Most people enjoy wildlife, but if our trash cans become a buffet, our attics a nursery and our gardens the wildlife hot spot, frustrations with wild animals can lead people to seek short-term, often lethal solutions. Fortunately, there are some very simple and responsible ways to handle human-wildlife conflicts that will allow for a peaceful coexistence with our wild neighbors.
Advertise: Your Home is NOT a good Home
Make it stink. Place ammonia soaked rags or mothballs in or near the area where the animal is entering and exiting. Soak rags every day to keep them smelling strong or place them in a container. Ammonia mimics predator urine which can be intimidating especially for small mammals.
You’re a noisy neighbor. Play a radio near the area where the animal is entering and exiting. Talk radio stations tend to work the best as wildlife like it quiet.
Can you turn off the lights?
Place a portable light near or shining into the area where the animal is entering and exiting. Animals prefer the cover of darkness when they are hiding or nesting.
Remember deploy as many deterrents as possible at the first sign of the problem.
Your Yard: Only Well Mannered Wildlife Welcome
No all night buffet line here. Use well constructed trash cans with secure lids. If possible store trash containers indoors.
Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables right away and enclose your garden with an appropriate barrier. Keep compost contained in a bin or container. Don’t leave pet food outside, especially overnight.
Overwhelming the Senses
Visual repellents like whirly-gigs, yard flags, pinwheels, aluminum pie plates or old CDs can make your yard a scary place. For animals tapping or chewing on your siding first check to ensure you do not have an insect infestation. Then use Mylar streamers that will move in the breeze. Olfactory deterrents can also help create a scent and taste barrier on siding or favorite plants.
Trapping is only a short-term solution
Trapping and relocating wildlife does not solve human-wildlife conflicts and often results in the separation of mothers and young creating additional problems. If the conditions that attracted the wild animal in the first place are not correct other animals with take their place. Trapping is only a short-term solution.