Indiana is home to an array of wildlife, from native animals like deer and foxes to more persistent visitors like raccoons and squirrels. While these creatures play essential roles in the ecosystem, they can quickly become a nuisance when they invade yards, attics, crawl spaces, and more.
A wildlife infestation can cause significant property damage, pose health risks, and disrupt daily life. Whether it’s a family of squirrels chewing through wiring in your attic or raccoons rummaging through your garbage, taking preventive action is key.
Indiana’s Most Common Wildlife Pests
1. Raccoons: Clever & Destructive Invaders
Raccoons are highly adaptable and often take shelter in attics, chimneys, and garbage areas. While their dexterity and intelligence make them fascinating animals, they also pose serious risks to homeowners. Raccoons are notorious for damaging roofs, tearing through insulation, and spreading diseases like rabies.
How to Keep Raccoons Away:
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal entry points in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces.
- Avoid leaving pet food outside, as it attracts raccoons.
2. Squirrels: Chewers That Can Cause Fires
Several types of squirrels in Indiana—including gray, fox, and red squirrels—often find their way into homes. These animals can squeeze through small gaps in roofs and eaves, making attics their new nesting sites. The real danger? Their constant chewing habit, which can lead to fire hazards when they gnaw through electrical wiring.
How to Prevent Squirrel Infestations:
- Seal any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior.
- Trim tree limbs that provide easy access to rooftops.
- Install chimney caps and attic vent covers.
3. Bats: Essential to the Ecosystem but Risky in Homes
Bats play a crucial role in Indiana’s ecosystem by controlling insect populations, but when they roost in attics, they create major problems. Bat guano (droppings) can lead to respiratory illnesses like histoplasmosis, and there’s always a risk of rabies from bites.
How to Handle a Bat Infestation:
- Use exclusion techniques (one-way exits) rather than trapping.
- Check for and seal small crevices where bats might enter.
- Always contact a professional, as bats are often protected by law.
4. Skunks: Smelly and Destructive Diggers
Skunks are famous for their strong odor, but their burrowing habits can be just as concerning. They often dig under porches, decks, and sheds, searching for food or shelter. Additionally, they may carry rabies, making encounters even riskier.
How to Deter Skunks:
- Block off potential burrowing spots around your home.
- Store garbage in sealed containers and remove fallen fruit from yards.
- Consider using motion-activated lights to scare them away.
5. Opossums: Unwanted Visitors Under Decks & Sheds
Opossums can become a nuisance when they start nesting under decks, garages, or sheds. They are scavengers and may carry parasites and diseases, making them unwelcome guests in residential areas.
Ways to Keep Opossums Out:
- Remove food sources such as pet food and unsecured garbage.
- Seal off any potential hiding spots around your property.
- Use humane deterrents like bright lights and strong scents.
6. Coyotes: A Growing Concern in Urban Areas
Coyotes are becoming more common in suburban and even urban settings across Indiana. They pose a threat to small pets and livestock, often hunting at night and being drawn to easy food sources.
How to Prevent Coyote Encounters:
- Do not feed coyotes or leave pet food outside.
- Secure livestock and poultry in well-fenced areas.
- Keep yards well-lit and free from excessive brush or debris where they could hide.
What Should I Do If I Already Have a Wildlife Problem Near My Indiana Home?
If you suspect wildlife has taken over your home, acting quickly is crucial. Common signs of an infestation include scratching noises, droppings, chewed wires, and unexplained odors. However, attempting DIY removal can be dangerous and ineffective. Some Indiana animals—such as bats and coyotes—are protected by law, making it essential to follow legal and humane removal methods.
Why Professional Wildlife Control Is the Best Solution:
- Experts know how to safely remove Indiana wildlife without harming the animals.
- Professional exclusion techniques prevent future invasions.
- Wildlife specialists handle legal considerations, ensuring proper removal.
At Varment Guard, we ensure effective wildlife removal while following all legal requirements.
Protect Your Home: Call Varment Guard Today!
Indiana’s wildlife is beautiful, but it doesn’t belong in your home. By taking preventive measures and seeking professional help when needed, you can avoid costly damage and keep your property safe.
If you’re dealing with squirrels, raccoons, or any other nuisance wildlife in Indiana, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Varment Guard today for expert wildlife control solutions!
