Extermination Concerns With Animals

Animal extermination presents many multifaceted concerns and considerations. Whether it is a residential infestation problem, a locally based wildlife management issue or rabies vaccination, you need to be aware of related laws and health codes as well as the health risks presented by each topical dilemma. Safety is always the keyword and should influence each decision you make.

Poisons

• The use of poisons to kill pest animals is problematic. if you are using a poison--or your exterminator is--that poison could end up doing more harm than good. After ingesting poison, an animal such as a rat may move into an inaccessible location in the house. After it expires, you may not be able to find or extract it, leaving the carcass to decay and emit odor throughout your residence. Try to find an exterminator that uses nonpoisonous traps. Additionally, do not handle poison yourself if you have no experience.

Wildlife

• In many states throughout the United States, different species of wildlife can create a nuisance. Although the creature may pose an inconvenience, that does not mean you or a professional have the right to exterminate or kill it. The animal may be endangered or otherwise protected by the state. In Florida for example, a nuisance alligator must be more than 4 feet long to be considered a problem. To get rid of an animal, you have to call a state-provided hotline so officials can dispatch authorized individuals to collect or remove the animal.

Rabies

• On occasion domesticated animals such as pets are victimized by rabid animals. In the event that you become aware of this happening to your pet, you must hand over the pet to state authorities. The animal will likely be exterminated. Unfortunately, no cure exists for rabies in animals; the creature is likely to suffer immensely. Also if the animal becomes loose, the spreading of the rabies could precipitate a serious public health emergency. It is vital that information on infected animals is distributed immediately to and by state and local authorities to ensure proper containment and extermination of rabid animals. Get your pet vaccinated--if it is healthy enough for it--whether the state requires it or not.

Specializations

• When consulting a extermination professional, examine their credentials. Some handle only rodents while others deal with insects and similar pests. Various states may require specific licensing or approval for exterminators to handle wildlife. Review all the relevant certification before hiring a professional. Nonetheless, if you have any doubts as to your own capacity to exterminate animals, enlist professionals for your and your family's overall safety.