Birds and Wildlife

Birds and Wildlife are beautiful in their natural habitats, but when people and nature meet the relationship isn't always very pretty. Birds deface buildings and walkways with their droppings and can damage signs, electronic equipment/utilities. Large flocks can intensify the negative impact. And when birds invade indoor spaces they can contaminate food in warehouses and food plants. Birds carry an number of diseases and parasites harmful to people — like: Salmonela, Histoplasmosis, and Menigitis, to name a few. And those cute furry animals in the woods like Raccoons and Squirrels aren't so cute and friendly when they're inside somebody's home or place of business. They don't call them wildlife for nothing. When wildlife invades a residential or commercial structure they can not only be destructive to the structure, but more importantly they can be harmful and dangerous to people. Animals in the wild not only carry a host of parasites and diseases communicable to people, but a bite from one of these animals can be very painful and carry Rabies. Knockout Pest Control Techs are experts in Bird and Wildlife Pest Control. From Pigeons and Geese to Bats, Chipmunks, Raccoons, and a host of other wildlife intruders, Knockout Pest Control can address your current pest problem AND address how best to prevent future Bird and Wildlife pest problems.

Bats   Birds   Opossums   Raccoons   Snakes   Squirrels  

Bats

The most common species of bats in the NY area are the LARGE and SMALL BROWN BAT. Brown Bats feed exclusively on large insects, like moths, (it is a misnomer that Bats control mosquitoes populations, mosquitoes are NOT the preferred food source of Bats). Although these nocturnal animals are thought of as “beneficial animals”, Bats have many issues that are not compatible to the health and safety of people when they have invaded a residence or place of business. Beside the health problems associated with the feces left behind from Bats which can grow a fungus that can cause a condition called Histoplasmosis, it is common that bats attract parasitic insects like lice and/or mites. Bats are also carriers and often parasitic hosts to BED BUGS, sometimes referred to as “bat bugs”. An important factor when treating for Bats is that the Bed Bugs, (once Bats are removed from a premises and they are no longer a source of food source for Bed Bugs), will roam the residence/place of business seeking a new host…usually people. Knockout Pest Control Technicians will always alert the customer to this potential problem. And lastly, Bats are known carriers of RABIES. People should NOT be allowed to occupy a room in which a Bat is present. If you suspect that your home or place of business has a Bat problem call Knockout Pest Control immediately for an assessment and pest control services.

There are a few ways to determine if YOU have a Bat problem. Besides the obvious, seeing Bats in your home or place of business, other tell tale signs of a Bat Problem are seeing Bat dropping around an AC unit, on the roof, next to a building's foundation. If you see a Bat within a dwelling, it is a sign that there is a “colony” of roosting bats living somewhere in the structure, usually an attic space, duct work, a chimney, in drop ceilings, or within a gap in an exterior wall.

There are NO HOME REMEDIES for Bat Control that have long term success or they are illegal. There are NO REGISTERED PESTICIDES for Bats.

Only a Professional Pest Control Technician, like our Knockout Pest Control Tecnicians, who are trained and experienced in Bat Control, can properly and effectively eliminate a Bat Problem.

Knockout Pest Control Techs identify the scope of the problem, identifying the sources of entry into the premises. We use specialized traps to collect the Bats. Using poisons would result in Bats dying and decaying within walls and voids creating foul orders and attract maggots; so know you have a fly infestation problem. Trapping and the proper sealing of areas of entry are the only proven method of eliminating a Bat problem. Knockout Pest Control Techs know how to catch these pests and when and how to properly seal openings. They are aware of even the most complex roof structures and the even the most difficultly accessible places that Bats can enter a dwelling. Our technicians are highly trained and have the proper gear to get to those difficult to reach locations. We are also insured for this type of work. If you think YOU have a Bat Problem call Knockout Pest Control today, before the problem gets worse. And when you call ask about our KO-12 program to get pest protection throughout the year.

Birds

There are many different types of Birds in the New York area that are known to be “pests” to people. These include: Pigeons, Sparrows, Starlings, Sea Gulls, Crows, Ravens, Swallows, Geese, and Woodpeckers. Each Bird presents its own unique set of biology, habits, impact, and pest management control rules & regulations. For instance a common Bird pest is the Pigeon — small head, short neck, with generally blue grey with white, black, or brown markings, with short legs and hind toes, love to roost and perch on ledges and roofs. A Pigeon' feces are highly corrosive, feces and feathers can build up clogging roof drains and impede machinery, and Pigeon feces contain a host of bacteria, parasites (like mites & ticks), and can cause as a result — histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, encephalitis, and meningitis in people and pets. There are Bird Pests like Woodpeckers — usually brightly colored with short legs and sharp claws, feeding on insects on or boring into wood. Woodpeckers can cause damage to a structure's façade by their pecking holes and their nests can also cause damage to blocking venting, or electrical devises. And then there are the larger Bird pests like Geese. The numbers of Geese in the New York area has been steadily growing. In this area, the Canadian Goose is the primary specie in the area. Once a definitive migratory bird, more and more Geese are wintering over in this area for numerous reasons, mostly food and shelter related. Geese can range in size from 22 to 48 inches tall and can weigh as much as 25 pounds. The Canadian Goose has a long black neck with white cheeks, whose body feathers are generally brown with a light grey/white underside. Geese prefer to live and nest near areas of water. Geese can be aggressive especially if they feel threatened. An average Goose male can defecate as much as 3 pounds of feces per day. Goose feces are known to carry a host of diseases as well as parasites that can get people and animals ill.

It takes an expert like a Certified Pest Control Tech from Knockout Pest Control to determine the Bird pest, and know exactly how to deal/treat the situation, whether it is ONE bird or a FLOCK of Birds. When and where to remove the pests effectively, know which pests may be by law “protected” Birds requiring special attention and consideration. As with all of Knockout Pest Control's approaches, our Certified Techs take a comprehensive Integrated Green Pest Management Approach, identifying the Bird pest, an assessment of the problem and scope, removal of nests, we can also clean and sanitize affected areas, employ and implementation highly effective Bird control devices/barriers/sheaths/dispersal/ward- off products, like using decoy techniques or innovative products, [like using grape extract foggers (methyl anthranite) that nesting birds like Sparrows Crackles, Starlings, and Swallows find annoying to their sences of smell], as well as the possible humane trapping of Birds within structures for removal. It is also important to note that ALL of our Bird & Wildlife Pest treatments/services are performed humanely and discretely. And when you call ask about our KO-12 program to get pest protection throughout the year.

Opossums

Opossums are common throughout the New York area, but more frequently in rural and suburban areas. Opossums are marsupials. An adult Opossum weighs about 12 to 14 pounds, is 15 to 20 inches long from nose to tail, has light grey fur, a long hairless tail, and pointed snouts, with a mouth containing 50 very sharp teeth. In the wild, Opossums are opportunistic feeders, but tend to eat mostly meat, like insects, worms, bird eggs, voles, moles, or dead animal carcasses, but can also eat plants, mainly the fruit. Opossums are generally solitary animals and don't rotate their dens every night; Opossums usually have 3 or 4 dens. Opossums like to make their dens in hollow logs or trees, old squirrel nests, rock crevices, and brush heaps. Many times Opossums can be found co-habiting with another animal, like a rabbits or skunks.

When Opossums come in contact with people and their property the interaction usually consists of the Opossum raiding bird feeders, vegetable gardens, pet food (including horse water troughs and grain feed), as well as scrounging through garbage. However, when a roaming and foraging if Opossum gets into a structure they can create more than a nuisance; they present a series of health risks from their urine, feces, and they excrete a foul fluid from their rear. Opossums carry a host of diseases harmful to people and pets, like Leptospirosis, TB (Tuberculosis), Relapsing Fever, Tularemia, Toxoplasmosis, Trichomoniasis, and is known to transfer the disease Equine Protozoal Myelitis to horses causing them to go lame. Plus, despite the myth that a Opossum lays down and plays dead, in actuality most Opossums become fierce bare their teeth and…bite. With 50 sharp pointy teeth in its mouth, an Opossum bite can be extremely painful and will require a visit to the doctor/hospital to not only treat the physical bite, but the host of diseases that that bite may carry.

If YOU think that you have an Opossum pest in your residential or commercial building, don't wait, call the wildlife pest control experts from Knockout Pest Control. A Certified Knockout Pest Control Tech has the experience and knowledge to properly identify the pest, evaluate the extent of the problem, and implement all of the means necessary to eradicate your structure from Opossum(s). From hand capture and removal to baited live traps, a Knockout Pest Control Tech will know when, where, and how to locate and remove the Opossum(s). The Tech will also review with, and assist the home and business owner in the ways to prevent future problems with other Opossums from entering a structure. And when you call ask about our KO-12 program to get pest protection throughout the year.

Raccoons

Raccoons are prevalent in much of the New York area. Raccoons are nocturnal wild animals with grey fur and distinctive markings of alternating light and dark rings around its tail and a dark masklike area over it eyes. Raccoons are active all year round but make take cover/den over periods of severe cold/snowy winter weather. Raccoons are omnivorous, (eating both plants and smaller animals, like crayfish, fish, frogs, and sometimes grown nesting birds and occasionally rabbits). Raccoons make dens of hollow trees, ground burrows, and brush piles. Although generally thought of as a rural woodland animal, because of the easy access to garbage, the population of Raccoons has grown tremendously in suburban and urban areas of New York in recent years, plus the fact that many people leave food out for the Raccoons to feed upon, making the once shy Raccoon comfortable around people and people surroundings/trappings.

Many people in suburban areas are familiar with the damage Raccoons can do with their vegetable gardens, but the damage that can be done to a structure can be extremely formidable. Do to the Raccoons size, strength, and their paw structure, (being able to grip), Raccoons can and have rip shingles and fascia boards off of building facades. Torn vents off to access attics spaces and destroy the interior walls. Once inside Raccoon can further destroy the interior spaces with urine and fecal matter. Besides the noises they make and the objectionable odors, Raccoons are host to a wide range of parasites , (fleas, mites, and ticks) that are vectors of health problems in their own right, but Raccoons are also known carriers of a host of other diseases including Round Worm and Rabies. Raccoons are known to bite.

If YOU have a Raccoon problem, call Knockout Pest Control immediately. Raccoons are a formidable pest for an untrained individual to deal with. Raccoons are powerful and can be dangerous. A sickly Raccoon may have rabies which can make the Raccoon vicious and extremely aggressive. A Knockout Pest Control Tech knows the biology and habits of Raccoons. They are highly trained in their removal, whether it is only ONE or an entire den of MANY, our knowledgeable staff can command the situation. We know how to properly identity the pest, where and when to look, how to evacuate their hiding places within a structure and when and how to catch/trap them. Once removed, our Certified Techs can discuss all the means necessary to prevent re-entry into your residential or commercial space, which could include dealing with trash, clearing brush, trimming tree overhangs near structures, and rethinking arbors/trellises against buildings. Our Techs know Raccoons and that they have even been known to open latches to gain entry into areas, so it will take the expertise of a Knockout Pest Control Tech to properly address your Raccoon problem. And when you call ask about our KO-12 program to get pest protection throughout the year.

Snakes

There are four basic species of Snakes in the Long Island/NYC/Westchester & Rockland areas. None in these areas are venomous, all are non-venomous. Of the 4 Snakes, only two are more commonly found in the above mentioned counties and can be found near homes and commercial buildings, they are the Common Garter Snake and the Eastern Milk Snake. Overall Snake populations in these areas are extremely low. The Common Garter Snake is approximately 2 to 3 feet long and the Eastern Milk Snake can grow as large as 4 feet long. Snakes are carnivores and depending on which Snake, they eat anthing from earthworms, insects, and slugs -to- small rodents and other Snakes.

If Snakes are in a structure it is usually because they followed prey or they sought a interior space out to hibernate over winter. They usually gain access into building via crakes in foundations or basement windows so within a structure they are usually found in basements. Overall these Snakes do not cause any significant damage to a structure other than invading a living and/or working space creating the usual biological health hazards from expelling urine & fecal matter. If Snakes can survive within a structure it may be signs of other problems. Snakes consume insects and small animals and use their mouths to bite them; therefore a Snake can just as easily bite a person or pet. Although NOT VENOMOUS and not generally painful a Snake bite can hurt. Snakes need a food source which should alert a home and/or business owner to the possible presence of other pests like insects and rodents.

If YOU have a Snake problem, whether one or many, call the pest control experts from Knockout Pest Control. We can quickly identify the species of Snake, and capture/remove it/allow it “one way” egress. Then as always, our Knockout Pest Control Tech will review with the home/business owner, all of the techniques/means necessary to prevent other Snakes from entering the premises which may include habitat modification. [An important note: there have been cases where the Snake problem IS NOT from the wild but an ESCAPED PET SNAKE. These Snakes, unlike ones found naturally in the New York area can present significant problems to people. Some of these Snakes can be large, have a significant painful bite, can constrict, crush, and consume small pets and harm people and children, as some people unlawfully keep VENOMOUS Snakes. A Knockout Pest Control Tech will be able to recognize the type of pest Snake and address the situation accordingly and professionally. And when you call ask about our KO-12 program to get pest protection throughout the year.

Squirrels

There are several species of Squirrels in the New York area from the common Grey Squirrel and the Long Island Fox Squirrel to the Red and Flying Squirrels, all are rodents and like all rodents Squirrel its biology demands that it gnaw. On average Squirrels are 15 to 20 inches long from nose to end of tail and weight almost 2 pounds, while Flying Squirrels are slightly shorter and weigh significantly less approximately 4 to 5 ounces. Somewhat social, Squirrels usually nest in trees, making a nest out of leaves & sticks. Squirrels eat nuts, some fruits, tree buds, and field crops, but Squirrels are also opportunistic feeders also eating food left out for birds, insects, bird eggs, and carrion. It is there natural rodent gnawing trait that makes the Squirrel more than a nuisance pest. Squirrels cause gnawing damage to structures' vents, soffits, and exterior building fascia, using the opening and using the spaces accessed, like attics and interior walls and living space to store food and forage for more. Squirrel damage to plumbing and electrical wires are equal to that of the Rat. Similarly to the Rat, Squirrels can destroy human food stores through gnawing contamination, as well as with their urine & feces. Squirrels can bite. Squirrels can have RABBIES, carry a number of other rodent diseases and parasites, (mites, lice, and fleas), that can affect the health of people.

If YOU think that you have a Squirrel problem, then call the pest control experts from Knockout Pest Control. Squirrel control begins with inspections of access points of a structure - the rooftops, eaves, foundation, and attic vents and interior spaces. Knockout Pest Control will find all of their hiding places, within the walls, ceilings, and chimneys. Knockout Pest Control uses a comprehensive Integrated Green Pest Management approach to outwit these clever and persistent Rodents. We employ a regimented system of Squirrel removal - constructing easy means of evacuation, setting up traps, and implementing deterrents for re-entry, as well as constructing permanent barriers to prevent re-entry. You can rely on Knockout Pest Control to solve your Squirrel pest problems. And when you call ask about our KO-12 program to get pest protection throughout the year.