Wildlife sightings are very common in neighbourhoods, especially where the residents is near natural habitats. Although spotting wildlife can be exciting sometimes, it is certainly not exciting to have critters live inside your house or hang around your yard. This is because many animals, including raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, need sheltered places to dine and hydrate, and your home can be a source of these amenities. However, wildlife removal is not just a matter of mitigating the problem once they arrive. It's much better to prevent unwanted guests from settling in in the first place.

Here are some effective ways to make your home uninviting to wildlife.

1. Secure All Potential Entry Points

Wild animals love to make themselves at home in an unguarded opening. Check every part of your house for the mentioned possible entrance - gaps between the roofline and other objects, spaces in vents, chimneys, or small holes around doors and windows. Rodents and other small mammals can even squeeze their tiny bodies through openings as small as a coin, so make sure to fill any cracks and holes with steel mesh or caulking.

Install chimney caps and screens over vents to prevent birds, squirrels, and raccoons from accessing them. Many wild animal control professionals also advise sealing attic and basement entry points as well, as those areas provide dark, quiet spaces that wildlife loves.

2. Limit Outdoor Food Sources

Animals are attracted by food, and the best outside attracting to wildlife is outside food sources. Feed your pets indoors when you finish feeding them, and bird feeders should be kept high off the ground and away from your house walls too. Installing the locking top on trash cans will also keep raccoons and other wildlife from digging in to feed themselves.

If you have a garden, think about fencing off vegetables and herbs; otherwise, these may attract everything from rabbits to deer. Make an effort to clear fallen fruit or vegetables, because these also serve as snacks for animals and are very tempting.

3. Reduce water sources

Whereas food probably attracts the most animals, water could also attract an agent to come onto your property. Any leaking outdoor faucet, birdbath, or pet water dish attracts animals to use it as source of water. Do this by fixing any leaky faucets and hoses, and also empty your bird baths regularly. Bring inside pets water dishes if you let your pets have them when pets finish drinking.

Even small puddles of water, such as clogged gutters, can be an invitation to wildlife, so maintain your gutters and downspouts flowing freely and clean. Water draining around your home also reduces the likelihood of the possibility of water accumulation, which thirsty animals could find appealing.

4. Landscaping for Efficiency with Wildlife Considerations

Landscaping strategically may keep your yard unattractive to wildlife. Prune overhanging tree branches across the top of your home because these can easily become entry points for squirrels and raccoons. Keep shrubs and bushes manicured and plant species that wildlife is not typically attracted to in your region.

Natural repellents are herbs that repel wildlife, such as mint and rosemary. Such plants have some scents that will disturb the animals and make them steer clear of staying in the place. Again, avoid tall grass and dense ground covers where these small animals, like rodents or snakes, can hide.

5. Keep Your Attic and Basement Off-Limits

Perhaps the most common areas that wildlife tries to take over include the attic and basement. These are warm, undisturbed, and dark spaces and, therefore are quite ideal nesting sites. Spend time inspecting these areas for signs of wildlife in the shape of droppings, chew marks, or nesting materials.

If you suspect that wildlife is in your attic or basement, contact a professional at wildlife removal to assess the situation. They can safely and humanely remove any animals, and they may recommend steps that you can take to seal these areas to keep them out in the future. Proper insulation and sealing also discourage wildlife because warm spots are what attract them during the colder months.

6. Install Outdoor Lighting and Motion Sensors

Many animals are afraid of sudden lights and sounds; therefore, motion-activated lights around your property can be installed, thus discouraging nighttime visitors. Such lights will make the wildlife feel exposed and avoid that area. Moreover, sometimes, professionals recommend motion-activated sound deterrents which frighten the animals like raccoons or skunks.

These devices don't harm wildlife but can make your home less appealing as a potential place of shelter since animals tend to avoid places that frighten them or make them feel exposed.

7. Use of Natural or Commercial Wildlife Deterrents

There are many products that claim to be deterrents for wildlife, ranging from natural sprays based on essential oils to ultrasonic devices emitting sounds that animals can hear but humans cannot. If a situation in the right location is present, this type of wildlife deterrent can be very effective.

Spray natural repellents around entry points or where you see signs of animal activity. Some of the natural repellents include water vinegar and peppermint oil. Be aware that there are products that may need to be reapplied often, and some are not always available to keep all animals away. Pay close attention to any instruction by the product as far as use around pets or children.

8. Handle Composting with Caution

Composting is good for the environment; however, it attracts wildlife to your yard if not handled properly. Avoid this by having a secure, wildlife-proof compost bin. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods into the compost as these tend to attract many more animals than any other type of food waste. Keep your compost covered and turn it frequently to minimize odours.

Generally, wildlife removal contractors recommend that homeowners place their compost bins far away from the house and other constructions, as this minimizes the possibility that wildlife will search for or become interested in the main building.

Conclusion

It is necessary to have a proactive and constant effort to keep wildlife out of your home and garden. All such possible entry points can be secured, food and water sources can be controlled, and one can always keep his property clean, all of which reduce the possibility of a meeting.

So, whenever wildlife makes an entry into your house, it is always sensible to seek the services of a wildlife removal specialist to do the job without endangering both humans and animals. They can help you remove the animals and offer you great tips in the future to avoid such instances in the future. Remember that when you hire wildlife removal, it is not only to solve a problem but to make your property less attractive to start with. Through careful attention to your home and yard, you can preserve a safe wildlife-free environment for you and your family.