15 Ways to Keep Your Home Animal-Free Without Harming Wildlife

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A sight of a raccoon raiding the trash or birds nesting in the eaves may be amusing yet frustrating to many people. These encounters may seem like something out of a cartoon, but they have the potential for much bigger problems such as damaged property, health risks, and sleepless nights. Of course, you want to protect your home, but how do you keep animals out while not upsetting the balance of nature?

Luckily, you can find a balance between these two. You can deter critters in very humane ways, and many of them are simpler than you would think. Here are the ways you can keep the peace around your house, at the same time letting wildlife continue to flourish in its natural habitat.

Seal Those Entry Points

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From bats to squirrels, wild animals love to find a place to call home—and your attic or basement is a perfect place to make it their home. Check your house for gaps or holes. Mice can fit through cracks and holes as small as a dime, and although small cracks may seem harmless, they can ruin your insulation. Weatherproof caulk, wire mesh, or expandable foam should close off these gaps, including around vents, chimneys, and utility pipes.

Make Trash Less Tempting

Your trash can is like a buffet to wildlife. Tight fitting lids secure it, and if raccoons are regular visitors, you may want to use bungee cords to keep the lid tightly shut. Another layer of security will be storing the bins in the garage or a shed. Pro tip: Rinse your cans and food containers before tossing them out—those left over smells can attract critters from miles away.

Learn to Manage Food Sources in the Yard

If you have bird feeders, you’ll know they are delightful, but they may also become an uninvited guest hotspot, for squirrels and deer. Select feeders that are pest proof or move them further from your house. Additionally, try to pick up fruits, nuts, and seeds that fell from your yard regularly so you aren’t inviting a feast crowd.

Keep the Garden Tidy

An overgrown yard is an open invitation to wildlife. Trim bushes, rake leaves, and continuously mow your lawn. If you’re looking for extra protection, consider a gravel barrier around your home’s foundation—most critters don’t like to crawl over sharp surfaces.

Install Motion-Activated Deterrents

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When it comes to keeping animals at bay, technology can give you a hand. Motion detection will scare animals, but not harm them, and can be used to trigger lights, sprinklers, or sound devices. For example, a motion sensing sprinkler will send a quick jet of water that would make even the bravest raccoon scurry.

Use Natural Repellents

Peppermint, citronella, and eucalyptus oils have strong odors that most animals don’t like. A few drops of vinegar mixed in water in a spray bottle can be spritzed around entry points or other areas suffering problems. Apply and remember to reapply after rain. A bonus: You will be able to smell your house like a spa!

Build Barriers to Vulnerable Areas

One of the most destructive things that wildlife can do is get under your porch. You’d know this if you’ve ever had a groundhog dig under your porch. Mesh fencing can then be used to protect those areas such as decks, sheds and gardens, by burying a few inches into the ground. The barriers are intended to prevent animals from burrowing under them.

Choose Your Plants Wisely

Some plants are more attractive to wildlife than others. If you have problems with deer or rabbits eating your garden, try planting marigold or lavender flowers, which most animals don’t like. A bit of landscaping change can save you a lot of headache.

Respect Feeding Cycles

Sometimes, animals do their thing at night, such as raccoons, opossums, etc. If you have to set out pet food or water bowls, bring them in before dusk. This small habit can prevent a lot of unwanted guests.

Encourage Natural Predators

Not all animals are unwelcome in encouraging wildlife. Naturally the population of rodents falls prey to hawks, owls, and snakes. By setting up an owl box or making the area predator friendly, you can help balance the ecosystem around your home.

Check Before You Plug Holes

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If you think animals have already moved into your attic or walls, don’t seal those entry points yet. The Humane Society of the United States says you need to make sure the animals have left before you close them off. You can use temporary one way doors which let them out and not back in.

Try Humane Traps

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The problem persists sometimes, no matter how hard you try. In these cases, live traps can be a suitable solution. Be sure to check the traps often and release the trapped animals far away from your home in a safe, natural location.

Seek Professional Help

If the problem is an ongoing one, calling in a wildlife control specialist may be your best bet. Select services which specialize in humane solutions to prevent any wrong arising to the animals or environment.

Educate the Family

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Teamwork is involved in keeping your home critter free. Teach your kids not to feed wildlife or leave snacks in the yard. The more the whole family is on board, the more likely you are to keep it up.

Stay Consistent

It’s all about the habits. Keeping animals out of your yard is not just about locking the door at night; it requires regular maintenance. If you make inspections and cleaning part of your routine, potential problems won’t sneak up on you.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.