Raccoons, squirrels, and other wild animals are attracted to easily accessible sources of food. After an outdoor party, your backyard may be perfect for an animal after-party. When you host a barbeque or other outdoor party in your backyard, you run the risk of attracting wild animals. Because of this, properly cleaning up after your outdoor party is important.
Cleaning Up the Backyard
It is important to clean up any food and drinks after your party. Any foodstuff that is left out can attract wild animals. Raccoons, pigeons, mice, and more can swarm for a free meal. This includes food and water you put out for pets during the party. Don’t forget to clean the barbeque itself. If needed, spray down high-traffic areas with the hose.
Secure the Trash Cans
After a BBQ, your trash cans are likely filled with garbage. Be sure to secure bins with tight-fitting, locking lids. This will help prevent animals from accessing the food scraps within. For additional support, tie your cans to your fence. This will prevent animals like skunks from knocking them over.
Secure Potential Backyard Dens
Pest animals like to live close to where food is accessible. Because of this, your backyard may seem like prime real estate. Animals may den under decks, patios, and overgrown bushes. Install barriers around your deck or patio to prevent wild animals from taking residence. Trimming back overgrown plants can help too. Animals will feel exposed if they don’t have a place to hide. Trimming back plants can limit hiding places.
Additional Animal Deterrents
There are several additional ways to prevent animals from feeling safe in your backyard. Adding an owl statue to a nearby tree or in another high place in your backyard could deter smaller animals such as rodents. Changing its position on occasion can help keep it effective. Motion sensor lights can be helpful when parties go into the night, but they can also deter wild animals looking to sneak around for a meal. Mint essential oils mixed with warm water in a spray bottle can mask other smells of food while deterring scavengers. Raccoons and some other critters are not fans of the scent of mint.