The solution for creating an enjoyable association with urban life is preventing wildlife intrusions. There is a tendency to adopt a band-aid approach to wildlife intrusion problems, often dealing only with the existing problem and neglecting problem areas. Preventative measures have proven to be less costly and less stressful for both wildlife and the homeowner.

There are several key areas that must be taken into consideration in a comprehensive wildlife-proofing plan. Below, we have given you some before and after photos to help you visualize the problems you might face and how we can help you deal with them.

If unsecured, they make ideal nesting sites for birds and sometimes squirrels. This results in noticeable sounds, odors and insects.

Constructed of light weight aluminum or plastic, they are no obstacle for animals seeking entry into attics.

If left unscreened, they can easily be manipulated by an animal from the outside in order to establish a den site inside the attic space.

If not properly constructed, or due to deterioration, they offer an opportunity for wildlife to chew on the free edge of the wood and gain entry into the attic.

If not screened properly, they make suitable living quarters for raccoons and squirrels. Birds often fall into open chimneys and become stuck at the bottom. Sometimes these animals even enter the "living space" of the home.

If left unprotected, they are an invitation to animals seeking den sites inside the house. Once inside the pipe, wildlife often becomes stuck and obstruct the normal function of the building's plumbing system.

Hanging out with urban wildlife has its hazards. Before doing any repair or prevention work yourself, please consult a wildlife control professional.

Rodents contaminate far more food than they actually consume. For example, in six months, one pair of mice can produce some 18,000 fecal droppings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration destroys about 400,000 tons of food yearly that is contaminated by rodent droppings. The FDA has established minimum standards for such filth in our food, such as allowing two rodent hairs per 3 1/3 oz. of peanut butter. For many people in the world, foodstuffs lost to rodents may literally mean the difference between life and death. The World Health Organization reports that about 20 percent of the crops we plant never reach our table, and that five million people die yearly from starvation. Typically, areas with the worst rodent problems, including in U.S. cities, are inhabited by the poorest people most susceptible to the impacts of rodents on human health.

The teeth of rats are harder than iron, and the jaws can exert pressures of 24,000 pounds per square inch. The gnawing of rats and mice destroys foundations, doors, molding, insulation, plumbing, and sewer lines. They can chew into garbage cans, automobiles, priceless works of art, and nearly any other area or object in and around our homes and businesses. And rats chew wiring. From 5 to 25 percent of all fires of “undetermined origin” are believed to be caused by rats. Besides the tremendous economic losses in such cases, there were 4,897 deaths in residential fires in the U.S. between the years 1978 and 1984 and even greater losses of the lives of pets and domestic animals.