wildlife Solutions is based in Lititz, PA, and offers nuisance animal control and animal removal services in Lancaster, Lebanon, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Reading, York, and surrounding areas.

Birds Behind Shutters Lancaster, Pa

Birds behind shutters

While it may be relaxing to hear birds in the morning, they can also be too close for comfort. If they are nested behind your shutters, constant chirping may interrupt your sleep habits. Birds behind shutters also cause damage to your home and may expose you to diseases.

Why are birds behind shutters harmful?

Not only can nuisance birds leave a large mess, but they also cause damage to your home. Birds nesting behind shutters is a very common occurrence we see in homes with a stone exterior with mounted shutters. The nesting debris hangs around the windows surrounded by droppings. If droppings are left to sit, they will corrode and destroy the exterior elements of your home. Moreover, while the outdoor temperatures rise, odors from their nests are pungent.

Diseases they carry

In addition to the noise, mess, and odor, they also carry bacteria and diseases. Histoplasmosis, Toxoplasmosis, West Nile Virus and Salmonella are just a few they carry. Hundreds of microscopic mites and parasites are found on birds and in their droppings.

Removal and Repair

In order to relocate the birds safely and humanely, bird removal should be handled by a wildlife professional. We handle the removal and cleanup of debris. To prevent birds from building more nests behind your shutters, we also offer exclusion options.

Some common exclusion methods used by other wildlife technicians may not be visually appealing such as bird spikes. We came up with a practical solution that creates a seamless look when finished. During our exclusion process, we craft custom bent and color-matched aluminum to fit the contour of the existing shutters. Ultimately, the aluminum sealing matches the aesthetic of your home while providing a long-lasting solution.

We also provide custom solutions for birds nesting above doorway headers too.

Do you need bird removal in Lancaster, PA? Contact us for a custom solution that’s consistent with your home’s aesthetic. We offer bird removal and other services in the Lancaster county area including Ephrata, Lititz, Manheim, and Harrisburg, and surrounding areas.

Birds in Vents in Lancaster, Pa

house sparrow on wall

As spring approaches, birds return to the north and begin nesting. Bird problems develop when cavity dwellers, such as House Sparrows and Starlings, begin to invade your home.

Birds in vents are particularly destructive once they gain access to your home. Bathroom vents, dryer vents, stove vents, and microwave vents are common entry points. Birds will also access your home through gable vents and a wide variety of roof-mounted vents. These include ridge vents, powered fan vents, and static vents.

Damage Caused by Birds in Vents

Birds in dryer vents are an immediate hazard for homeowners. Dryer vents become clogged quickly with nesting material. Furthermore, this causes poor performance from your dryer and the potential for a fire hazard. Bird activity in a dryer vent also causes the exhaust line to tear, allowing the dryer to vent into the wall or ceiling. As a result, unseen moisture damage will occur in your home.

Birds in bathroom vents present different types of issues, such as odors and disease concerns. A clogged or damaged line in a bathroom vent creates air contamination-“sharing the air” with the birds. As the amount of nesting material and droppings increase, warmer temperatures increases odor. Eventually, the odor will permeate the living space. When the exhaust fan is activated, the clogged line can actually force air back into the bathroom.

Diseases they carry

Nuisance birds are direct carriers of disease and the most common ones are Histoplasmosis, Salmonellosis, and E. Coli.  Nuisance birds are also frequently associated with more than fifty types of ectoparasites (parasites that live on the exterior of another organism.) These pests can work their way into the home, infest the living space, and bite humans. A significant amount of these pests can also cause general health and well-being issues in both humans and pets.

We provide remediation and repair services for all types of bird issues and exclude the birds from gaining access in the future. We also replace damaged lines, clean out nesting debris, and ensure proper ventilation for all vents.

Call Backyard Wildlife Solutions today if you are experiencing bird problems or birds in vents. We offer bird removal and other services in Lancaster, Lebanon, Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Reading, York, and surrounding areas.

Groundhog Removal in Manheim Township

Groundhog Trap

We received a phone call from a residence located in Manheim Township. She noticed several disturbances from animals in her neighborhood. Most importantly, she wanted to remove a groundhog from under her deck. While the development was still under construction, the critters were constantly on the move. The homes and burrows of the animals were frequently disturbed by workers.

Why are groundhogs a nuisance?

First and foremost, groundhogs are carriers of rabies. They are not an animal you want hanging around your home, especially with children or pets. Moreover, their burrowing habits lead to cave-ins which turn into an expensive repair. Additionally, they spend their waking hours foraging and eating a lot of greens. Foraging in combination with burrowing leaves a huge mess in your yard or garden.

The Groundhog Removal in Manheim Township

In this situation, the deck area was a perfect location for a groundhog to dig. It was only a few inches off the ground which was just enough room for the groundhog to squeeze underneath. During removal, we trapped the groundhog. To our surprise, we also caught a skunk.

After the removal process was completed, we excluded any other animals from entering the deck. We performed some light excavation and installed a heavy gauge screening system. Ultimately, this method prevents any other animals from digging around the deck opening.

If you are experiencing issues with groundhogs, skunks, or other animals, please call us or use our contact form. We offer groundhog removal and all animal control and animal removal services in Lancaster, Lebanon, Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Carlisle, Reading, York, and surrounding areas.