| Dreamstime.com
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) temporarily pausing tests for rabies and pox viruses, the family of viruses that includes smallpox and mpox, and a rabid coyote attacking people and dogs in the Eastchester-Bronxville area on March 9, a discussion of rabies awareness has rarely been more relevant.
The viral disease – which spreads through bites or contact with saliva from infected animals and affects the nervous system – is almost always fatal once a person develops symptoms. Nevertheless, it is preventable if exposure is recognized early and treatment begins promptly. In New York, common wildlife with the potential for becoming rabid includes coyotes, raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and groundhogs. Under New York and Connecticut laws, owners of dogs, cats and ferrets must vaccinate their pets against rabies or face stiff fines – and in Connecticut’s case, even imprisonment. (On Sunday, April 19, Westchester County was scheduled to hold a free rabies vaccine clinic for pets at Stamen Animal Hospital in New Rochelle.)
“To protect yourself and your family, verify that your pets’ rabies vaccines are up to date, and arrange for a free booster shot if needed,” Sherlita Amler, M.D., Westchester County Department of Health commissioner, said in a statement. “If you, your child or your pet is bitten or scratched by someone else’s pet, wash the wound right away, seek medical attention immediately, call the Health Department (914-813-5000) and get the name and address of the owner so that the biting pet’s rabies vaccine records can be verified. That way, the bite victim may be able to avoid a series of rabies shots.”
How wildlife ends up on your property
Wild animals seek food, water and shelter. Unsecured trash, food or water bowls, bird feeders and open spaces under decks, porches or in attics make yards and homes attractive and easy for animals to access. When an animal finds a reliable resource, it is likely to visit again, increasing the potential for contact with people and pets, along with health hazards and property damage.
Practical steps to reduce your risk
One of the most effective ways to prevent exposure to rabies is to make your property less attractive to wildlife.
- Remove food enticements, securing garbage with tight lids.
- Clean up fallen fruit, bird seed and yard debris.
- Seal gaps, vents and openings around your home.
- Keep lawns trimmed and eliminate hiding spots.
- Supervise pets and children, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes and other nocturnal animals are most active.
- Eliminate standing water and close off easy water sources (such as pet bowls and unattended bird baths).
Long-term protection – professional wildlife exclusion
Using lights, noise and repellents can help keep animals away for a short time. For lasting results, the best approach is to keep animals out of your home and yard. Professional wildlife exclusion services inspect your property, remove animals if needed and seal entry points such as vents, chimneys, eaves and garage edges.
Many homeowners seek permanent, chemical‑free solutions that prevent wildlife from returning.
At JP McHale Pest Management LLC, headquartered in Buchanan, our Home Shield Exclusion System uses several types of barriers on the outside of your home to close off common entry points, like eaves, vents, doors, windows and foundation seams. By sealing gaps and cracks from top to bottom, this system creates a strong barrier to keep animals out. It’s a chemical-free approach that is preventive rather than reactive and designed for long-term protection.
Balancing public safety and wildlife conservation
Coyotes and other wild animals are part of the local ecosystem. The goal of exclusion and good backyard habits is not to get rid of wildlife, but to reduce the risk of dangerous encounters that can harm people, pets or wildlife. Using humane, preventive measures, staying informed and promptly reporting any exposures help keep both people and animals safe.
For more on JP McHale Pest Management, click here.
