Stark Shares Tips to Keep Wildlife in Wild

ATLANTA -- As people across the country settle in for the cold months ahead, there are also many unwanted guests eager to enjoy the cozy comforts of home.

Local wildlife such as squirrels, roof rats and even raccoons are seeking food and shelter to survive the winter and it’s important for homeowners to know the telltale signs of these pesky and persistent intruders. Wildlife can cause real damage while nesting, and can also spread bacteria and transmit diseases.

Unusual noises in the attic or droppings found in pantries, along baseboards or in attics are all signs that furry pests may have moved in.

To help combat this issue, Stark Exterminators, a pest, termite, and wildlife control company, has prepared a list of the most common wildlife looking for a home this winter, and tips to keep them outside where they belong.

Roof Rats: Roof rats were not even found in many southern states 20 years ago, but they are now one of the most frequent home invaders. Typically tree dwellers, roof rats look for high places to nest inside structures, including soffits and attics, to survive the winter. Like all rodents, they reproduce very quickly, making them nearly impossible to control without the help of a professional.  

Squirrels: Both gray and flying squirrels are known to seek shelter in attics, exterior walls, and even between floors using insulation as nesting material. In addition to the damage their chewing and nesting can cause, squirrels can be carriers of fleas and other unwanted organisms that can infest an entire home once brought inside.

Raccoons: These masked bandits live in a constant search for food and shelter. They use their very adept hands to open garbage cans, remove siding, and even tear off shingles. Categorized as an extremely dangerous and destructive pest, raccoons can cause structural damage to a home and infest living spaces with fleas and parasites. They are also known to carry rabies.

“We see an increase in calls related to wildlife infestations every winter,” said Stark Pest Expert Tommy Giardino. “Much like humans, these pests crave food, warmth, and shelter which drives them into homes when the temperature drops.”

To help prevent furry intruders from entering homes, Stark Exterminators recommends the following tips:
•     Seal all exterior cracks and holes, including along the roofline, around the chimney, and areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
•     Use plastic boxes and containers with seal-tight lids for storage, keep them off the floor, and organize items to prevent wildlife from residing in undisturbed areas of the house, garage, basement, and attic.
•     Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean.
•     Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder.
•     Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight.
•     Use a thick plastic or metal garbage can with a tight lid – and always keep it sealed.

Stark protects homes from pests with the STEPS Total Protection System, an approach that utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM). STEPS includes a full property evaluation to pinpoint pest issues; identification of not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem; and treatment in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and to help prevent future recurrences.

Consumers interested in scheduling a free whole home evaluation can contact Stark at www.starkexterminators.com or call 855-782-7566.

Family owned and operated since 1964, Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators, parent company of Stark Exterminators, is the largest family-owned pest and termite control company in the United States ranked by revenue. Arrow boasts a modern fleet of more than 3,175 vehicles, 185 service centers, over 3,400 team members with revenues exceeding $415 million and has been named a Top USA Workplace for four years in a row.

The company offers innovative and environmentally responsible services to protect homes and businesses in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. For more, visit arrowexterminators.com.