The Importance of Professional Wildlife Removal in Charleston: Why DIY Isn’t Always the Answer
Encountering wildlife in your home or on your property can be both startling and concerning. While the impulse to handle the situation yourself is understandable, DIY wildlife removal often presents more risks than solutions. Hiring professional wildlife removal experts, in Charleston such as Metro Wildlife and Pest Control , ensures the safety of both residents and the animals involved. From potential disease transmission to legal consequences, attempting to remove wild animals without professional help can cause more harm than good.
The Hidden Dangers of DIY Wildlife Removal
Disease Transmission
One of the biggest reasons to avoid DIY wildlife removal is the serious health risks associated with handling wild animals. Many animals carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with their urine and feces.
- Rabies: Raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes are common carriers of rabies. The CDC reports that raccoons alone account for 30% of all rabies cases in the U.S.
- Hantavirus: Deer mice and other rodents can carry hantavirus, which is transmitted through droppings and can cause severe respiratory illness.
- Leptospirosis: Raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife can spread leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can lead to kidney and liver damage in humans.
- Histoplasmosis: Bats and birds leave behind droppings that contain fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause lung infections.
The Charleston wildlife removal professionals at Metro Wildlife and Pest Control use proper protective equipment and sanitization techniques to minimize exposure to these threats, keeping your home and family safe.
Risk of Physical Injury
Handling wild animals without training can be dangerous. Even small creatures like squirrels or possums can become aggressive when cornered. Attempting to trap or remove them can lead to:
- Bites and scratches that may require medical attention
- Venomous snake bites, which can be fatal if not treated quickly
- Allergic reactions to animal dander, fur, or parasites
- Falls or injuries from attempting to access attics, crawl spaces, or rooftops
Our Charleston professional wildlife removal team knows how to handle animals safely using the right techniques and tools to prevent injuries.
The Legal Implications of Wildlife Removal
Many wildlife species are protected by federal and state laws, and removing or harming them without the proper permits can result in hefty fines or legal action. For example:
- Bats are protected under federal law due to their role in the ecosystem. Some species, like the Indiana bat, are endangered.
- Trapping and relocating certain species, such as raccoons, may require a permit in South Carolina.
- Poisoning wildlife is illegal in many areas due to environmental and safety concerns.
In Charleston, our wildlife removal professionals stay updated on all regulations to ensure that removal is done legally and ethically.
DIY Removal Can Worsen Property Damage
Many homeowners attempt to seal entry points without confirming whether all animals have been removed. This can lead to animals being trapped inside, causing:
- Structural damage from animals chewing through walls or wires
- Foul odors from trapped or deceased animals
- Increased infestations if young animals remain behind
The Ineffectiveness of DIY Wildlife Control Methods
Many DIY methods, such as store-bought traps and deterrents, only provide temporary relief and don’t address the root cause of infestations.
- Snap traps and glue boards are often ineffective for larger animals.
- Ultrasonic repellents claim to deter pests but have little scientific backing.
- Home remedies like ammonia or mothballs can be dangerous to pets and children and are not long-term solutions.
Professional wildlife removal service companies in Charleston use humane, science-backed methods to not only remove animals but prevent them from returning.
Why Choose Metro Wildlife and Pest Control?
At Metro Wildlife and Pest Control, we provide comprehensive and humane wildlife removal services in Charleston. Our team is highly trained in handling a wide range of wildlife species, from raccoons and bats to snakes and rodents. By choosing us, you get a safe, legal, and effective solution for keeping your home or business wildlife-free. While DIY wildlife removal might seem like a smart option, in the end, it’s actually a very risky choice. If you need wildlife removal professionals in Charleston—contact Metro Wildlife and Pest Control now!