Protecting your home from wildlife intruders starts with good preventative practices. Reducing the accessibility of your home to wild critters will help reduce the risk of them moving in. Overall, prevention is the first line of defense against any animal invasion. This article will explore preventative measures for limiting the risk of unwanted intruders.
Landscaping as a Preventative Measure
Unruly landscaping provides pest animals with hideaways and denning materials. Keeping your property neat and trimmed can help prevent animals from seeking shelter there. Be sure to trim bushes and shrubbery to prevent them from becoming overgrown. Keep lawns neatly cut. Tall grass can make rodents and other small animals feel safer. Then, trim tree branches hanging close to your home. Some animals may use overhanging branches to access your roof. Promptly remove debris piles, such as leaves, branches, and trimmings. Animals can use these as hideouts or sources of denning/nesting materials.
Bird Feeders
Bird feeders can attract beautiful birds to your backyard, but they can also feed unwanted critters too. Mice, squirrels, and other rodents are known to utilize bird feeders and even dump out the seeds for themselves. However, if you still want a bird feeder, invest in a baffle or a model that is meant to limit rodent access.
Roof Repair as a Preventative Measure
Generally, cracks in the roof and damage to the eaves can spell bad news for your home. In addition to water damage, animals can use these breaks to access your home. Additionally, animals can expand these cracks, making your water damage grow more rampantly. Sealing and repairing cracks and holes as they appear is important.
Gutters can get heavier as they fill up with leaves and debris. When heavy gutters continue to strain the house, damage can occur. Squirrels and other animals can use this as an opportunity to enter your home. By cleaning out your gutter, and checking for damage, regularly, you can limit this access point.
Trash Can Security
Many critters use unprotected trash as a food source. Properly defending your trash cans from wild animals will make your home less desirable to them. Firstly, invest in sturdy, animal-proof trash cans. These should have locking lids. Next, secure your bins with rope or bungee cords to prevent them from being knocked over, if possible. Lastly, be sure to keep up with regular garbage pick-up to prevent it from piling up.