Protecting your home from wildlife plays an important role in responsible homeownership. Animals searching for food, warmth, or shelter can cause damage, create health risks, and disrupt your daily life. That’s why we’ve identified 4 ways to keep wildlife out of your home effectively. While many homeowners recognize the problem, knowing how to keep wildlife out effectively often feels confusing or overwhelming.
To make things easier, we have put together a clear and practical guide that outlines four proven ways to keep wildlife away from your home. Each method focuses on prevention rather than reaction, helping you reduce the chances of animals entering your property in the first place. Along the way, you will also find useful tips on how to apply each strategy correctly for long-term results.
These methods work for a wide range of environments, from suburban neighborhoods to rural properties. No matter where you live, understanding how wildlife behaves and what attracts animals to homes gives you a strong advantage. With the right approach, you can protect your living space, maintain your property’s condition, and enjoy greater peace of mind.
Read on to learn simple, effective ways to keep wildlife away from your home and create a safer, more secure environment for you and your family.
1) Contact Wildlife Control Companies
Hiring a professional wildlife removal company is one of the most efficient ways to keep animals away from your home. These companies are knowledgeable about local wildlife and can provide effective solutions for removing unwanted critters. They also have the tools and experience necessary to care for problem animals quickly and safely. You can find wildlife control in Oregon, Idaho, and many other states. Additionally, most wildlife removal services offer humane animal relocation and exclusion services to ensure that animals are kept safe. For instance, trapping raccoons and relocating them to a new area will help prevent them from returning to your property.
2. SEAL ANY POTENTIAL ENTRY POINTS
Wild animals look for easy access, and even the smallest opening can invite them inside your home. Taking the time to seal potential entry points plays a critical role in preventing wildlife intrusions.
Start by inspecting the foundation of your house. Look closely for cracks, gaps, or holes where animals could squeeze through. Pay special attention to areas where utility lines or pipes enter the building, as these spots often leave small openings behind. Move on to windows and doors and check that frames sit tightly against the structure. Even worn weather stripping can create enough space for rodents or insects to enter.
When you find openings, act quickly. Use caulk to seal small cracks and gaps, and place steel wool in slightly larger holes before sealing them for added durability. Steel wool discourages animals from chewing their way back inside. For vents, chimneys, and attic openings, install sturdy wire mesh or vent caps. These barriers allow airflow while blocking birds, bats, and other flying pests from getting in. Regular inspections help ensure your seals remain intact over time.
3. REMOVE FOOD SOURCES
Food attracts wildlife faster than almost anything else. If animals find reliable meals around your home, they will keep coming back. Removing these food sources sends a clear signal that your property does not offer easy rewards.
Store pet food indoors and avoid leaving bowls outside, especially overnight. Wildlife such as raccoons, rodents, and stray animals quickly learn feeding schedules and return repeatedly. Keep bird seed, livestock feed, and other attractants in sealed containers made of metal or heavy-duty plastic.
Trash management also matters. Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and avoid placing them outside too early before pickup. A single loose bag can draw animals from far away. After storms or windy days, walk your yard and clean up fallen fruit, nuts, or leftover garden produce. Even small amounts of natural food can attract squirrels, deer, and other wildlife.
By removing food sources and maintaining clean surroundings, you reduce the motivation for animals to explore your property. Combined with sealing entry points, these steps create a strong, proactive defense against unwanted wildlife.
4) Install Deterrents
If you want a more long-term solution for deterring animals and pests from intruding on your property, consider installing deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers or flashing lights. These devices emit sudden noises and flashes of light when triggered by movement, scaring away animals without harming them. Additionally, strategically placing artificial predators such as owls around your home can also help keep wild animals away—ensure they’re securely attached so they don’t become a threat themselves!
Extra Tip: Maintain Your Landscaping
Maintaining your landscaping is important for keeping wildlife away from your home. Trim back any bushes or trees that are close to the house and make sure there is no potential nesting material nearby. Additionally, consider putting up a fence around your property to provide an additional physical barrier against animal intrusion.
By following these simple steps, you can protect your home from wildlife and keep animals out. With a little effort, you can ensure that your property is safe and secure. Good luck!
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