Late summer brings with it warmer temperatures, longer days, and a heightened level of outdoor activity. While many of us embrace the season’s beauty, it also signals a time when wildlife becomes more active, sometimes encroaching upon our homes and gardens. Nuisance wildlife, such as raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, can become unwelcome guests, causing damage and disruptions. In this guide, we’ll delve into effective strategies for proofing your home against late summer nuisance wildlife, ensuring a harmonious coexistence.
Fortify Your Home’s Defenses
Nuisance wildlife often gain access to your home through small cracks, gaps, or openings. Carefully inspect your home’s exterior, paying attention to areas around windows, doors, vents, and utility entry points. Seal any gaps using weather-resistant materials, such as caulking, steel wool, or wire mesh. Remember that even seemingly insignificant openings can serve as an invitation for persistent creatures.
Secure Trash and Food Sources
Late summer is a time when wildlife is on the lookout for food to store before winter. Unsecured trash cans and improperly stored pet food can attract raccoons, opossums, and other scavengers. Use sturdy trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and consider storing trash cans in a secure location until trash pickup day. Additionally, store pet food indoors in airtight containers to prevent unwanted visitors.
Maintain Landscaping
An unkempt yard can inadvertently attract wildlife seeking shelter and sustenance. Trim branches that hang near your home, as they can serve as pathways for animals to access your roof. Keep grass trimmed and remove fallen fruits, nuts, and other debris that can serve as a food source. Creating an environment that lacks easy access to food and shelter can discourage wildlife from taking up residence.
Reinforce Structures
Animals like squirrels and raccoons are adept climbers and can exploit weaknesses in your home’s structure. Inspect your roof and eaves for loose shingles, damaged vents, or weakened areas. Reinforce these weak points to prevent animals from gaining entry. Consider installing chimney caps to deter animals from nesting inside chimneys.
Install Fencing
Fencing can be an effective deterrent against larger nuisance wildlife, such as deer or groundhogs. Choose a sturdy fence design with appropriate height and materials to prevent animals from easily crossing over. If burrowing animals are a concern, consider burying a portion of the fence underground to discourage digging.
Harness Nature’s Aversions
Several natural repellents can discourage wildlife from approaching your property. For example, the scent of predator urine, available at garden stores, can deter smaller creatures. Additionally, certain plants like marigolds, garlic, and lavender emit odors that many animals find unpleasant. Planting these around your garden or home’s perimeter can help discourage wildlife.
Startle and Deter
Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or sound devices can startle and deter wildlife from approaching your property. Many animals are cautious and avoid areas with sudden, unexpected movements or loud noises. These devices can create an unwelcoming environment for animals seeking refuge.
Seek Professional Assistance
If your efforts to protect your home against late summer nuisance wildlife prove unsuccessful, it’s time to call in the professionals. Wildlife removal experts are trained to handle these situations safely and ethically. They can assess the extent of the problem, identify entry points, and implement effective removal and prevention strategies.
Wrap Up
Late summer brings an undeniable charm with its warm days and vibrant landscapes. By implementing these strategies to protect your home against nuisance wildlife, you can enjoy the season without the worry of unwelcome animal intruders. Remember, the goal is not only to protect your property but also to coexist harmoniously with the wildlife that shares our environment. Through a combination of preventive measures and responsible action, you can achieve this delicate balance and enjoy the best that late summer has to offer.
We hope you found today’s information helpful. If you have any questions or think you may need to have nuisance wildlife removed from your property, please contact us. Our friendly and professional team are ready to help both you and the wildlife live happily and peacefully.
