The temperatures are dropping, and residents in New York are bracing for the yearly invasion of wildlife. So, I've put together a short list of the repeat offenders you're going to most likely deal with this fall, as well as some tips on how to make your home unappealing to them.

Bats

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the transmission of rabies from exposure to bats is documented in all continental states. Rabies post exposure prophylaxis is recommended for all persons with bite, scratch, or mucous membrane exposure, unless the bat in question can be trapped, and shipped away for testing. They recommend no exposure between bats and humans. The CDC also states that bat guano can contaminate soil, leading to a lung disease called Histoplasmosis.

Don't take any chances with bats. Have your roofline examined for entry points, and get those entry points sealed. Bats usually get in through rotted holes, or gaps where two materials meet, like wood and brick. Check your house, your garage and your shed. Inspect your windows and window frames, and get screens fixed. Don't leave the garage door open. And, install screen or wire mesh over vents.

Raccoons

Like bats, raccoons transmit rabies. In fact, they top the list of rabies transmitting pests. If you see a raccoon foaming at the mouth, acting drunk, falling onto its side, or looking as though it has paralysis in one or both legs, call a pest control company immediately. These are signs of rabies infection.

Raccoons don't need rabies to be dangerous, these are wild and unpredictable animals. There are countless news stories of raccoons attacking humans, like the poor 88 year old woman who thought she had let her cat in and was viciously attacked when she tried to pet it. Sounds funny, but I assure you it wasn't.

To deter Raccoons, keep your outside trash sealed in animal proof trash cans. This prevents them from smelling and scrounging through your garbage. Don't leave pet food outside. If you eat on your deck, bring plates inside when you're done. Put wire mesh around the base of your deck, porch, or patio. Don't leave your garage door open. And don't vent drying heat under your deck or porch.

Skunks

Beyond the fact that skunks smell horrible, and their spray can leave your dog in misery for days, they are also capable of biting and spreading rabies. If you have a skunk living under your porch, the smell will fill the bottom floor. If it has sprayed recently, the smell can reach several floors up.

Keep your trash in fully sealed containers. Use wire mesh to seal off open areas where these animals can nest. Keep your driveway area lit, so you don't run into one, and scare it. And, trim overgrowth. As with raccoons, don't channel dry exhaust under the porch or deck. The last thing you want to do is provide a warm den for these critters. Moth balls work good for keeping skunks away. Pour a few under problem areas.

Conclusion

All wildlife has the potential to attack humans. If you have bats, raccoons, or skunks, have a professional pest control company take care of it. They can safely remove these animals, clean infected areas, and help you implement exclusion methods to prevent future problems.