PHOENIX — It's that time of year where people in the Valley need to be a bit more cautious — warmer temperatures bring more wildlife.
"They're all looking to get into the house somewhere safe around the property," Andrew Cuen said. "Whether it's outside in the front yard, back yard on the roof or even in your attic."
Cuen is the District Manager for Critter Control Phoenix. From sunrise to sunset his teams respond to numerous calls from people who've found everything from mosquitos and scorpions to skunks, bats, bobcats and snakes on or in their property.
"For them it's a sense of safety in these areas," Cuen said. "These are usually areas not really occupied throughout the day or month, so they look for those areas that nobody goes to because they feel safe."
Safety is of the upmost importance right now for these animals because many of them are pregnant and are getting ready to birth their young.
"As far as bats, you should be looking for droppings in your corners or front or back porches or patios," Cuen said. "If you're hearing sounds of chirping coming from any part of your attic around this time, they're getting ready to go into the blackout period where they start nesting and after they're nesting between May and September, you can't remove them during that time."
"It's important to get it taken care of right now and to not take things into your own hands," Cuen said.
Cuen says most calls he's gotten recently are in regards to bobcats. He says a lot of areas that have rats, birds and raccoons can see a higher volume of the animal. They also can prey on dogs under ten pounds. Currently they're looking for safe places to give birth and will den in attics, under porches and under shrubs.
Rattlesnake activity is also picking up. With many of these reptiles preparing to give birth they're hunting more. They'll sun themselves on patios and porches and can be found under shrubs, fences and near building foundations if there's a gab between the siding.
Cuen says he hasn't gotten too many skunk calls recently, but these animals are preparing to give birth. This is a time when they're going to stay in one area for a longer period of time. They typically give birth to one to five cubs during April and May.
Cuen stresses the fact that people not handle the wildlife problem themselves but to seek an expert in removing the animal(s). If you'd like more information you can go to Crittercontrol.com.
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