Nuisance Squirrel Removal and Prevention

Forsyth Wildlife has performed nuisance squirrel removal service in the Metro Atlanta area since 1980.  For the past 30 years our company has had the required licenses, insurance, and trained experts necessary to solve even the most difficult cases of squirrel invasions.  These rodents will damage property on a daily basis and will not stop until physically removed and prevented from re-entering.  Gray Squirrels are active in the morning and afternoon, Flying Squirrels are active at night, and both kinds of squirrels will chew wood, cables, and pipes; nest indoors; and destroy the R-value of insulation.
It is common for squirrels to be present in attics around Metro Atlanta, especially cities like Alpharetta, Duluth, Suwannee, Buford, Atlanta, Cumming, Roswell, and surrounding areas where growth and construction have been increasing for years.  The most common scenario of all conflicts between squirrels and humans is the presence of squirrels in the attic.  Nevertheless, sometimes Forsyth Wildlife finds squirrels that actually have entered living spaces and have hurt people and pets.

What is in your attic?

Squirrels chew, scratch, and chatter both in the daytime and at nighttime depending on the squirrel species.  Most people become aware of squirrels in their attics when they hear some of these signs at night due to the fact that humans are quiet and resting at this time while the squirrels are fully active.

Determining if you have squirrels?

Determining if you have a squirrel in your attic is simple when the noises and signs you hear are in the daytime.  Gray squirrels are the most common animal that lives in attics and makes noises at night.  All other animals invading attics and structures are known to be active at night, so the chances of you having Gray Squirrels when hearing noises during the day are better than 95% (based on our 30 years of experience).  If on the other hand, noises are heard at night, in most cases it is a combination of flying squirrels and rats, since these two animals frequently co-exist in attics.  Other animals such as raccoons and opossums will live inside attics, but the noises and signs will vary drastically.  Either way, if you have any signs of animal activity in your home, call Forsyth Wildlife for help!Determining if you have a squirrel in your attic is simple when the noises and signs you hear are in the daytime.  Gray squirrels are the most common animal that lives in attics and makes noises at night.  All other animals invading attics and structures are known to be active at night, so the chances of you having Gray Squirrels when hearing noises during the day are better than 95% (based on our 30 years of experience).  If on the other hand, noises are heard at night, in most cases it is a combination of flying squirrels and rats, since these two animals frequently co-exist in attics.  Other animals such as raccoons and opossums will live inside attics, but the noises and signs will vary drastically.  Either way, if you have any signs of animal activity in your home, call Forsyth Wildlife for help!

Humane Squirrel Removal

Have you reached your wit’s end with those pesky squirrels in your attic?  If you are ready to permanently evict these annoying and destructive pests, please read on.  Forsyth Wildlife is aware that squirrels are an important part of Georgia wildlife and always places an emphasis on removing the animals in the most humane way possible.  The company has used in excess of thousands of live traps to remove squirrels form attics and other areas.  These traps work by attracting the animal inside and capturing it without harming it.  After squirrels are captured, they are relocated to a natural habitat away from structures where the animals can thrive.  All our professional wildlife trappers have a true love for animals and nature, while at the same time are well-trained and aware of the damage they do to homes & structures. It is important to note that despite our efforts to save as many squirrels as possible when removing them from attics and other places, these animals could be already sick or weak when we trap them, so we can not guarantee that all animals will survive the trapping process despite our efforts.

Flies in my Home or Place of Business

Based on the 30 years Forsyth Wildlife has been dealing with wildlife and pests, the most common fly in Georgia homes is the Blow Fly.  This is a large, metallic green, gray, blue or black fly found throughout the state of Georgia.  Since these flies depend on animal carcasses to develop and survive, they are less affected by weather conditions than other species of flies.  When animals die inside structures, blow flies will lay their eggs in the carcass.  The larvae will develop off of the decaying flesh, and adult Blow Flies will emerge to infest homes and buildings by the hundreds.  Be aware that having wild animals living in close proximity (i.e. crawl space, attic, basement, drop ceiling, etc…)  will allow integration of scavengers such as flies and could pose a potential health threat to human inhabitants.  Forsyth Wildlife recommends that you solve all animal issues in the interior of the buildings to ensure that no fly issues threaten the health and well being of those important to you.

Squirrels: Diseases, Preventions, and Cures

Many home and business owners are concerned with the health risks of having squirrels and other animals invading their living environments.  Some squirrels are known to carry diseases that can be passed along to humans through pests such as mites, flies, and mosquitoes.  In addition to carrying disease-carrying pests into living environments, squirrel excrement can be toxic to humans.  Diseases such as Leptospirosis and Salmonella are known to be transferred form squirrels to humans through their feces.  Other health risks include the animals scratching or biting, which can be especially dangerous if eye tissue is damaged from scratches.
Preventing squirrels from spreading diseases requires exclusion of these animals from living environments.  The only method of entry for some mites, flies, and other parasitic animals is by squirrels or other animals carrying them into the home, so if the squirrels can’t get in, neither can the other pests that they carry! If you already have a problem with squirrels and the contamination of your environment by excrement is severe,  Forsyth Wildlife recommends the disinfection and/or removal of affected areas and insulation.
To cure diseases such as Leptospirosis and Salmonella, the aid of a doctor is required in many cases.  Please consult a doctor if you have been exposed to severe infestations and or large amounts of excrement in a confined area.

Common Animal Damages and Repairs

Wildlife such as rats, squirrels, raccoons, snakes, opossums, & bats in the attic is a serious problem, and it is never the kind of problem that can be solved by a handyman.  Many home and business owners wait until it is too late to call a professional for help.  It is our recommendation to pay for a few hours of an expert’s time to point you in the right direction to solve the animal problem.  Here are some examples of damages and repairs Forsyth Wildlife has had to deal with in the past 30 years of business.   If you have rats, squirrels, raccoons, snakes, opossums, bats, or other wildlife in the attic, we urge you to correctly and promptly address the problem.
Chewed Wires: As professionals we have seen animals chewing car wires inside the hood and cab of automobiles, electrical wires inside attics and walls, cables and internet wires, and entire home theater systems.  The cost of the damages caused by animals can range from $100 to $500,000.  As an example, one of Forsyth Wildlife’s customers bought a brand new car (T. Avalon); the second day rodents entered the vehicle and caused $7,500 worth of damage.  The customer had to replace all the wiring inside the hood.  This is just one of hundreds of customers that have faced similar situations.  A house in Cumming, Georgia caught on fire and the fire marshal (fire investigator) ruled that the cause of the fire was a shortage cause by a chewed wire in the attic.  This house burned to the ground, leaving a single mother homeless.  This house was quoted by Forsyth Wildlife 8 months prior to the incident, but home owner never decided to hire professional services.  She assured Forsyth Wildlife that her neighbor was trained and capable of solving the issue with rodents.  Please hire a professional company when dealing with animals inside your attics and structures.
Chewed Pipes: As animals chew wires and cables, they also target pipes, as they have the round shape that is most attractive to wildlife.  Rodents have chewed hoses and pipes connecting dishwashers and refrigerators which caused thousands of dollars to fix every time.  Hundreds of our customer have faced devastating news when entering a flooded kitchen or bathroom.  Even more aggravating is the fact that animals as small as a pinky are responsible for causing the damages.  When kitchens are flooded, hardwood floors buckle, furniture gets moldy and many times a musky smell stays in the area for months.  It is worth mentioning that even after all the damages are repaired, critters could come back and do it again.  Please make sure that your house is sealed  against animals by a trained professional.
Chewed Objects: From a $200 suit case to a $50,000 oil painting, Forsyth Wildlife has seen animals chew and destroy objects.  Animals will chew objects trying to gather nesting materials, find a hiding place, or secure a food source.   Many valuable objects are stored in areas with ideal conditions for wildlife such as attics and closets.  These environments are frequently occupied by animals and rodents making it easy for them to chew and damage objects.  In one case, rats chewed and damaged $ 20,000 worth of children’s clothing and toys since they were in storage for a period of three months.  Some of the damaged materials included bedding, clothes, plastic bottles, diapers, cribs, camera monitors, and many more.  Insurance was very difficult to collect and only paid about 45% of all damages.
Damaged Insulation: Many homes that have been infested by bats and raccoons have an undisputable need to remove and replace contaminated insulations since their excrement can be very toxic to humans.  Most insurance policies in the state of Georgia will pay for the removal and replacement of contaminated insulation if raccoons or bats contaminated the insulation.  In the case of squirrels and rats, replacement of insulation and decontamination may be needed if the infestation is heavy.  Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t cover this since they expect owners to solve rat and squirrel problems as soon as they notice any signs.  Rats and squirrels could damage insulation to the point of no return, but it definitely takes them longer to do so, compared to raccoons and bats.
Water Damage: Chewed pipes are not the only cause of water damage caused by animals.  In thousands of homes animals will open entry areas around the outside soffit boards or roofs.  These entry ways will allow water to enter structures by the gallons, creating mold and damages that can cost thousands of dollars to repair.  When dealing with large animals such as squirrels and raccoons, their entry ways could be from the size of a baseball to a beach ball.  If you have openings this size around the roof of your structure, water will cause more damage than any wildlife.  We urge you to repair openings and animal entries before is too late.  Make sure animals are captured and relocated before they try to open entry ways elsewhere.

Bird Control Techniques

Birds control

Birds are a pest when invading buildings and structures. When they become pests, it is clear that Forsyth Wildlife needs to address the problem to prevent further damage and contamination in the future. Solving problems with pesky birds such as pigeons, woodpeckers, starlings and crows is not an easy task: Experience, equipment, and support are important tools in the process of bird eradication.

Problems with Birds:

You may have seen the mess they make and of course they can also damage your property.

Pest Birds could be a very serious issue thus requiring serious solutions and effective methods to control. These pests will contaminate roosting sites and areas around them.  Their excrements will generate a number of lung diseases and they may bring other pests with them such as fleas, mites, and mosquitoes.

  • Deface buildings and vehicles with their droppings. Foul entrances and pavements, making them dangerously slippery.
  • Encourage insect infestations. For example bird mites, fleas or mosquitoes because they are attracted to their nests and roosting sites.
  • Attack people, especially during the breeding season when they are defending their young.
  • Be a health hazard, by spreading diseases such as Ornithosis, E.Coli and Salmonella.

Problems with Birds in your Business?

If you find birds in the wrong location, in particular pigeons, they can become a real nuisance for your business. 

They may:

  • Dislodge roof tiles
  • Block gutters or
  • Drive away your customers affecting your reputation 

Techniques

At Forsyth Wildlife we will inspect and choose a bird control method that is the best suited for your needs. We know it can be difficult to solve the problem with just one technique, so if that is the case, we will try a combination of methods to find one bird control method that completely solves the problem. It often takes a combination of methods to control the issue.

Some of the more common methods are: exclusion, electrocution, sterilization, and trapping.  Please call Forsyth Wildlife for more information on this subject.

You will also find different kinds of birds and they carry a number of diseases. If this is your case, it is best to call the experts at Forsyth Wildlife and avoid handling the problem yourself.

We will give you a free consultation for your unique situation based on our years of experience.

When Your Efforts are Not Enough

Sometimes these pests could bypass all efforts. Forsyth Wildlife offers a warranty on all services, so in the case of a pest bird reoccurrence, our company will stand behind the previously protected area (according to contract).

We focus on prevention so contact our experts in case you are not sure about the measures you need to take. We of course, help with eradication if given the case.

Bees in Georgia

Forsyth Wildlife understands that bees, wasps, or hornets could be a threat to human and animal health and well being.  Some people could be allergic to a single sting and could potentially face life-threatening situations when faced with a flying insect.  The most common types of flying insects in Georgia are: Yellow Jacket (nest underground and inside voids), Carpenter Bee (only female stings, round holes in fascia boards and logs), Baldface Hornet (big outdoor nest), Cicada Killer (non aggressive giant wasp), Honey  Bee (nest indoors and in voids, very dangerous for some people), Red Wasp (nest around eves and structures).

Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Control Techniques:

Bee, wasp, and hornet control techniques:
After years of experience, Forsyth Wildlife has developed safe techniques used on a daily basis in controlling flying insects.  Some of the techniques include the use of powder sprayers, wasp freeze, bee suits, bags, cutting tools, and heavy duty equipment.  When dealing with one nest, multiple nests, or a sensitive area, Forsyth Wildlife has an appropriate solution that is safe for everyone and will allow the affected parties to continue on with their life as usual.

Bee Management and Removal

bees control in Atlanta

For the past 30 years, Forsyth Wildlife has encountered and solved thousands of problems with bees, wasps, and hornets.  Forsyth Wildlife Recommends the use of a professional bee, wasp, and hornet removal company since these insects could cause serious physical harm.

Insect Stings

This is one of the most uncomfortable problems bees can carry. They can cause you stress especially if you or anyone in your family are allergic to bee or wasp stings. You can reduce the risk of being stung by calling Forsyth Wildlife to get rid of a bee nest in or near your home. We will assist you and give you ideas on how to deal with these animals when being outdoors.

Do I Have A Problem with Bees?

Whenever you see a bee nest in your property, you may have an infestation. You may also see bees entering a hole in the ground or in a wall or roof. This is time to call our Forsyth Wildlife professionals in their removal. We will help you identify the best solution: Depending on the species. 

We will tell you if it is necessary to destroy the nest or not. 

Some Species we Deal With:

  • European Hornets
  • Yellow Jackets
  • Baldface Hornets
  • Honey Bees
  • Carpenter Bees
  • Cicada Killers
  • Red Wasps
  • Bumble Bees
  • Yellow Jacket Wasps
  • Solitary wasps  

Why Forsyth Wildlife

We have all the required experience and personal protective equipment needed to complete any bee job in a timely and professional manner.  Whether the bee, wasp, or hornet nests are under ground, or 100 foot above it, our professionals have dealt with them in the past and are confident in even the most dangerous situations.

Best Treatment for Bees and Wasps

As for other species, treating the bee nest can be the only solution. You Forsyth Expert will assess your unique situation and tell you what kind of bees you have. We know that bees can be less aggressive than wasps. They will sting if they find themselves in a threatening situation.

Preparation

  • We do not block the nest until after the treatment, this can be dangerous. 
  • Keep pets away from the area and close windows nearby. 
  • Bee activity around the entrance of the nest will increase for the first 24 hours, so people and pets should be kept away from the area until activity ceases.

We Use the Best Products

  • Biodegradable
  • Almost odorless
  • They do not corrode or stain. 
  • They are not highly toxic for mammals but very effective for crawling and flying pests.

What to Do After a Forsyth Treatment?

  • After treatment, bees and hornets can remain in a hyperactive state for a few hours. 
  • Their activity will end within 7 warm days. 
  • If you have cold or wet days, this may take longer. 

Bats in Georgia

Bats in Georgia
There are 16 different kinds of bats found in the state of Georgia.  Some of these bats will not leave caves and or the wild, but a few species will roost inside buildings and structures.  Rivers, streams, and trails are perfect places for an abundance of bats.  Bats will swoop down close to mammals to feed on the insects that swarm around them.  They will roost around humans to be close to water and food.

House Bats

The little brown bat and the big brown bat are often referred to as “house bats”. They can typically be found in buildings or even in your house in certain times of the year.These are the two most commonly found bats inhabiting human environments.Both species of bats feed primarily over wetlands and other bodies of still water where insects are abundant.  Due to the favorable and moist climate conditions of Georgia, bats roost in buildings and structures.

Sometimes, big brown bats can be found hibernating in attics or basements in the winter season. And when you find both species at the same time, you can recognize them based on their size. Here are some characteristics so you can see the difference.

Little Brown Bat

• They can even be the size of a typical grain of uncooked rice, and you can find bigger ones too.
• These adult bats can be 2.5 to 4 inches long. This is, from nose to tail, about the size of an adult’s thumb.
• Their wing membranes are dark brown.
• Fur is dark brown and glossy on the back. Underneath, they are slightly paler and grayish.

Big Brown Bat

• They are larger in size about 4 to 5 inches in body length.
• Their fur has a silky look, and is typically chocolate brown in color.
• Their wing membranes, ears, feet and face are dark brown to blackish.

Signs of Bat Infestation:

If you see bats enter or leave your attic vents, you may have a bat at home. They move at or just after dusk.
If you hear scratching or squeaking sounds, especially at night.
Sound coming from your walls or attic.
Do you see droppings around your attic vents?

Have you noticed these signs? Maybe in your home or business? It is time to call professionals so call us and we recommend you not to attempt to evict the bats on your own.
When you are ready to evict these bats in a human way, call us.