Page 25 - Leisure Living Spring 2016

Facts And Tips To Help You
With Nuisance Animals
By Gino Barna, Game Warden Services, 419.672.1480
It is common on the north coast for a wild animal to become a nuisance. Every person has a different level of tolerance when dealing with a wild animal in their yard or near a home. Once a wild animal causes damage or is a threat to humans or pets, it is time to remove the critter. Wild animals like raccoons, skunks, and opos- sums are usually near your home due to two important needs; shelter and food. If you put
son comes in contact with the feces, do not touch your face and wash thoroughly. If bitten by any wild animal, seek medical attention and contact your local health department. I work with a busi- ness in Sandusky, Restorepro 877.371.0228, that specializes in hazardous cleanup and restoration.
Skunks are the number two carriers of rabies and can possess similar nasty parasites and dis- ease in their feces. Skunks usually do not cause as much damage to a home as a raccoon. However,
their musk can be overpower- ing and linger for weeks. Pet owners who let their dogs out at night are always at risk of a skunk encounter. Raccoons and skunks also love grubs in your yard. This is indicated by small cone shaped holes or your turf being ripped up.
I was a state Wildlife Officer in Ohio and retired after 33 years of service in 2014. I have trapped nuisance animals
as a business (Game Warden Services) since my retirement. I have enjoyed meeting people with nuisance animal issues and helping to solve their problems. The most common calls involve rac- coon, skunks, squirrels, ground hogs and opos- sums. I can also remove chipmunks, moles and even mice. If you have questions, please contact me with your nuisance animal removal needs at 419.672.1480.
food out on your porch or in cat, it will eventually attract a wild animal. Garbage bags and open trash cans will also call in hungry wildlife. To avoid this, remove all outside food sources.
your garage for a
A wild animal is always
looking for shelter, especially
if it is close to a food source.
Raccoons are notorious for
getting under your home or
breaking into an attic, soffit or
chimney. When inside, they
will destroy the insulation and defecate in an area called a latrine. A homeowner should always keep their eyes open for signs of forced entry and evidence of animal activity. Raccoons can climb a brick chimney, stucco, downspouts, and corner siding materials to name a few. Look for missing material, muddy paw prints, feces, and digging.
Raccoons are a carrier of rabies and distem- per. Their feces and urine can contain raccoon roundworm, giardia, and leptospirosis. If a per-
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