Today is the first day of Spring. With warmer weather and longer days ahead, animal encounters will be on the rise. Hibernating animals are awakening, birds are returning home, and breeding season is in full swing. How can you protect your home from an animal invasion?
Hibernation Season Ending
Animals like squirrels and groundhogs will soon be out of their winter hibernation. These animals are going to be active and looking for food. Budding garden plants are often one of the first targets for groundhogs, squirrels, and other foraging critters. This burst of animal activity can be a hassle for your garden and lawn.
Spring Breeding Season
Most animals in our region breed in the spring or late winter. Many critters will look for shelter that can accommodate their new litter. Often, man-made shelters provide animals with the best protection. Attics, crawlspaces, and sheds are often ideal locations for animals to find shelter.
Returning Birds
Birds that are returning from their southern migration may look for new nesting grounds. Nests are usually built high up for the safety of the bird’s eggs and young. Chimneys, gutters, sheds, attics, and trees in your yard are prime real estate for birds. Deterrants such as bird spikes and owl statues can help reduce nesting activity on your property. Do not attempt to clear out nests yourself, as they may belong to endangered birds or harbor parasites.
Spring Yard Cleanup
Spring yard work can reduce potential hideouts for wild animals. Trimming bushes, removing debris, and maintaining your garden can help limit hiding places for smaller animals. Squirrels, rabbits, and other prey animals prefer areas that have tall grass or plenty of hiding places. This lets them move safely without fear of predators. By keeping your backyard neat and trimmed, you can reduce your likelihood of retaining critters.
Protecting Your Garden From Wild Animals
Gardens can provide food for wild animals. There are many ways you can deter critters from your flowers or crops. Mesh fencing around gardens, buried into the ground at least 6 inches, can help deter a variety of animals. Burying the fencing can deter some burrowing critters like groundhogs or moles, too. Planting garlic, mint, and pepper plants in your garden can help deter different animals, too.
Spring Gutter Cleanup
Cleaning out your gutters can help reduce your risk of animal invasion. Debris in your gutters can weigh them down. Heavy gutters can create cracks in the eaves, which could let animals access the inside of your home. Chimneys and vents are also potential hideouts for critters.
Repairs to Deter Returning Critters
Winter weather can cause damage to your home, which can create openings for animal invaders. If your roof, gutters, siding, or other parts of your home were damaged during the winter, repair them as soon as possible. If you notice damage to the exterior of your home, hire a professional and licensed service to repair the damage. Prompt repairs can help prevent opportunistic animals from moving in.
Wild Animal Removal
If you do have a wild animal invading your home, contact a humane wildlife removal specialist as soon as possible. Humane removal methods help minimize the risk of injury for both families and the wild animals.