Wildlife Proofing Your Home and Business Fact Sheet

We may enjoy observing the diversity of wildlife that happens to pass by or through our property or a field outside our business…

BUT attracting wildlife to stay is not good for humans and definitely not good for wildlife. Prevention and safety is critical to avoid potential harm to us and our urban wildlife.

 We need to keep our urban neighbors ‘wild’. Do not provide wildlife unnatural food sources (deliberate or unintentional feeding); warm and cozy shelters for winter lodging nor any opportunity to take up residence in or around your home.

Remember…

When a deck is left open beneath, a chimney not capped, a building has become run down, or over flowing birdfeeders are readily  available in your yard, wildlife may decide to overstay their welcome.

      The following tips can help make your home and business less attractive to wild visitors such as skunks, coyotes, raccoons, bats, reptiles, foxes and squirrels:

• Cap all chimneys, ducts, and any openings that will allow raccoons, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bats and mice to get inside and nest.
• Put garbage out after 6AM not the night before (avoid having to clean up refuse all over your driveway the next morning)
• many species are nocturnal and forage for food at night
• Remove unwanted brush piles and any fallen, rotting fruit beneath trees
• Seal up abandoned buildings, decks, sheds, and out buildings
• Secure composting containers by making them ‘animal proof’ with heavy locked lids, bungee chords.
• Do not put meat and egg products in a home compost
• Put left over meat/fish by products in the freezer and out to the curb the next morning with the garbage
• Seasonal cottages are prime winter homes for wildlife- makes them secure and impenetrable over the winter
• Clean grills and outdoor cook areas, leaving no food items behind
• Trim branches that hang over homes/garages.
• Ensure all livestock and outdoor pets are in safe and properly constructed enclosures.
• Never corner any wildlife. Allow them a route to escape
• Before sealing any holes and openings ensure there are no animals left inside
• Remember it is illegal to keep any wildlife, harass, and cause unnecessary harm
• Become proactive in prevention. Identify, repair, and eliminate any potential attractants in and around your home and property today…