Wildlife to Watch Out For in Summer in Utah County
By McKenzie • Jun 5th 2023
The summer sun draws many people into the outdoors to play in the grass or find a watering hole and enjoy the beautiful weather. It should come as no surprise that we aren’t the only ones: summertime also beckons wildlife to come out of their homes and hiding places.
While wildlife viewing is exciting and special, it is also crucial to understand the health and property risks associated with common Utah County wildlife. Learn about the species you are most likely to encounter this summer and find out how to prevent damage caused by wildlife.
Raccoons
Some think they're cute, while others call them a nuisance. Both things can be true! Whichever view you hold of raccoons, one thing is undeniable: they love trash. One reason why raccoons are more widespread in the summer is that the scent of trash is stronger in the warmer months. They are also more free to roam instead of huddling away from freezing temperatures. Primarily active at night, raccoons are often the culprits behind spilled trash cans and ruined gardens.
Raccoons are relatively large and, in some areas, quite brave. They may not bother to be sneaky and stay out of sight. If they do, you might be able to identify their presence by their tracks: they have five long toes on their back feet and a front footprint that almost resembles a hand. Their tracks range from 2 to 4.5 inches long, depending on the animal's size. You may also hear their whining, squealing, or growling noises.
While these mammals may be cute in photos or from a distance, raccoons are not always harmless. They can carry rabies, mange, distemper, roundworm and other viruses that can be deadly to pets. Sometimes, raccoons nest in attics, basements, garages and chimneys, which can lead to devastating property damage and dangerous conflicts.
Snakes
Unlike raccoons, snakes generally do not thrive in hot weather. Instead, the increased threat of snakes in summertime is because they search for cooler places to hide from the sun. Unfortunately, those cooler places often include basements, sheds, or dense vegetation. In addition, homes that attract rodents are also attractive to snakes, as snakes will follow their prey.
The majority of the time, snakes will not seek out conflict. However, accidents happen, especially if a snake has taken up residence inside your home or garden. For example, many snake bites occur when someone accidentally steps on a snake. Various snake species in Utah County are venomous, which can seriously threaten human and pet health. Maintaining a snake-free home is crucial, especially for families with pets or children.
Marmots
Marmots are large, burrowing rodents that live mostly underground. While they don't generally pose a physical threat to humans, they can wreak havoc on landscaping. No grass, garden, or home foundation is safe when marmots are around! These unwanted excavators hibernate during the winter, so you'll likely only see them in the warmer months.
Wildlife Removal
Whether you've spotted a raccoon near your trash can, heard the rattle of a venomous snake, or noticed the landscape damage of a marmot, it's time to call in the professionals. Attempting to remove and deter wildlife from your home alone is not only frustrating and time-consuming — it can also be dangerous. Dealing with these animals requires expertise and caution. Thorn in Utah County leverages safe, humane, science-backed methods to remove wildlife from your property and ensure they stay away. Don't risk the health and safety of your family. Call us today!
About Thorn
Thorn is a Utah local pest management company. We are a QualityPro certified company which is a prestigious accreditation awarded too less than 3% of the pest management companies in the US.
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About Thorn
Thorn is a Utah local pest management company. We are a QualityPro certified company which is a prestigious accreditation awarded too less than 3% of the pest management companies in the US.