The Different Species of Marmot Found Around the World

Posted on January 30, 2020 by Budgetanimal

With Groundhog’s Day just around the corner, we thought it would be nice to give the little critters a bit of an honor. You may not know that groundhogs are marmots, but they are! In fact, there are several different species of marmots found all over the world, and groundhogs are just one of them. Continue below to learn some fun facts about Groundhog Day and groundhogs, as well as, the common species of marmot found all over the world!

Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is an annual tradition practiced in both Canada and the United States to predict when spring will arrive. Every year, on February 2^nd, thousands of excited citizens gather around to see if the groundhog will emerge out of its burrow and cast a shadow of itself. If the groundhog has no shadow, it is said to signify 6 more weeks of winter. But if the groundhog casts a shadow, then spring is near! This tradition is derived from an old Pennsylvanian Dutch superstition that implies that if a groundhog comes out of its den and can see its own shadow, the skies are clear and the sun is shining, which indicates that spring is soon to come. Oppositely, if there is no groundhog shadow, it indicates a longer winter.

Groundhog Facts

Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or whistlepigs. Scientifically, their species name is Marmota monax, and they are part of the Rodentia Order, Sciuridae family, and of course, Marmota genus. This makes them a species of marmot. The Sciuridae family also includes squirrels and chipmunks, while the Rodentia order retains rodents like mice and rats.

Marmots

Marmots are large-sized ground squirrels, and the heaviest rodent relative in the animal kingdom. There are 15 known species of marmot, including both old world and new world marmots. They are native to parts all over the globe, such as Asia, Europe and North America. In appearance, marmots have husky legs, large claws for digging, stoutly bodies, narrow heads, and sharp incisors that can quickly chew down all sorts of vegetation.

In the winter they hibernate in underground burrows and dens, so you do not see much of them. But once spring emerges, so do they, in search of food, water, and mates. They mainly eat mainly eat plants, as well as many types of grasses, berries, lichens, mosses, roots, and flowers. Most are very sociable, and even whistle to communicate with other marmots, especially when scared or in danger.

Old World Marmots – Eastern Hemisphere

🐾 Gray or Altai Marmot (Marmota baibacina)
🐾 Bobac or Steppe Marmot (Marmota bobac )
🐾 Black-Capped Marmot (Marmota camtschatica)
🐾 Long-Tailed Marmot (Marmota caudata)
🐾 Golden or Red Marmot (M. caudata aurea)
🐾 Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana)
🐾 Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota)
🐾 Menzbier’s Marmot (Marmota menzbieri)
🐾 Tarvaga, Tarbagan or Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica)

New World Marmots – Western Hemisphere

🐾 Marmota broweri — Alaska, Brower’s or Brooks Range marmot
🐾 Marmota caligata — hoary marmot
🐾 Marmota flaviventris — yellow-bellied marmot
🐾 Marmota monax — woodchuck or groundhog
🐾 Marmota olympus — Olympic marmot
🐾 Marmota vancouverensis — Vancouver Island marmot

Stop Nuisance Groundhog Activity in Spring

If you live near a lake, river, stream, or pond, your home could be at risk of nuisance groundhog activity. Although they do not mean to, groundhogs are capable of causing an enormous amount of damage to properties, including lawns, dams, patios, docks, and more. If you have spotted groundhogs on your property in the past, now is the time to implement the necessary strategies to prevent them from interfering with your lot. Contact a local wildlife control company for expert advice and service you can trust.

Central Indiana Groundhog Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable groundhog removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

How to Protect Your Car From Animal Damages in Winter

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Budgetanimal

Here in Indiana, not all species of wildlife migrate. Many animals, like skunks, raccoons, and squirrels like to stay right where they are for the winter. Unfortunately, this can cause problems with our own property since these species are looking for warm and reliable shelter that will protect them through the season and give them a space to breed their young come spring.

The most vulnerable assets targeted by animals in search of shelter are attics, barns, sheds, and play sets. However, they really love our cars too! That’s right; wild animals will use your vehicle during the winter as a place to stay until the climate is more forgiving. But you certainly won’t be forgiving once you discover that animals have damaged your ride.

Continue reading to learn how you can protect your vehicle from animal damages this winter, as well as, who to call for help if your property is already too far infested by nuisance wildlife.

Indianapolis Wildlife Control 317-875-3099

A Car is a Home for an Animal

It may seem very unsuspecting, but the undercarriages of vehicles can make a cozy little shelter for wildlife. Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and chipmunks are common nuisance wildlife found nesting underneath an abandoned, stationary, or junk vehicle. When it comes to raccoons, gaining access inside vehicles is a very high possibility because they have human-like paws that allow them to open doors and windows just like us! Just be sure to take extra precaution when checking your vehicle for nesting animals.

Homemade Animal Repellent

An effective and humane approach to keep wild animals away from your house is to make a homemade non-toxic animal repellent. The best ingredients to use for your animal repellent include cayenne pepper, hot peppers, onions, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. These spices and ingredients will irritate wild animal’s eyes and skin and thwart their interest in your property. But not to worry; it is safe and humane. Just be sure to keep your dog or cat away from any application areas.

To make your solution, start by mixing some of the mentioned ingredients together and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle. For raccoons, go heavy on the cayenne and cinnamon; they hate these smells, flavors, and sensations. For other wildlife, incorporate other pepper-based ingredients. Once you have concocted your solution, spray the perimeter of your property with this solution to prevent nuisance animal intrusions. These spices and ingredients will irritate wild animal’s eyes and skin and thwart their interest in your property. Raccoons have excellent memories, so they will certainly remember that your property is no fun. This solution works well against skunks, opossum, and squirrels too.

Additional Options:

☑ Install Automatic Sprinkler Systems
☑ Set Up Motion-Sensing Lighting
☑ Play a Radio Station Outside
☑ Call a Wildlife Abatement Professional

✨ The best approach to protecting your property from animal damage is professional wildlife abatement.

Indiana Animal Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Non-Toxic Repellent Recipe for Nuisance Wildlife

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Budgetanimal

If you have nuisance wildlife problems around your property, and you are at your wits’ end trying to abate their destructive activity, you might be considering a poisonous repellent. But please do not go that route! Not only are poisons and toxic repellents inhumane, they are also very bad for the environment. They can even pose health and safety risks to dogs, cats, and young children.

Rather than opting for something that is terrible, frowned upon, and really ineffective, simply make your own, homemade animal repellent instead! By using non-toxic, organic ingredients, most of which can be found right inside your own cupboards, you can make a safe and humane solution that will thwart all sorts of nuisance wildlife.

Continue reading for some recipe ideas!

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal and Control 317-875-3099

What You Will Need:

❧ Plastic Spray Bottle
❧ Clean Water
❧ Personal Protective Gear (optional)

Ingredients Options:

Choose 3 or more of these ingredients to concoct a safe, non-toxic solution you can use to abate nuisance animals!

❧ Cinnamon
❧ Hot Sauce
❧ Cayenne Pepper
❧ Black Pepper
❧ Chili Powder|
❧ Garlic Powder
❧ Eucalyptus Oil
❧ Menthol Oil
❧ Peppermint Oil
❧ Spearmint Oil

Simply mix the ingredients together in water, and then transfer them to a clean, plastic spray bottle. Spray the solution around the perimeter of your lawn, as well as, any areas you notice heightened animal activity.

Important Note: This solution is safe and non-toxic, so you won’t have to worry about damaging your lawn or garden, nor harming wildlife. However, be sure to make arrangements for children, as well as pets like cats and dogs, since the ingredients in the solution can irritate their skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Keep them away from treated areas for their own safety.

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Why are There So Many Birds on My Lawn?

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Budgetanimal

Have you noticed an increase in sitting birds on your lawn? If so, there are a number of reasons why they might be interested in your particular property. Continue reading to learn what it is that’s attracting birds to your yard, as well as, whether or not they are harmful to grass and how to get rid of them safely.

Causes for Birds in the Grass

It might sound like an old nursery rhyme song title, but the phrase “birds in the grass” has a very common and true notion behind it. Birds that rest in lawns are mostly looking for food, but they may also be looking for a reprieve from the hot sun. You see, grass develops cool, moist dew in the mornings, which birds will use in many ways. They will drink dew to quench their thirst, ruffle it through their feathers for a refreshing cleanse, and even settle deep within the blades to indulge in the coolness it offers.

It is important to know why birds are attracted to your particular lawn in order to solve the problem. But are birds in the grass a real problem? Well, that depends on who you ask. Birds can be quite the nuisance if they are left uncontrolled. Not only can you expect a load of bird droppings all over your lawn and any structure within it, you can expect the threat of bird-related pests and parasites to be a potential threat as well. This is even more of a risk for those who have outdoor pets, like cats, dogs, pigs, and horses.

As for aesthetics, birds picking away at your lawn for food can cause your grass to die, look clumpy or messy, and overall, disheveled. For anyone who puts a lot of energy into maintaining a nice-looking lawn, nuisance birds are not something you want around. In this case, you would need to implement some strategies to thwart nuisance bird activity on your property.

Not only can birds cause a long list of damage to the exterior of your home, they can also find a way inside for shelter. Once inside, they can cause an extreme amount of mess and damage that may or may not be covered in your home owner’s insurance policy. For this reason, it is vital to stop bird infestations before they begin. As soon as you are aware wild animals are visiting your property, call an Indianapolis wildlife control company for expert advice you can trust.

Common Nuisance Birds

Pigeons and Starlings are two birds that are known for being a nuisance to residential and urban properties in large cities, like Indianapolis. Pigeons are very filthy birds that can carry and transmit several infectious diseases and parasites (mites, fleas, lice, etc.). They reproduce at rapid rates, which means their flocks are always large in numbers. More pigeons means more droppings all over our structures, vehicles, and of course, roof tops.

Starlings are just as bad because they create nests that are damaging to home and properties. Although these small black birds appear harmless, they come in large numbers, nesting in vents, roof shingles, attics, crawl spaces, outdoor AC units, gutters, and much more. This causes costly structural damages that may not be covered by homeowners’ insurance. And just like pigeons, Starling droppings are corrosive and can cause dangerous Histoplasmosis spores in the air.

Indianapolis Bird Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable bird removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

The Most Threatened Bat Species in Indiana

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Budgetanimal

The Indiana Bat is a special species that is protected under federal and state law. The Indiana Bat first became protected by the Endangered Species Act in 1967. Their decline in population was the first sign that these creatures needed help surviving. Their population decline was a result of human interference in caves, toxic pesticides, and destroyed habitats. It was a sorrowful downhill journey that pushed these mammals into protection.

Continue reading to learn more facts surrounding this incredible species of bat, including what you can do to safely support and control local bat populations in your community.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-875-3099

The Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

There are many things you might be surprised to know about the Indiana bat. For example, it weighs about as much as three pennies. It is very tiny, about the size of a man’s’ thumb. They are usually covered in a short brown fur. They live a long time, up to 15 years, females only giving birth once a year. From May to June each year is when the bat breeding season kicks in. This is the time in which bats close to residential areas will search for shelters in attics, crawl spaces, and roof tops. Female colonies form, breeding one pup each. They will feed and raise their young until they are strong enough to survive on their own.

Good for the Environment and the Economy

Bats, for the most part, are wrongly stereotyped and misunderstood. People are afraid bats carry diseases and will fly in your hair and attack you; all of which is untrue. Bats avoid humans as much as possible. They keep to themselves and focus on feeding and breeding their young. Bats contribute in a lot of positive ways that many are unaware of; they deserve more credit than they get. For example, bats consume an enormous amount of insects on a daily basis.

They often eat more than their own body weight, up to 1000 mosquitos, moths, and flies per hour. This keeps bugs of our porches and backyards at night, especially for those who live close to water. Bats are a crucial component to our ecosystem and environment. More and more colonies of Indiana Bats are being discovered and managed year round. Hopefully, one day, we can see them removed from the Endangered Species List.

How to Safely Control Nuisance Bats in Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for safe and humane, non-lethal bat removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Where To Get Professional Animal Damage Restoration Service

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Budgetanimal

Continue below to learn where to get professional animal damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties.

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Budget Animal Removal provides repair and clean up services for damages caused by wild animals in Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding metro areas. We understand the types of damage and mess an uninvited animal can leave behind. It is typically a large job to handle, which is why it is recommended to hire an animal restoration team to turn the problem around for you. Budget Animal Removal has the training and equipment necessary to fix all types of damaged property, whether it is commercial or residential in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our Animal Damage & Restoration Services Include,
but are not limited to:

☑ Crawl Space & Attic Clean Up
☑ Insulation Removal & Replacement
☑ Structural Home Damage (Interior & Exterior)
☑ Feces Removal
☑ Urine Removal
☑ Animal Smell Removal
☑ Animal Proofing

Wild animals that have nested inside your attic and crawl space can leave weeks or months of urine, droppings, and bad smells behind. This creates unpleasant odors that attract other unwanted pests into your home, but even worse, can be a health hazard to you and your family over time.

Budget Animal Removal has nearly 20 years in experience solving sanitary and structural damage issues and wild animal clean ups for many communities all over Indianapolis, Indiana. Hiring Budget Animal Removal insures you will solve and prevent any animal intrusion problems, as well as safely and professionally sanitize and clean the mess left behind.

How to Get Started

Venomous Snake Species Found in Indiana

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Budgetanimal

Here in Indiana, we know of 33 snake species that call the Hoosier state home. From harmless egg-laying snakes like the Western Foxsnake and the Gray Ratsnake, to typical backyard snakes like the common Garter snake, most species are quite innocuous. However, of the 33 known species of harmless snake in Indiana, there are 4 that are in fact, venomous. If you live near woods, forests, or bodies of water, or simply take pleasure in open-air activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, you have a higher chance at crossing paths with an Indiana snake while enjoying the great outdoors!

Continue reading to learn which Indiana snakes are dangerous, and what to do to protect your property from nuisance snakes.

Indianapolis Snake Removal Control 317-875-3099 — Cottonmouth Snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Being able to spot a poisonous snake takes knowledge and a little practice. Some of the most unassuming snakes are the most dangerous, while some exotic-looking ones are entirely harmless. This means you cannot easily gauge a snake’s level of danger based on appearance alone unless you have the right foreknowledge. Read our article, “How Can You Tell if a Snake is Poisonous?” to learn how to identify a dangerous snake from a harmless one.

Commonly referred to as “Pit Vipers”, and all belonging to the scientific family “Crotalidae”, here are the 4 venomous snake species native to Indiana:

🐍 Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperhead snakes are typically only found in the Southern Hills and Lowlands region of the state. Although venomous, Copperhead snakes tend to only bite out of defense, not for predatory reasons. So long as you steer clear, they shouldn’t come after you.

🐍 Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Cottonmouth snakes are only found in one small area in the southwestern regions of the state. They tend to live near slow-moving bodies of water, like lakes, streams, and marshes. As a state endangered species, you won’t likely ever come across one.

🐍 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)

Also known as Black Massasauga, Black Rattler, Black Snapper, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is another rate species, as it is a Federally Threatened species. It is primarily found in the Northern regions of Indiana.

🐍 Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Also known as the Timber Rattlesnake, Canebrake Rattlesnake or Banded Rattlesnake, the Timber Rattlesnake is another state-endangered snake species that you will not easily come across. They are primarily found in the South central regions of Indiana.

Identifying Poisonous Snake Species

Not only is it wise to learn how to recognize these venomous snake species in Indiana, as well as, how to protect your property from all snakes this coming spring and summer. You see, venomous snakes pose several safety and health risks, but common, harmless snakes can be quite the nuisance to your property. Read our blog, “How to Get Rid of Lawn Snakes” to learn what you can do to protect your lawn and gardens from slithering, smelly, and destructive snakes.

Got a Nuisance Snake Problem?

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable snake removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and free advice. We work with all native wildlife, including snakes, raccoons, bats, squirrels, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Educational and Fun Facts about Bats

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Budgetanimal

Bats are among the most misunderstood creatures across the world. It may be because they hang upside down, or have long pointy teeth; or perhaps it’s the correlation with Dracula and vampires that have given bats their unfair stereotype. Rumors of rabies and disease alter people’s perception of this actually incredible and interesting mammal. If this has been your past perception, than maybe this article can change your mind!

Continue reading to learn some of the most interesting and fun facts about bats, including what you can do if they ever become a nuisance around your home or building.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-875-3099

🦇 Bats Are the Only Mammal Capable of True Flight.

Many people do not realize that bats are in fact, mammals. On top of that, they are the ONLY mammals on Earth that can actually fly (like a bird, not a squirrel). They have wings similar to the anatomy of a human hand, with elongated fingers connected by a stretchy membrane. They are amazing during flight. They are fast and swift, using propulsion to push forward using their airfoil thin wings.

🦇 A Bat Can Consume Over 1000 Small Insects in One Hour.

Bats have insatiable appetites and can eat up to 200 tons of insects each night. That is an average of 1,000 flying insects per hour. Not only is that a lot of feeding, it is excellent pest control for farmers and outdoor lovers, alike!

🦇 Echolocation is a Bio-Sonar System Bats use to Navigate Surroundings and Hunt for Prey

Bats are not blind, but they do not have great vision, especially in the dark. But in the dark is when they are awake and busy, so they have to use other methods of communication and navigation to get around. This is called echolocation. Bats emit beeps and then listen for the beep to bounce back off of a solid structure. Then they know where they are.

🦇 Bat Species Make Up Nearly 25% of All Mammals on Earth.

There are more than 900 species of bats in the world, all broken up into different categories and classifications. The Chiroptera Order is the first class in which bats are categorized. From there they are split into suborders, genera, and then species.

🦇 Vampire Bats Do Not Actually Suck Blood, and Never Bite Humans.

Three species of vampire bats are known to exist around the world. These three species of bats do not actually “suck” blood from other mammals. They will, however, lick it up after emitting a bite to a cow or other large warm-blooded animal.

Bat Removal and Control Near You

As you can see, bats are interesting and amazing creatures that are all too often misrepresented and misunderstood. Although bats deserve our respect and protection, they can sometimes be a nuisance to property owners. In this case, you need safe and humane bat abatement you can trust.

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for humane bat removal and control service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer a wide range of bat abatement services, including bat extraction, bat-proofing, attic cleanup and minor restorations for bat damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Request a free estimate, today.

What You Can Do About Winter Pest Problems

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Budgetanimal

When the spring and summer months finally arrive, several species of wild animals come out of hibernation or hiding for the season. This is when home owners start to notice signs of pest problems and wild animal presence on their properties. Although warmer weather brings on a whole new arena of wild animal invasion and pest control problems, winter time is also a season to consider when it comes to home and property protection.

You see, there are various species of wild animals that can still pose a threat to our properties during the winter months. It is recommended to learn how to animal-proof your property and inspect your home for animal invasion, such as bats, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, and even snakes. In fact, take some time to read our recent blog, “How to Animal Proof Your Home Before Winter is Here” to catch up on some important tips you might have missed a few months back.

As for now, continue reading to catch up on some helpful winter pest control tips for home and property protection from wild animals.

Winter Animal-Proofing Tips

Do you know what the best tactic is for winter home protection against wild animal damages and intrusions? The answer is preventative maintenance! If you live near wooded or forested areas, or a body of water such as a creek, pond, river, or lake, your property is automatically more susceptible to nuisance wildlife interference since this is where animals go to live and survive.

In addition to trees and water, there are various other things that attract nuisance pests to a property. The primary attractions are food, water, and shelter. Animals need a place to hibernate for the season, so they will go to extreme lengths to find a cozy and private spot that is far away from harsh weather and predators.

So what do they like? Wild animals like bats, raccoons, and squirrels tend to target our attics, crawl spaces, garages, outdoor sheds, roofs, basements, siding, and patios! Thousands of dollars in home damages and endless stress can be a result of animal infestations such as these.

In order to stop nuisance animals from trespassing onto your property, certain preventative measures must be taken. This includes:

☑ Do not leave pet food outside.

☑ Do not leave trash bags outside.

☑ Monitor and manage your compost.

☑ Lock your garbage can lids, and only take them outside on the morning of trash pickup.

☑ Make sure all exterior areas of your house are sufficiently sealed (i.e. roof shingles, siding, foundation, gutters, garages, etc.).

☑ Remove bird baths and squirrel feeders.

☑ Lock doggie doors at night.

☑ Call a professional company for full-property inspection as soon as you suspect animal intrusions or activity.

Stop Nuisance Wildlife Before it’s Too Late

Winter pest control can be manageable if these strategies and preventative maintenance are implemented regularly. As mentioned, it is especially important for homeowners who live near wooded areas and bodies of water to take nuisance wildlife preventative maintenance seriously. Raccoons, bats, and other wild animals are smarter than we think when it comes to finding clever ways into our homes and properties.

They can cause an extreme amount of mess and damage that may or may not be covered in your home owner’s insurance policy. It is vital to stop animal intrusions before they begin. As soon as you are aware wild animals are visiting your property, call an Indianapolis wildlife control company for expert advice you can trust.

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal And Control

317-875-3099