Did you know that raccoons mate between late winter and early spring? Suppose you live in an area with these adorable masked bandits. In that case, you might wonder what exactly goes on during the raccoon mating season. Without further ado, here are facts about the raccoon mating season you need to know! Raccoon Mating Season Is Between January And June Raccoon mating season generally occurs between January and June. However, in some areas, it can start as early as the first weeks of December and last until July, late spring.  Late winter to early spring becomes the perfect season because it gives the female enough time to store fat. This will support her during pregnancy and wean her young raccoons. Other mammals, like skunks and foxes, have an overlapping breeding season with raccoons. Skunks have theirs from January to Mid-March and foxes from late December to the end of March. Raccoons Are Solitary Animals But Come Together To Mate Raccoons are generally solitary animals, similar to tigers, polar bears, and pandas. They sleep, eat, and hunt alone- preferring to live without companions.  However, during mating season, they will come together to mate. Male raccoons will endlessly search for a mate during this time and will mate with as many females as possible. Once they find a female, they follow her around until she is ready to mate. After mating, the male and female raccoons will go their separate ways, and the female will then raise the offspring on her own.  Male Raccoons Are More Likely To Fight In Mating Season No wonder male raccoons are more likely to fight during the mating season- they're trying to impress the ladies! Wrestling to show off their strength. When two male raccoons meet, they usually try to intimidate each other by making loud noises and showing their teeth. If that doesn't work, they will start fighting. The fights can sometimes get pretty violent, with the two raccoons biting and clawing at each other, which can even result in death. Raccoon Mating Call Sounds Like The Whistling of a Screech Owl During the breeding season, you might hear a strange whistling sound at night. This is the raccoon's mating call, and it sounds like an owl screeching. The male will use this call to try to attract a mate. The female will usually answer with a loud "honk." Once they find each other, the male will follow the female around and make a screeching sound until she signals that she is ready to mate. Remember that it's not just raccoons during these seasons, so expect to hear other screams, hisses, and whimpers from skunks and foxes. Male Raccoons Mate With Multiple Females Interestingly, male raccoons are polygamous. They will mate not just with one but with multiple females. This is because the female raccoon is only fertile for a few days, and the male wants to ensure that he can impregnate them. During the female's fertile period, the two will mate multiple times over several days. The male will move on to another female when she is no longer productive. Raccoons Can Be Quite Loud When Mating If you live in an area with raccoons, you might want to prepare for some noise. They're not just loud when they call for their mate, but they can also be quite noisy during the actual mating process, especially for the males. Mother Raccoons Give Birth To Litters Of 3-5 Young The baby raccoons are called "kits," born blind and deaf. After a gestation period of about 63 days, the mother raccoon will give birth to a litter of 3-5 young but can reach up to seven kits in some cases. The mother will take care of them until they are old enough to fend for themselves, usually around 4-5 months. Baby Raccoons Are Born Blind and Deaf As mentioned, these adorable little creatures are born blind and deaf. When they first open their eyes, they are usually blue but will eventually turn brown. This usually lasts for about two-three weeks. Their fur is also different from that of adults. The kits will have a soft and fluffy coat that is grayish in color. As they grow older, their fur will start to change into the typical raccoon's color, a mix of black, brown, and gray. There Is No Better Place For Raccoon Mothers Than Your Own Attic Ever wondered why raccoon mothers prefer your attic? That's because it provides the perfect environment to give birth to and raise their kits. It is warm, safe, and quiet- everything a mother raccoon needs to take care of her babies. If you find a raccoon in your attic, chances are she has given birth and is just trying to provide warmth for her young. The best thing you can do is to leave her be and wait for the babies to grow up and go on their own. You don't want to handle dead babies and fight off raccoon mothers if you force them out. There are also cases where mothers leave their newborn raccoons. The raccoon babies are considered orphans if they are not seen after a day or two. If they still don't go away after child-bearing and maturity, it's time to call for a professional. Call our AAAC Wildlife Removal team if such problems occur. These raccoon kits require extreme care and gentle handling. We are professionals in this field. We'll humanely remove the raccoon babies and ensure no other wildlife can nest in your home. Mother Raccoons Are Very Protective Of Their Young Like how mothers love their babies, raccoons are also very protective of their young. It is their instinct behavior to defend the young under fear and threat. If she feels like her babies are in danger, she will do everything she can to protect them. This includes fighting off other animals, predators, and even humans. This is one of the few reasons they prefer your house's attics. They think it's the safest site away from predatory species like bobcats, coyotes, and wolves. They'll be far more likely to die or be swept away by the harsh weather when they're outside. As with other wild animals, these critters could carry the rabies virus and other diseases. So if you come across this wildlife, it is best to leave them alone. Unless, of course, you want to get into a fight with a wild animal. Raccoon Families Will Stay Together For About A Year A raccoon family usually stays together for about a year. The young will remain with their mother to learn how to fend for themselves and survive in the wild. It's estimated that at eight weeks, the young raccoons can already leave the nest and eat solid food. Once they no longer need parenting and are old enough to survive, they will leave their mother and move on. They'll usually settle into urban environments, forests, or new territories where they can scavenge for food. Then, they find their own mate and raise their family (if female). And the cycle starts all over again. Male Raccoons Do Not Involve Themselves In The Rearing Of Young Unlike the females, male raccoons do not involve themselves in the rearing of the young. In fact, they will usually leave the female and her kits once they are done mating. You will only see a male raccoon with a female and her litter when he tries to mate with her again. Other than that, they will go their separate ways. Most Of The Time... Their Den Is Temporary, But They'll Eventually Settle Somewhere Safest Did you know that their homes are just temporary? Yes, you heard us right! When the female raccoons are finally about to breed and give birth, that's the only time they establish their own permanent spaces. They love places with little to zero disturbance. These can be your attic, your chimney, the hollows of your ornamental trees, or rock crevices around your property.  They may look for other entry points in your house. It may be under your porches, sheds, and decks. Final Word So there you have it- If you live in an area where these furry critters are prevalent, it is best to be aware of their mating season. This way, you can avoid any potential confrontations or problems. If they're causing issues, call our pros at AAAC Wildlife Removal, and we'll be happy to help you get rid of the raccoons on your property! Originally published at AAAC Wildlife Removal: https://aaacwildliferemoval.com/blog/raccoons/facts-about-raccoon-mating-season-you-need-to-know

• Brian Moss (President)
• AAAC Wildlife Removal

11/28/2022

Total words : 1431

You probably see squirrels all the time in your backyard or when you’re out for a walk in the park. They’re fun to watch as they scamper up trees and bury their nuts for winter. But sometimes, you may notice them nibbling on tree bark. So, what gives? Do squirrels actually eat tree bark? So, Do Squirrels Eat Bark? The answer is yes! Most squirrels prefer to eat nuts, fruits, and seeds but they do, from time to time eat tree bark. Red squirrels, grey squirrels, fox squirrels, tree squirrels, and flying squirrels are known to nibble on tree bark. Tree bark makes up a large part of the food source. Squirrels will strip bark on hardwood and softwood trees in any tree species. Squirrels prefer the softer inner bark, but they'll also eat the more rigid outer bark if nothing else is available. Why Do Squirrels Eat Bark? Squirrels chew bark for a variety of reasons. It can be for sustenance, to sharpen their teeth, or to get materials to build their nests. In the winter, when food is scarce, squirrels may eat tree bark to survive. Tree bark is a good source of fiber, which helps them stay full. Squirrels also get sodium and other nutrients from tree bark. Squirrels will gnaw on tree bark to help keep their teeth sharp. Their incisors, or front teeth, grow about 5 inches per year! Chewing on tree bark helps to keep their teeth at a manageable length. Finally, squirrels chew on tree bark to get materials for their nests. They’ll strip the bark off of twigs and branches to use as bedding material. The soft inner bark is especially useful for lining their nests. Are All Squirrels Bark Eaters? While all squirrels will nibble on tree bark from time to time, not all of them do it with the same frequency. For example, red and grey squirrels are more likely to consume tree bark than their Fox or flying cousins. This is likely because red and grey squirrels live in areas where there are fewer other food options available.  What Damage Do Squirrels Cause to Trees? While tree bark is a common part of a squirrel’s diet, that doesn’t mean that they don’t cause damage to trees when they eat it. In fact, excessive bark eating can be detrimental to the health of a tree. When squirrels strip away the bark, they expose the inner layers of the tree to elements. This can cause the tree to become dehydrated and stressed, which can lead to diseases such as canker or death.  What Causes Squirrels to Chew Off Branches? There are several reasons why a squirrel might chew off a branch. The most common cause is that they're looking for food. It usually happens in the winter when food is scarce. If there is insufficient food, squirrels will start to nibble on tree branches as the tree sap contains nutrients. Another reason why squirrels might chew on branches is to file or sharpen their teeth. Squirrels' teeth constantly grow, so they need to gnaw on something hard to try and keep them at a manageable length. If there’s nothing else available, they’ll start chewing on tree branches.  Branches also make for great nesting material. Squirrels will strip the bark off of twigs and branches to use in their nests. What to Do If Squirrels Are Chewing Your Trees If you've noticed that squirrels or other animals are chewing on your trees, there are a few things to try to deter them. First, you can try wrapping the trunk of the tree with chicken wire. This will create a barrier that squirrels can’t get through. Just be sure to wrap it tightly so that there are no gaps for them to squeeze through. You can also try spraying the tree with a commercial squirrel repellent. These repellents usually contain ingredients like capsaicin or naphthalene, which discourage squirrels from chewing on the tree. Whatever method you choose, keep an eye on the tree and squirrels. If they are undeterred by your efforts, it's time to call in a professional. Need Help With Nuisance Squirrels on Your Property? If you need help with squirrel removal on your property, AAAC Wildlife Removal is here to help! We'll take care of the problem quickly and efficiently so that you can enjoy your yard again. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation! Final Words Despite how adorable and harmless they may appear, squirrels can cause serious damage to your trees. This is especially bad if the tree is young or already in a weakened state. If you’ve noticed that squirrels are starting to chew on your trees, don’t wait to take action. Deter them with one of the methods above, or call in a professional to take care of the problem for you. Learn More About Squirrel: Kinds of Squirrels Do Squirrels Bark? How Long Do Squirrels Hibernate? Where Did Squirrels Originate? Originally published at AAAC Wildlife Removal: https://aaacwildliferemoval.comblog/squirrels/do-squirrels-eat-tree-bark

• Brian Moss (President)
• AAAC Wildlife Removal

11/28/2022

Total words : 851

The gestation period in animals is the time between conception and childbirth. It varies wildly between different species of animals, and even between different breeds of the same animal. For example, the gestation period of a mouse is only about 20 days, while that of an elephant is nearly two years! But what about birds? How long is the gestation period for birds? Do Birds Have A Gestation Period? Technically, no. The word "gestation" refers to the development of a mammal inside its mother's womb. However, because birds lay eggs and the embryos develop inside them, the term "gestation period" is not really applicable. Additionally, it doesn't necessarily mean an egg is fertile when birds lay eggs. This can be due to physiological factors or genetics like insufficient or defective sperm. At times, fertilization doesn't begin even after two days of the parent bird sitting on them. The process of embryonic development inside an egg is called "incubation". So, the more accurate question would be: How long is the incubation period for birds? How long is the incubation period of a bird's egg? The incubation period of a bird's egg is the time between when the egg is laid and when it hatches. This period can vary greatly depending on the species of bird, with some eggs taking as little as two weeks to hatch, while others may take up to six weeks. Small birds like songbirds and fledge typically take 10 to 2 weeks to hatch, while larger birds like woodpeckers take 3 to 4 weeks during incubation. The female bird will keep the eggs warm by sitting on them. She will also turn the eggs regularly to prevent them from sticking together and keep them evenly warmed. In general, smaller birds have shorter incubation periods than larger birds. This makes sense when you think about it – it takes less time for a small egg to hatch than a large one. Additionally, the incubation period also varies depending on the climate. For example, eggs incubated in warm climates hatch faster than those incubated in cooler climates. Bird Mating Season The mating season for birds generally falls during the spring and summer months. During this time, birds are more likely to find mates and build nests. Some bird species mate for life, while others mate for just one season. What Birds Mate For Life? Birds that mate for life include swans, eagles, and albatrosses. These birds generally mate with only one partner and stay together until one of them dies. Swans, in particular, are known for their loyalty to their mates. They often build nests together and share parenting duties equally. Other species that mate for life include most bald eagles, songbirds, gulls, chipping sparrows, bluebirds, cranes, pigeons, geese, hawks, chickens, cockatiels, and other parrot species Which Birds Are Polygamous? Polygamous birds include wild turkey, house wren, and saltmarsh sparrow. These birds generally mate with more than one partner during the breeding season.  These birds generally don't stay with any one mate for more than one season. Other examples include waterfowl, orioles, hummingbirds, herons,  pheasants, and robins. Bird Mating Habits Most birds mate using the cloacal kiss, which involves the males and females pressing their vents, or cloaca, together. The male will transfer sperm to the female's reproductive tract during this process. Some birds, such as ducks and geese, will mate using what is known as the "forced copulation" method, in which male birds grab the female and hold her down while they mate with her. After the cloacal kiss or forced copulation, the female bird will begin to build a nest. The nest is usually made of twigs, leaves, grass, and other materials and is built in a tree, bush, or on the ground. The female bird lays eggs in the nest and then incubates until these eggs hatch. Bird Nesting Nesting, for most bird species, is a collective effort of the birds. But for other birds like the red-winged blackbird, the male birds only declare nesting sites and territories, leaving the nest construction to the female. Some birds, such as the American goldfinch, will build their nests independently. The common grackles will build their nests with the help of their mate. And others, such as the northern mockingbird, will make their nests with the help of their young. Their nests consist of different materials depending on the type of bird. Birds build nests using dead leaves, grass, and twigs, while others may use small feathers, spider silk, moss, or even mud. The size and shape of the nest also vary depending on the bird type. Once the nest is built, the female bird lays her eggs in it. She will then incubate the eggs, which means she will keep them warm until they hatch. Bird Eggs Bird eggs consist of a hard shell that protects the embryo inside. The shell is made of calcium carbonate and is porous to allow the embryo to breathe. The size of bird eggs also varies depending on the species. The largest bird egg is laid by the ostrich, which can weigh up to three pounds. The bee hummingbird laid the smallest bird egg, which weighed only 0.06 ounces. Inside the egg, a yellow clumpy fluid is found at the center called the yolk or egg yolk. Surrounding it is a white fluid surface called albumin. The layer that protects the yolk is referred to as the eggshells. An avian yolk sac appears in the second week after eggs come out. This is an embryonic sac that serves as the site for nutrition and where blood vessels start to appear. Nestling Once the eggs have hatched, the young birds, or nestlings, will begin to grow. Female birds will care for their young until they are ready to leave the nest or fledge. During this time, the female will keep them warm and fed. The parents will feed them a diet of insects and other small animals. As this happens, the young ones will also grow feathers and learn how to fly. How Long Do Baby Birds Stay in the Nest? Nestlings typically stay in the nest for 4-6 weeks before they can fly on their own. After they start leaving the nest, they will continue to be cared for by their parents for some time. However, their stay varies from species to species. For example, small songbirds only take 12 days after hatching to fledge or leave the nest.  How long does it take young birds to learn to fly? Fledging is how a young bird learns to fly and leaves the nest. This is when the young bird is most vulnerable, as they are still learning how to fly and are not yet able to find food for themselves. The time it takes for a young bird to fledge can vary depending on the species of bird. Smaller birds typically fledge anywhere from two to four weeks after hatching, while larger birds may take six to eight weeks. Once the young bird has learned to fly and left the nest, it will be on its own and no longer receive care from its parents. More About Birds, Mating, and Gestation Many birds, like wrens, build several nests when the breeding season approaches. This is one of their mating habits. Female wrens will choose their mate based on the constructed nests. Not all birds utilize dead leaves and twigs for their nests. Bird species like the pileated woodpecker prefer to drill directly on a tree and build its nest. Bird eggs should consistently be laid by their mothers to stay warm. Mothers give the best incubation and heat they need. If the right temperature, humidity, ventilation, and turning are not maintained, it can lead to longer incubation periods. Different species of birds also select various nesting sites. While small arboreal birds, or birds who live in trees, prefer the midst of tree branches as their nesting site. Wild turkeys and other terrestrial birds choose tall grasses. All the eggs may not come out at the same time frame. When this happens, the mother bird will still begin incubation with the first egg. Bird mothers may lay other eggs for a few hours or even days. Similarly, these baby birds may not hatch at the same time. Bird Terminologies Sometimes, terms are confusing! So, let's take a break from this bird knowledge and learn some basics. Hatchling: A young bird that has just hatched from its egg Fledging: The process of a young bird learning to fly and leave the nest Nestling: Are nesting birds or young bird that is still growing in the nest Cormorants: Species of aquatic, shorebirds, or seabirds living in seacoasts, lakes, and rivers that belong to the family Phalacrocoracidae Arboreal: An animal who lives in trees Clutch: A bird’s clutch size is the number of all the eggs produced by a mother bird during one breeding season Brood: A group of young animals all hatched or born in the same nest or litter Need Help With Bird Infestation? Birds are wonderful creatures but when they start to infest your home, dropping massive amounts of poop everywhere, it's time to get rid of them. If you need help with a bird infestation, give us a call at AAAC Wildlife Removal. We will be more than happy to help you solve your bird problem! These infestations can pose risks for diseases and parasites and damage your property with their acidic waste. We at AAAC Wildlife Removal will take your burden and offer you the most effective and modern solutions. Conclusion So, you now know that birds do not have a gestation period. The baby birds undergo fertility and embolization only after the bird eggs come out of the womb. Birds have different mating seasons, habits, and how long their incubation takes. They also have tons of methods on how they build their nests, feed their baby, and how baby birds learn to flock. Remember, these are just their coping mechanisms and how they are structured to thrive in the environment. Originally published at AAAC Wildlife Removal: https://aaacwildliferemoval.com/blog/birds/the-gestation-period-of-birds/

• Brian Moss (President)
• AAAC Wildlife Removal

11/28/2022

Total words : 1688

Birds are masters of the sky and they use their flying skills for hunting and foraging food. They come in all shapes and sizes and exist in almost every corner of the world. But what do these feathered creatures eat? Let's look at what birds typically eat and some interesting facts about their feeding habits. What Do Birds Like to Eat? There are thousands of bird species. So, it's no surprise that they eat a wide variety of food. Some birds are carnivores and eat mostly meat. Others are herbivores and prefer seeds, fruits, and insects. And still, others are omnivores and will eat just about anything! Below are the types of food birds love to eat: Seeds Seeds attract birds. For one, seeds are an excellent source of nutrition. They are full of the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that birds need to stay healthy and energized. In addition, seeds are relatively easy to digest, meaning that seed-eating birds can get the nutrients they need without expending a lot of energy.  Many birds, like goldfinches and house sparrows, eat seeds in large quantities. They will spend their days searching for seeds to eat in the wild. Some of their ultimate favorites include the white proso millet, safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts like acorns and almonds. Fruit Fruit-feeding birds are called frugivores. These fruit eaters include American robins, parrots, scarlet tanager, brown thrasher, orioles, gray catbird, and cedar waxwing. Some of the fruits they enjoy include grapes, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries. These fruit eaters are not the only birds who feed on fruits. Some omnivorous species of birds also include fruits in their diet. Nectar Nectars provide a rich energy source for several small birds; however, they must still consume an alternate food source that supplements their nutritional needs. These nectar-eating birds are nectivores that are usually found in tropical areas. They have long beaks that reach deep into flowers to get the sweet nectar. Hummingbirds, swifts, and sunbirds are the most prevalent nectivores. Insects Bird-eating insects are insectivorous birds. This includes the woodpecker, robins, warblers, and swallows. They make up a large part of a bird's diet, and they will spend hours each day looking for them. Some of their favorites include ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. A lot of birds eat insects. They are considered beneficial biological control agents as they contribute to the balance of these insects' populations. Some birds, like flycatchers and swallows, eat nothing but insects. While we're on insects, it's important to mention that some birds eat bugs. These include crickets, caterpillars, and even spiders! Some bug-eating birds you may be familiar with are bluebirds, kinglets, and nuthatches. Worms Worms attract birds too. In fact, it's one of their favorite foods. They use their long beaks to probe deeply into the mud and clay in search of buried earthworms. Worms serve as a significant food source for many baby birds. These slimy creatures are a good source of protein for birds. Some bird species that eat worms are robins, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. They’d quickly pull the worm out and swallow it whole when they find one. They will also consume leeches, slugs, and even snakes! So, if you ever see a bird with a wriggling creature hanging from its beak, don't be alarmed - it's just having a little worm snack. Fish Birds that feed on fish are called piscivores. Fish-eating birds typically live near water so they can easily catch their prey. Some of the most popular piscivores include night-heron, pelicans, kingfishers, and ospreys. Piscivores hunt for fish by either swooping down or wading into the water to catch them. Amphibians Birds love amphibians too. Amphibians are a type of animal that can live both on land and in water, making them the perfect food for birds that live near ponds or lakes. Birds that eat amphibians are called amphibivores. The ones that eat these slimy creatures include night-heron, bittern, and waterfowl. Common examples of amphibians that birds love to prey on include tree frogs, salamanders, and newts. Reptiles Reptiles are another staple on the birds’ menu. These scaly creatures make an excellent meal for birds of prey, like hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. Some of the reptiles that these birds eat include snakes, lizards, and turtles.  Conversely, A lot of reptiles also hunt birds. There are many terrifying giant reptiles that feed on birds. Reptiles like crocodiles, Komodo dragons, alligators, and snakes. Most birds that feed or live near water bodies and jungles often fall prey to them. Birds Unsurprisingly, birds eat their kind too. This happens mostly when a bird is sick or injured and cannot fly away. However, some birds will eat other birds regularly. Like owls, crows, and northern shrikes, for example. These birds mostly go for the vulnerable chicks, fledgling, and even unhatched eggs from nests. Mammals Birds find these small animals appetizing. They consider them a good meal- especially for larger birds with strong talons like the red-tailed hawk, northern harriers, and barn owls. These birds typically eat small mammals, including rodents, rabbits, squirrels, and bats. Birds who eat these animals are considered carnivorous and are termed bird raptors or raptors. They are predators who catch their prey mid-air and even on the ground. Carrion Carrion is the dead and decaying flesh of animals. While this may sound surprising to us, some birds do love to eat carcasses. Vultures, for example, primarily feed on dead animals. Other birds that enjoy eating carrion include crows, ravens, and magpies. These flying creatures can be called scavengers too- animals who pick at the remains of other animals that have died from other causes, like starvation, disease, or after being preyed upon. Eggs Last but not least, there are eggs. Birds typically eat their own eggs or the eggs of other birds. This happens when the mother bird is not able to incubate all the eggs in her nest, so she will eat some of them to preserve energy. Some birds will also raid nests and eat the eggs inside. These include cuckoos, cowbirds, and even some species of ducks. Birds' Eating Behavior Like other animals, birds have a specific strategy when eating or searching for food. They have different bill shapes or beaks, which allow these flying creatures to exhibit different foraging methods. How Do Birds Hunt and Forage For Food? There are several strategies for how birds forage for food. It all depends on the type of food they're looking for and their hunger level. Here are a few standard methods: Probing This is a type of foraging where birds use their long beaks to poke into crevices and holes for food. Woodpeckers, kingfishers, and nuthatches are some birds that use this method. Scanning Birds scan their surroundings from a high perch to look for food. Once they see their prey, they will swoop down to catch it. When they scan for food, they typically look for larger items such as fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Birds that use this foraging method include herons, eagles, and hawks. Skimming Skimming birds fly low over the water to look for food. When they find something, they scoop it up with their beak. Birds that use this method include terns, gulls, ducks, and auks. Gleaning Birds look for food on top of leaves, branches, and other surfaces. They use their beaks to pick at insects or other small creatures crawling on these surfaces. Robins, warblers, and thrushes are some examples of gleaners. Hover Gorging This method is used by birds that eat insects. While hovering in mid-air, they snatch the insects with their beaks and then swallow them whole. Swifts and hummingbirds are some of the birds that hover over the gorge. Pursuit Diving This is a type of foraging where birds dive into the water to catch fish. Ospreys and herons are some of the birds that use this method. Gathering These birds work together in groups to find food. They typically communicate with each other to let the others know they have found something. Birds that use this method include robins, crows, and jays. Bird Terms To Get Yourself Familiar With Insectivorous birds - describes birds who primarily feed on insects. May it be aquatic or flying insects, ants, spiders, grasshoppers, caterpillars, dragonflies, Granivorous birds - These birds generally feed on grains, seeds, droplets, fruit from plants, and other nuts. Amphibivores - predatory animals, in this case, birds, who love eating amphibians like toads, salamanders, lizards, etc. Piscivores - carnivorous animals that mainly feed on fish. Wading birds - are long-legged birds that wade on shorelines and other bodies of water to hunt. They are usually fish-eating birds but search for aquatic insects, amphibians, and other water-living organisms. Conclusion As you can see, there are various foods that birds eat. Their diet depends on location, availability, and hunting/foraging methods. They are fascinating creatures, and their eating habits are just one of the many things that make them unique. FAQs I usually offer birds uncooked rice, but they won't eat it. Why? Not all birds are attracted to rice. Pigeons, doves, and pheasants are the only usual eaters. Other species don't get attracted to uncooked rice. Is it okay to capture and relocate wild birds I saw on my property? No, it's not okay. You might be violating the law if you do that. Contact your local wildlife agency to ask for help instead. I want to feed birds in the meantime before calling wildlife control professionals. What should I give them? You can feed birds using a substitute bird food in your house. You could give them fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and berries if they're garden birds. You could also give them vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, bell pepper, and carrots. Originally published at AAAC Wildlife Removal: https://aaacwildliferemoval.com/blog/birds/what-do-birds-eat/

• Brian Moss (President)
• AAAC Wildlife Removal

11/28/2022

Total words : 1645

Rats and mice may be small, but they can cause big problems. These furry pests are known to chew through wires, gnaw on wood and destroy insulation - not to mention contaminate food sources and spread disease. In short, rodents can wreak havoc in your home or business. How much damage do rats and mice really cause? And what can you do to prevent these critters from wreaking havoc on your own property? Read on to learn more about the damage caused by rats and mice - and how to prevent these pests from causing costly damage to your home or business. How Much Damage Do Rats Cause? Rodents are responsible for an estimated 25% of all house fires in the United States. Not just that, but they cause billions of damage to homes, buildings, and businesses. Incredible, right? But it doesn't stop there - they can also transmit diseases to humans, including Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Bubonic plague. What Kinds of Damage Do They Cause? Rodents are everywhere and they can enter your home or business in a number of ways. Once they're in, they'll start to cause all sorts of problems. These rodents are notorious for causing fires and floods, they gnaw on valuables, cause damage to structures, and pose health risks. Let's discuss each in a little more detail: Fires and floods  Rodents chewing wires and pipes are common knowledge. Rodents love to chew on things, and wires and pipes are no exception. This chewing can cause shorts in electrical wiring, which can lead to fires. Not just that, but they can also gnaw through water pipes, causing flooding. These furry pests have been known to cause billions of dollars in damage to homes, buildings, and businesses each year.  Wires and water pipes look hardly edible, but why do rodents nibble on them anyway? The answer is, that they're trying to control their ever-growing incisors. When they gnaw on something hard, it helps to keep their teeth at a manageable length. Unfortunately for us, wires and pipes are an easy target. Rats Gnawing On Valuables When they're not busy chewing on wires or pipes, they might munch on your clothes, car wires, books, or furniture. The worst-case scenario is they destroy your most valuable items: your family heirlooms, photographs, artwork, and even important documents. We usually keep these items in an area where people and kids don't frequent because they might get accidentally rearranged or damaged. But, rodents can squeeze into the smallest of spaces and once they're in, they'll start to destroy your property. Often, these valuables are irreplaceable, especially family photographs. Once they're damaged, there's no way to fix them.  Rats Can Make Your Home Structurally Unsound Not only will rodents damage your belongings, but they can also damage the structure of your home. Their constant gnawing can weaken beams, supports, and load-bearing walls. This is especially dangerous if you have a multi-story home because the weight of the upper floors could come crashing down on the lower floors. In extreme cases, the damage caused by rodents can make your home structurally unsound and unsafe to live in. You might not notice the damage immediately, but over time, the cumulative damage they've done will make your home unstable or unsafe. Rodents eat car wires too! Rodents chewing car wires is not news especially when you're parking indoors. They will also build their nests in your car's engine, which can cause serious damage. You might not have guessed it, but your car is an all-you-can-eat buffet for rats and mice. They love to nibble on the insulation around the wires in your car's engine. This can cause electrical problems and even fires. Making sure there's nothing in your vehicle that could attract rodents is one way to prevent them from damaging your car. Food wrappers, crumbs, and even pet food can all attract rodents. If you park your car in a garage or storage unit, be sure to keep it clean and free of clutter. When this happens, you’re probably wondering whether your insurance covers rodent damage. The best answer is to check your car insurance policy and insurance provider. Not all auto insurance policies cover damage from chewed car wires. Health Risks Rats and mice are known to spread more than 35 diseases worldwide. The diseases may be transmitted and spread through direct contact with rodent feces, urine, saliva, or bites.  The most common diseases transmitted by rodents are hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), and Salmonella. These diseases can be life-threatening. If you think you've been exposed to any of these diseases, seek medical help immediately. Rodents Can Attract Other Wildlife Including Snakes! Yikes! Rodents are one of snakes' favorite foods and they can smell a rat or mouse from a long way away. If you have rodents in your home, there's a good chance that snakes will be attracted to your property. While most snakes are not dangerous, there are some species that can pose a serious threat to humans. These include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the western diamondback rattlesnake, and the cottonmouth. If you live in an area where these snakes are common, it's important to be extra cautious. This situation should give you more reason to prevent rodents from infesting your house. These predators are attracted to the same places where rodents are usually found- in dark, secluded areas. The spaces can be in your attic, crawl space, or under your house. Crop Damage Rodents are vermin, pests, or nuisance animals that spread diseases and destroy crops. If you're a farmer, you know the devastation rodents can bring to your crops. They feast on your produce and ruin your hard work. They can destroy an entire crop in a single night! It means lost revenue for you and puts food security at risk. Not only do they eat the crops, but they also contaminate them with their waste. It can make the food unsafe for human consumption. Signs of Rodent Infestation The first sign of a rodent infestation is sightings themselves. If you see a rat or mouse in your home, there's likely more from where they come. They usually travel in groups and reproduce quickly, so an infestation can happen in no time if not removed. Another sign of an infestation is droppings. Rodent droppings are small, dark, and pellet-shaped. Typically found near where the rodents are nesting or feeding. If you hear unexplained noises in your walls or ceiling then you probably have rodents. They like to gnaw on things, so you might hear them chewing on wood or insulation. If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately. An infestation can quickly get out of control, so it's best to nip it in the bud as soon as possible. More About Rodents Rodents are not just rats and mice. These gnawing mammals include gophers, voles, chipmunks, squirrels, etc. You often see squirrels in trees, gophers on sandy soil, voles on dense vegetation, and some crawling on power lines and roofs.  Most of them are known for burrowing under shrubs and bushes. They dug tunnels as means of escape and hideouts from predators. Additionally, rats are good swimmers! Many gardeners hate rodents, as they damage vegetables, flowers, and newly planted seeds and dig plants up to their roots. These sneaky rodents give a fair share of eating bulbs, nuts, fruit, and even snails. Prevention The best way to deal with rodents is to prevent them from getting into your home in the first place. Here are quick tips: Seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation and walls. Rodents can squeeze through tiny spaces, so ensure there are no gaps they can get through. Secure food in airtight containers. Rodents are attracted to food, so they're more likely to enter your home if there are accessible food sources. Keep your trash can lids closed. Trash cans are another source of food for rodents. Make sure to clean your cars regularly to prevent vehicle damage. Your engine compartment can be a good nesting site for rodents. Keep pet food sealed tightly. Their smell can attract rodents. Following these tips will make you less likely to have a rodent problem. But it's wiser to call a Rodent removal service if you are experiencing an infestation. Need Help With a Rat Infestation On Your Property? Dealing with a rat infestation can be pretty frustrating, especially when you have other things to do. It's not always safe too, you’ll get exposed to rat droppings which are often a source of diseases.  So if you suspect that you have rats and mice at your house, it's best to call us at AAAC Wildlife Removal immediately. We conduct inspections and effective removal services as well as preventive measures to keep the rodents from coming back. Conclusion Rats and mice are a serious problem. They may be small, but they're terrible guests at your house. They cause damage to your property, pose a health risk to you and your family, and can even attract other wildlife animals. If you have a rodent problem, immediately take action to prevent further damage. Just remember to call AAAC Wildlife Removal if you want to prevent and stop rodents from infesting your home. Originally published at AAAC Wildlife Removal: https://aaacwildliferemoval.com/blog/rats/damage-caused-by-rats-and-mice/

• Brian Moss (President)
• AAAC Wildlife Removal

11/28/2022

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