In Barrie, dealing with wildlife on your property is a common concern. While every creature plays a role in nature’s balance, having skunks, raccoons, squirrels, possums, bears, and other unexpected guests roaming your yard or finding their way into your garage or sheds isn’t always ideal.
Although wildlife can add charm to the surroundings, they can also become a nuisance, especially when searching for food. So, how can you peacefully coexist with these less domesticated neighbours? This is where wildlife-proofing your home or in serious cases, contacting professional wildlife control services in Barrie becomes essential.
Common Wildlife Nuisance in Barrie
In the past few years, we’ve seen a significant increase in wildlife making themselves at home right in our urban areas. They’re getting comfortable in places like attics and crawl spaces. It’s like they’ve adapted to city life and aren’t shy about hanging out near people anymore. But here’s the issue: these critters can bring along some serious health risks. They might carry diseases that could harm us humans. So, it’s important to address this growing problem and find ways to keep both wildlife and ourselves safe.
Among the most common wildlife nuisances that can take shelter in your property in Barrie include:
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How to Wildlife-Proof Your Barrie Home
Protecting your home and outdoor spaces from animals is easy and just makes sense. The Ontario SPCA urges homeowners to keep wildlife away from their properties. Wild animals are drawn to places where they can find food, water, and shelter, often without us even realizing it. Following some straightforward advice can reduce the chances of encountering wildlife conflicts.
Here are some simple tips to help you keep wild animals at bay:
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Eliminate Food Sources
Tie all trash bags securely and store them in a closed trash bin to keep animals out. It’s also important to regularly clean your bins to avoid any lingering odours that might attract pests. Keep your kitchen and the rest of your house clean by promptly cleaning up any spills and crumbs. If you have pets, feed them indoors and store their food in containers that are resistant to critters. Remove fallen fruit, pinecones, and acorns in your yard, as they serve as food sources for wild animals. If you have a bird feeder, place it away from your house and clean up any spilled seeds regularly. Lastly, protect your outdoor living area by cleaning and covering grills, and bringing in outdoor cushions to prevent them from becoming a comfortable spot for animals to nest.
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Use Barriers
Use barriers like plant covers, chicken wire, and fences to discourage wildlife from your garden or home. For deer, opt for at least a four-foot-tall fence, while three feet is sufficient for rabbits. Extend the fence underground by a foot to deter burrowing animals like gophers and woodchucks. With these measures, you can protect your plants and fruits effectively.
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Don’t Be Hospitable
Critters like squirrels, rats, and birds are clever at finding their way into homes, even through the tiniest openings. A mouse can slip through a hole as narrow as a pencil, while a raccoon only needs a hole the size of a grapefruit.
To safeguard your home, keep an eye out for potential entry points. Check vents, cracks, broken windows, loose roofing or siding, gaps in doors or windows, and chimneys.
If you discover any openings, resist the urge to seal them immediately. You don’t want to accidentally trap any animals inside. Imagine having a pet squirrel unexpectedly! Instead, try placing a crumpled paper towel at the entrance. If it gets moved or pushed out, it’s a sign of a visitor. In that case, contact a wildlife removal expert who can safely remove the intruder.
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Don’t Target Just One Animal
While it may be tempting to focus solely on one troublesome critter, it’s important not to overlook the broader picture. Even if you’re certain that raccoons are the primary culprits causing havoc in your garden, tailoring your entire pest prevention plan solely to keep them out may not be the most effective strategy.
Instead, opt for a more holistic approach. Safeguard your property against all types of wildlife intruders. This means implementing comprehensive prevention measures such as tidying up yard clutter, promptly disposing of pet waste, and installing a fence designed to deter a variety of animals. Ensure the fence has sturdy foundations and a smooth surface to prevent smaller creatures like squirrels and rodents from sneaking in.
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Get Rid of Potential Hiding Spots
To prevent animals from creating dens, you can take a few simple steps. Start by tidying up your yard to eliminate potential hiding spots. Clearing away brush piles and removing hollow stumps can help discourage animals from settling in.
Don’t forget about outdoor structures like detached garages or sheds—keep them securely closed and maintained as well. By regularly keeping up with these tasks, you’ll not only maintain the functionality of your property but also ensure a safer environment for you and your family.
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Try Natural Repellants
A great way to keep pesky critters out of your garden is by using a natural solution like cayenne pepper. It’s not only budget-friendly but also environmentally friendly. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a substance that animals find really bothersome. The EPA even recognizes it as a natural pesticide.
You can easily make a repellent spray with cayenne pepper or simply sprinkle it around areas where pests are causing problems in your garden. However, if you have furry friends, be careful. Cayenne pepper can irritate cats and dogs just like it does pests, so it’s best to keep it away from areas they hang out in.
When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control in Barrie
If you’ve been struggling to keep wildlife away from your property despite trying various methods, it’s time to reach out to a wildlife control professional in Barrie.
Our team of wildlife control experts at Mr. Pest is here to help. We can identify entry points, recommend effective prevention strategies, and ensure your property remains safe for you and your loved ones. Call us today at 705-739-7378, and let us take care of the problem for you!
