When it comes to dealing with wildlife in and around our homes, many of us may think that taking a do-it-yourself approach is the best solution. After all, how hard can it be to catch a squirrel or remove a bird’s nest, right? However, the reality is that DIY wildlife removal can be extremely dangerous, both for the animals and for the humans involved.
Wildlife Can Carry Diseases
First and foremost, many wild animals can carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans. For example, raccoons are known carriers of rabies, which can be fatal if left untreated. Squirrels can carry fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Even smaller animals like mice and rats can carry hantavirus, a potentially deadly disease that can be contracted through contact with their urine or droppings.
Wildlife Can Be Dangerous
Additionally, many wild animals can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Squirrels, raccoons, and even birds can all bite or scratch if they feel that their safety is at risk. This can be particularly dangerous for children, who may not understand the risks involved in trying to handle or catch an animal.
Wildlife Need To Be Handled Properly
Another issue with DIY wildlife removal is that it can be difficult to know what to do with the animal once it has been caught or removed. Many people mistakenly assume that releasing an animal into the wild is the best course of action, but this can be detrimental to both the animal and the environment. For example, releasing an animal into an area where it is not native can disrupt the local ecosystem and harm other wildlife.
Wildlife (And The Environment) Can Be Injured
Finally, attempting to remove wildlife without the proper training and equipment can also be dangerous for the animal itself. For example, removing a bird’s nest without understanding the nesting habits of the particular species can result in the death of the young birds. Similarly, attempting to trap or catch an animal without the proper equipment can result in injury or death to the animal.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to take a DIY approach to wildlife removal, the potential dangers involved make it a risky proposition. Instead, it’s best to leave wildlife removal to the professionals, who have the training and equipment needed to safely and humanely remove animals from our homes and communities. By doing so, we can ensure the safety of both ourselves and the animals we share our environment with.