We all have a soft heart when we see a baby animal. It could be a cat, dog, raccoon, squirrel or even a bunny. Even further our sympathy starts to show when that baby animal is hurt or has been left behind from its mother. Our “mothering” (human nature) will not let that baby suffer or die: therefore, we take the baby home to nurture it. Then when the baby grows bigger and it’s time to release it we find ourselves not able to because now we are attached, so we keep it as a pet. Unfortunately, our soft heart could get us in trouble. (1)Each state has its own laws when it comes to having an exotic animal as a pet. In the state of Virginia, it is illegal to possess any exotic animal without pr

Spring is almost here for 2018 which will give us warmer temperatures. The ground temperature will rise and all the hibernating animals will leave their winter nest. This is the time that critters are looking for a place to produce their babies and have no problem taking up residence in your attic or crawlspace. The company you call to remove these critters should work with you to go over a step by step plan. The technician will talk to you in regards of remediating your home after removing the animals. This last step is extremely important and should not be overlooked by you nor the technician. Let me explain why the remediation step is so important. Any animal will use your insulation to n

February 2nd is right around the corner and the groundhog may not see his shadow in which spring will arrive early this year. That means warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, the trees start to grow leaves, and daylight savings time springs an hour forward. However, whenever there are positives with an event there are also negatives. During the spring is when allergies start to show up, lots of rain showers come and go, it’s a reminder that in a couple more months the kiddoes will be out of school for the summer, and critters will start to move out of their hibernation spots. Spring is the time when most animals mate and produce their young. Once these animals mate, they need to find a loca

The Virginia opossum is North America's only marsupial which means they are the only animal with a pouch, like a kangaroo or koala. Female opossums carry their young in their pouches until they are two-three months then carry them on her back for another one-two months. The female can give birth two times a year and produce up to nine young'uns at a time. Opossums are animals that does not hibernate through the winter. They don't build their own shelter so they take cover in abandoned nests. They also have no problem making their home in your attic or crawlspace as long as there is no disturbance and access to food. They are skilled at climbing and can tear apart soffits, siding and even ch

Groundhog's Day is an United States tradition to use a groundhog to determine if we are on our way to Spring or if we have six more weeks of Winter. Tradition has it that if the groundhog sees his shadow on the morning of February 2nd when the sun comes up, it will determine the outcome of the season. Groundhogs are not just known to determine the season, but are also known for their large, distinctive burrows. They have no problem digging with their short, powerful limbs and curved thick claws. The burrows have between two to five entrances and are used as shelter, hibernating, and bringing up their young. The burrows can be large in size ranging 46ft wide of tunnels and buried 5ft undergr

In some point in our lives, we all have smelt a skunk’s scent either driving or just coming in contact with the animal. They have a distinct smell and striped fur that gives away their identity. As the temperature starts to warm up from the winter cold, skunks start to roam around to breed. This is usually the time homeowners start to come in contact with these animals. Skunks looks for easy access to food and shelter during the winter, so your home, shed, or patio is a prime location. They gain access to your crawlspace by either tearing away ventilation screen or looking for any foundation openings. Once they have set up residence in your crawlspace, their scent will reach out to you ins

There are many different snakes that reside around the Mid-Atlantic states both venomous and non-venomous. The Eastern Garter, Rat, Northern Black Racer, Eastern Hognose, Northern and Southern Ring-Necked, Northern Scarlet, Northern Brown, Eastern Worm, and Mole Kingsnake are the most common non-venomous snakes. Then you have Pit Vipers, Northern Copperhead, Northern Water (Moccasin), Timber (Canebreak) Rattlesnake, and the Eastern Cottonmouth are few of the most venomous. Snakes will find shelter in debris that is in your yard, any tall grass or un-kept flower beds. They like areas not consistently touched so they can move in without being disturbed. Some snakes also climb walls and trees

There are many different types of birds with many different beautiful colors. During the winter months, those colors stand out which makes them more brighter. There are some people who believe that birds can freeze and die during the winter, but on the contrary, birds are very equipped to get through the winter months. Many people leave birdhouses and birdfeeders up through the winter. If there is a food source, they will stick around that area because the source is plentiful for them. Whether winter or spring, birds build nests together or individually. Attics, garages, sheds, soffits, and chimneys are just some areas they like to build their nests which can be costly to repair. It is not u

On warm summer evenings, as children we all would go outside to play at the time of day where it wasn't so hot. Our parents would always tell us to watch out for bats because they loved to get tangled up in your hair. Now as we got older we figured out that bats didn't do such a thing. Bats can fly up to 31 miles all within one night and use a built-in-sonar which use sound that echoes to help them navigate through total darkness. That's impressive!!! Bats do not like the winter. Some bats will fly south for the winter, just like geese to get away from the cold. Then there are bats that will decide to hibernate in your home. The problem with bats becoming your roommate ranges from being mino

Squirrels seek food and shelter in a warm location during the winter months. Not only do they look for warmth to get away from the winter months but, they seek a warm place to reproduce. Squirrels are excellent climbers; therefore, your home is no obstacle for them since modern day society is growing at a rapid pace. Squirrels gain access into your attic by gnawing into your roof material, vinyl siding, wooden beams, or soffit. Once they reach their destination they get to work by gnawing on wires, ripping through installation to build their nest, and scrounge around looking for food. Just like rodents, most homeowner’s policies may not cover damage to your home cause by a squirrel nor any

Mice hate being cold. They will locate a warm and insulated space to move into, even in your own home. Did you know that Baltimore, MD and Washington D.C. rank in the top percentage among mice infestation in residential homes within all of U.S. Cities? These furry creatures may be small; however, they can do a good bit of damage to your home in which homeowners’ insurance policies rarely cover the cost of infestations or remediation. Rodents could potentially cost you a significant amount of money once they invade your home. Mice can cause structural damage to any type of building by gnawing, building its nest, and defecation. They will ruin your upholstered furniture by gnawing to nest in

Winter has set in for 2018 and all furry animals are moving into a warm spot. Even if it’s in your own home. Did you know raccoons are strong and determined animals in which they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home? Raccoons are strong enough to rip apart the siding of your home, tear apart ducts, chew on wires, and play peek-a-boo with your installation. Not only do they cause damage, but they can be very toxic. Raccoons are the primary host of carrying roundworms. The roundworm eggs are passed in the feces of the infected raccoon and can infect people including pets by ingesting the eggs. The raccoon feces and urine carry diseases such as leptospirosis, giardia and salmon