Seeking alternatives that are non-lethal and humane
Each year, millions of animals are caught and die in traps in the name of “nuisance” wildlife control. Contrary to the claims of wildlife removal companies, animals caught in traps will languish in pain for days before they are destroyed–by drowning, crushing, exposure, shock, or injury.
In Ohio, backyard wildlife trappers often tell people that they will re-home the trapped animals to a farm or the woods – unfortunately, that is not the reality. Sadly, the end result is that these animals are captured and killed because Ohio law requires it. Further, the animal’s death is at a considerable expense to the homeowner without solving the actual problem as the structural weakness of the home or business still remains.
Naturally, animals often take advantage of an existing structural weakness to find a safe home for their families. By not addressing the structural weaknesses themselves, these harmful solutions described above do nothing to prevent other animals from quickly taking up residence in, around, and under homes and businesses.
The good news is that alternative, non-lethal techniques exist that utilize the animal’s biology and natural habits to evict and exclude wildlife. With the right information and supplies, you may be able to resolve conflicts with wildlife yourself by addressing structural weaknesses in your home or business.
If you need to hire a wildlife-removal professional, find one that uses humane, effective practices. Ask the company for an inspection and written estimate. During the on-site inspection, ask that they identify:
1. The animals using the structure,
2. All of the existing entry points as well as any potential entry points,
3. Whether or not there are offspring, and
4. The process by which the company determined the answers to these questions.
Companies should provide pictures to explain how the animal is using a structure and what needs to be repaired to ensure that the structure is wildlife-proof. Request specific details about how the intrusion or problem will be resolved and how the animals will be treated in the process. Will the animal be killed and, if so, why? Are there offspring that will be orphaned or abandoned? Will the company’s proposed method be a band-aid solution or actually resolve the problem for the long-term?
If an animal is inside a structure, insist on the use of guaranteed eviction strategies such as one-way doors. Make sure that the company provides a full range of animal-proofing/exclusion services that carry at least a one-year guarantee against re-entry.
Look for companies such as SCRAM! that are willing to take the extra time and effort to not only help property owners, but also help the animals. There exist safe, effective, and humane methods which safeguard the owner’s property while protecting the animals and maintaining a peaceful co-existence.