There are some common mistakes homeowners make to attract wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, bats, and more to their homes. Most of these mistakes are easy to correct and take no more than an afternoon to remedy. Let’s look at the five most frequent mistakes and how to correct them.
Making Food Sources Available
You have made food accessible to wildlife. Food is the number one thing that wildlife is attracted to.
- If you keep your pet’s food dish outside, keep a full bird feeder, or store pantry goods in your unsealed garage or basement, you are sending an invitation to raccoons, opossums, and their friends. To correct this, only put pet food out when your pets are eating and remove it when they are done.
- Keep bird feeders away from your house.
- Store extra pet food and pantry goods in sealed containers if you use your garage or basement as a storage area.
You Have a Trash Bin or Compost Pile
Again, this is a food-related situation. Wildlife creatures do not care if their food source is spoiled, scraps, or in your trash.
- Keep your outdoor trash bins sealed tightly with lids closed.
- Keep compost bins away from your house.
- Make sure your trash bins stay closed.
Leaving Easy Ways to Hide and Climb
You store wood piles next to your house. Wood piles make great homes for wildlife. Rather than store your firewood under your deck or next to your garage, keep it in a storage shed or hut at least 20’ away from your home. You have damage or holes and unsealed vents. Any holes in your siding, around doors, in screens, at your soffits or roof line can invite wildlife in. Don’t make your home easily accessible.
- Complete all home repairs in a timely manner.
- Inspect the exterior of your home often.
- Cap chimneys and put screens in vents.
You’ve Provided Them a Bridge
Any overhanging tree branches, vine plants, or landscaping around the foundation can give wildlife the foothold they need to get into areas of your house that are more accessible.
- Cut back bushes.
- Pull down vines growing on the outside of your home.
- Trim overhanging tree branches at least 6 to 8 feet away from your roofline.
Do Not Wait Too Long To Call in the Professionals
Even if you’ve taken all the above steps, you may still find yourself with a wildlife infestation. Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, bats, and more are tenacious when seeking a food source and shelter.
It is always best to call us at Big Blue Bug Solutions to help rid your home of wildlife. Not only can wildlife creatures carry diseases, but some of these creatures need to be removed and relocated in a manner that will ensure they don’t simply re-invade your home. We have over 80 years’ experience in keeping Worcester homes free from wildlife. We will work with you on trapping and exclusion techniques to keep your home safe.