Frog in water/ © Adobe Stock
Animals require food, water, and shelter to survive. If they can find these resources, they can settle in to some unwanted locations, including your water well. Animals that have been found in wells include insects, frogs, snakes, lizards, rodents, raccoons, and even bats. If you find animals living in your water well, you will want to take some steps to remove them as their presence increases the likelihood that your well may become contaminated.
Contact a professional. Seeking professional assistance from a well contractor or local well authority who has expertise in well maintenance and animal removal is highly recommended to ensure the proper and safe removal of animals from your well.
Assess the well condition: Determine if there are any openings or gaps in the well structure that may allow animals to enter. Inspect the well casing, well cap, and any access points for signs of damage or wear.
Well with cracks and missing brick/ Photo by ISWS Staff
Seal openings: If you identify any openings or gaps, seal them properly using appropriate materials. This will help prevent animals from entering the well. Clay, grout, or other approved sealing materials can be used to fill gaps.
Install protective measures: Consider installing a well cap or cover that is specifically designed to keep animals out. These caps are typically made of durable materials and have small openings that allow water to flow while preventing animals from entering.
Test your well. If animals (live or dead) were found in your well, you should have your well tested for bacteria. If your well tests positive, disinfect it immediately.
Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your well to ensure it remains secure and free from animal intrusion. This includes checking the well cap, sealing any new openings, and addressing any signs of damage or wear.
Additional Resources:
Animals Found in Wells. Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
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Sign up for the free 10-week email course from PrivateWellClass.org. The class is a project of RCAP and the University of Illinois, with funding from USEPA.
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