As the weather cools and animals begin searching for warmer shelter, your home can become an attractive target for wildlife looking for a cozy place to nest. While it might seem harmless at first, wildlife in your home can lead to property damage, health risks, and stressful removal processes. Understanding what tempts wildlife to your property and knowing how to prevent them from entering is crucial for keeping your home safe and wildlife-free.
What Attracts Wildlife to Your Property?
Wildlife is typically drawn to your property for three primary reasons: food, water, and shelter. Here’s a closer look at each factor:
Accessible Food Sources
Uncovered Trash: Food scraps in your trash can act as a buffet for raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Bird Feeders: While bird feeders attract birds, they also draw squirrels and other animals looking for an easy meal.
Pet Food: If you leave pet food outside, it can invite unwanted guests, including raccoons, skunks, and rodents.
Water Availability
Standing Water: Wildlife, particularly rodents and small mammals, are attracted to water sources like birdbaths, ponds, or pet water bowls.
Leaking Pipes or Gutters: Leaky pipes or gutters can provide a consistent water supply, making your home even more attractive to thirsty animals.
Warm Shelter
Attics and Crawl Spaces: As temperatures drop, attics and crawl spaces become prime locations for wildlife seeking warmth.
Unsealed Chimneys: Chimneys provide an easy entry point for animals like raccoons and squirrels looking for a place to nest.
Woodpiles and Dense Vegetation: These areas offer excellent hiding spots and can serve as temporary shelters before animals find their way into your home.
Best Practices to Keep Wildlife Out as Temperatures Drop
Now that you know what attracts wildlife to your property, let’s talk about the best practices to keep your home wildlife-free this fall and winter.
Seal Entry Points
Start by inspecting your home for any gaps, holes, or cracks that could serve as entry points for wildlife. Pay special attention to areas like roof vents, chimneys, windows, doors, as well as attic and crawl space vents. Sealing these entry points with caulk, wire mesh, or weatherstripping can make it much harder for animals to find their way inside.
Remove Food and Water Sources
Keeping food sources out of reach is crucial. Make sure to store trash in wildlife-proof bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent animals from scavenging. If you have bird feeders, switch to squirrel-proof designs or remove them during cooler months. Additionally, remember to bring pet food and water dishes inside when not in use.
Maintain Your Yard
A well-maintained yard can deter wildlife. Trim back trees and bushes near your home to eliminate easy access points for animals like squirrels and raccoons. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house and off the ground to discourage rodents from nesting. Clear fallen fruit or nuts from your yard, as these can attract wildlife looking for food.
Inspect Your Attic and Crawl Spaces
Regularly check your attic and crawl spaces for any signs of wildlife such as nests, droppings, or chewed wires. Installing chimney caps and vent covers will also help block access points that animals use to enter your home.
Use Wildlife Repellents
Consider using wildlife repellents to further deter animals. Certain smells, such as ammonia or predator urine, can keep animals away from your property. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers are another effective way to startle animals and discourage them from coming too close to your home.
Contact Go Away Pest Control When Wildlife Takes Over
Ignoring the presence of wildlife on your property or delaying preventive measures can lead to costly damages. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, and rodents can chew through wires, damage insulation, and even create fire hazards. Additionally, many wildlife species carry diseases or parasites that can pose health risks to your family and pets.
As the temperatures drop, wildlife will continue looking for shelter to survive the colder months. By taking proactive steps to secure your home and yard, you can enjoy a pest-free winter and avoid the hassle of dealing with wildlife invasions. If your wildlife problem gets out of control, contact our pest control team to receive safe and effective wildlife removal services in Boerne, TX.
