These were probably not the animals Dorothy was worried about when the yellow brick road brought her deep into the scary forest. But, if she went on to buy a home in Wichita, Kansas after her visit to the Wizard of Oz, these would definitely be the animals she would worry about. Raccoons, skunks, and squirrels can be quite a problem for homeowners here. While they’re not quite as dangerous as lions, tigers, and bears, they’re definitely not creatures you want to tangle with. Yes, even squirrels. Here are a few things you should know about these accidental invaders.

Facts about raccoons, skunks, and squirrels

• All of these creatures can, and will, attack if they feel threatened. This can happen quite easily when trying to remove one of these animals from an attic space, storage area, garage, shed, or outbuilding. Outside, they will usually run away. But, when cornered, protecting their young, or infected with the rabies virus, these three animals will bite and scratch.

• If you have one of these animals on your property, we don’t have to tell you how destructive they can be. But, what you may not know is that furry animals don’t always come onto your property alone. They can bring parasites like lice, ticks, fleas, and mites with them. This creates a secondary problem most people don’t connect to these animals.

• If you are being bothered by one of these critters, there is probably one or two reasons why. They are finding harborage on your property or they are finding something to eat. The best way to deter wildlife is to keep trash sealed and secure, hide or protect all food sources, and remove objects that could be used for shelter.

• Each of these furry invaders has their own way of finding harborage. Skunks will usually dig their way under something. Squirrels will go high, and chew their way into your eaves or through your roofline. Raccoons can go high or low, and their hands are dexterous enough to allow them to infiltrate your home the way a human burglar would.

• Children and animals are most likely to run into these creatures. If you allow them to find a place to live in your yard, you will be increasing the danger of attack, and increasing the chances that your pets will bring parasites into your home.

If you live in Wichita, you’re right near us. Let one of our wildlife specialists examine your property and employ modern pest measures to deter and exclude these animals. When you have Schendel Pest Services on your side, you’ll know your home, your children, and your pets are fully protected. Reach out to us for immediate assistance.