Nuisance Wildlife Poses a Growing Threat to Homeowners' Health and Property

The National Pest Management Association urges extreme caution with nuisance wildlife; advocates defeat of proposed  “Wildlife Protection Act” in Washington, DC

October 8, 2010 (Fairfax, VA) – As autumn arrives, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to proactively exclude nuisance wildlife, such as squirrels, skunks and raccoons, from their homes as these pests pose serious health and property risks.  Prevention is especially important now as the “Wildlife Protection Act” is pending before the DC Council.  If passed, this bill will limit the tools and treatment options available to District wildlife management professionals. 

“Homeowners rarely consider the health threats associated with nuisance wildlife,” said Gene Harrington, director of government affairs for NPMA.  “Raccoons, fox, bats, and skunks are frequent carriers of rabies and in fact, the DC Department of Health reports that captured nuisance wildlife has tested positive for rabies in recent years.  The ‘Wildlife Protection Act,’ being considered by the D.C. Council, does not acknowledge these threats as evidenced by the restrictions placed upon wildlife management professionals in this current bill.” 

The legislation would prohibit wildlife management professionals from employing invaluable tools to control nuisance wildlife.  Further, the legislation would require the release of nuisance wildlife by professionals at the site where it is captured or would require the relocation of the animal to “a safe location where problems are unlikely to occur.”  These restrictions coupled with the requirements for wildlife release within the District, would make necessary professional wildlife management services cost-prohibitive for local residents. 

“Although NPMA promotes prevention and exclusion, widely accepted tools used to remove  an intruding animal should never  be arbitrarily removed from professionals’ toolbox,” said Harrington.  Nuisance wildlife can bite, peck or claw human beings if threatened, which is why wildlife management professionals must have access to proper tools.  It is also why legislation restricting such access would unnecessarily put the public at risk.” 

For prevention tips or to find a licensed pest professional, visit Pestworld.org. 

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.