Mike Downes holds several certifications through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. He is a licensed problem animal control agent in Massachusetts and holds a trapping license through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Mike Downes holds several certifications through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. He is a licensed problem animal control agent in Massachusetts and holds a trapping license through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Wildlife Management
Mike Downes holds several certifications through the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. He is a licensed Problem Animal Control Agent in Massachusetts and holds a trapping license through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
We love nature and all of its creatures but they should not establish residency in your home!
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Targeted Wildlife include: bats, beavers, chipmunks, coyotes, foxes, house sparrows, mice, moles, muskrats, Norway rats, opossum, pigeons, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, snapping turtles, squirrels (red, gray, flying), starlings, voles, weasels, and woodchucks.
All Wildlife Management begins with a thorough inspection to identify the problem and contributing environmental factors. If you hear running or scratching in the ceiling or walls, see damage on the outside soffits, vents or rooflines or find nesting and/or food debris in the attic or crawl spaces call us!
Trapping/Monitoring Programs:
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If the problem is nuisance pests like woodchucks digging up your garden or raccoons nesting in under the porch, we implement our trapping program. Using the correct bait for the identified species, we set traps and monitor activity with motion activated cameras. The information received from the camera monitoring is critical in insuring proper trap placement, optimal bait rotation and the safety of the animal.
Exclusion:
If a problem animal has taken up residence in your attic, an exclusion service is likely appropriate. This will include thorough assessment of the following: fascia boards, rakeboards, gutters, roofline junctions, dormers, gable vents, ridge vents, flashing and soffits. Any potential access points will be excluded using a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wildlife sealant and copper wool. One way devices will be installed over active access points so the squirrel/bat can exit but not return. Once the invader has left, we will return to remove the one way devices and seal those points.
Wildlife management is a dynamic process that may require multiple strategies to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Knowledge of animal behavior is critical. That is why it is important to choose a company with experience in wildlife management. We are highly skilled in roof and ladder work, use appropriate safety devices and evaluate work conditions to adhere to strict safety standards.
Evidence of wildlife invasion includes, but is not limited to:
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Hearing running or scratching in the ceiling or walls
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Visual damage on the outside soffits or roof lines
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Nesting or food debris in attics or crawl spaces
Stages of Wildlife Management:
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Inspection to determine the type of invader, access points, and repairs that may be needed for a successful exclusion.
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Installation of one-way devices that allow the animals to leave but not return.
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Monitoring with cameras and/or follow up inspections.
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Removal of one-way devices and exclusion of access points
Challenges:
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It is not always possible to access areas of invasion (small crawl spaces, areas under rooflines with no inside access). If we can not visualize evidence (animals, droppings) we may not be able to determine the problem conclusively. We may recommend treatment strategies as a process of elimination. For example, scratching noises could be mice or bats so we will treat for mice and evaluate results. If the scratching continues and the bait remains untouched, we can eliminate mice from the culprit list. This can be difficult for homeowners who want relief quickly.
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Steeply pitched roofs, complex rooflines, inaccessible areas requiring the use of lifts can make installation of one-way devices difficult and dangerous. Downes Pest uses safety devices to insure technicians are secure.
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Animals do not always behave according to the plan! They can make valiant attempts to regain access to sealed areas or make new access areas.
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Life cycles - it is important to be knowledgeable regarding when eviction can take place. For example, bat exclusion can legally occur only in May and August 1 - October 31. Also, we can not separate a mother from her babies as a mother will make every effort to return to them. We will use monitoring devices to establish the presence of babies and create a strategy to evict them together.
Wildlife management is a dynamic process that may require multiple strategies to achieve a satisfactory outcome. We provide a warranty for the treated areas that is superior to that of our competition.
Biohazard Cleanout
Squirrels, bats, mice, and other animals that have infested your home can leave behind a big mess after eviction. Droppings can be trapped in insulation and cause disease through skin contact or inhalation. We will remove and dispose of contaminated materials and apply an antibacterial solution.
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If this entails removing insulation, we will replace it. It is usually hot, dirty work, but we are up to the challenge!
