How to Stop Wildlife from Moving In
Here are some tips to maintain a harmonious relationship with native wildlife.
What wildlife like:
- Trash and Debris: For many wild creatures, our trash is their culinary treasure, so secure all garbage cans. Clean up brush or wood piles, clutter and other debris that make perfect nesting and denning areas.
- Housing: Many animals will readily take up residence in a building if access is available, so block all holes with wood or wire mesh.
- Fruit: Pick fruit from trees and don't leave rotting fruit on the ground.
- Water: If possible, eliminate outdoor sources of water such as bird baths, fountains and watering cans.
- Pets: Our pets’ food can be a tempting food source for wildlife. Avoid feeding pets outside (or remove food dishes promptly if you do) and lock pet doors nightly.
Pet waste is another common cause of unwanted wildlife encounters, so pick up any waste in your yard on a daily basis. - Rodents: Rodents can attract larger wildlife to your home because they are a food source. Solve rodent problems as quickly as possible.
What they don’t like:
- Chili Powder: Capsaicin makes chili powder taste “spicy.” It is also a non-toxic irritant that affects all mammals and when used regularly will deter raccoons, skunks and opossums. Sprinkle it anywhere wild animals are frequenting, including in and around trash, around a garden or wherever animals are digging. As capsaicin only affects mammals, it’s also safe to mix into birdseed to stop other animals from using it as a food source.
- Ammonia or Vinegar: One of the chemicals found in urine, ammonia, is offensive to skunks, raccoons, opossums and other wildlife species. Vinegar is another deterrent. Place soaked rags or spray directly onto areas where wildlife are likely to be attracted (potential dens, wood piles). Reapply daily for best results and only use outdoors.
- Fans, Radios, Lights and Balloons: Strange sounds, lights and moving items can frighten animals into avoiding your residence. Place an oscillating fan (you can attach strings to the outside for extra movement), a helium balloon, lighting or a portable radio in a problem area.
Tips to Deter Rodents and Squirrels
- Prune overhanging tree limbs, shrubs and vines that may provide access to attics and other areas. Also cover telephone and electric wires near the house with long plastic tubing.
- Rodents and squirrels are excitable and can cause severe damage if trapped inside a home. Quickly and quietly open a door or window and leave the room.
- A rodent or squirrel may fall in a chimney while climbing on the roof. Secure a heavy rope from the top of the chimney and drop it down to the fireplace. After the animal has exited, remove the rope and properly cap the chimney to prevent further conflicts.
Tips to Deter Skunks
- Do not feed skunks. They can easily become dependent on human food sources.
- A persistent, faint skunk odor around a hole leading under a foundation or deck indicates a skunk may be present. To find out, cover the hole with loose dirt — if a skunk is in residence, it will dig out during the night. Allow three days for this test — if dirt remains undisturbed, then close the opening with masonry, boards or hardware cloth.
- Start a non-toxic insect control program (especially for grubs) to discourage digging.
- Fences are effective as long as they are buried at least 1 1/2 feet in the ground.
- Trapping and relocating skunks is not a recommended or effective alternative. Wild animals are territorial, and when one animal is removed from the area, another animal will simply take over the space.
What if you and/or your pet are sprayed by a skunk?
If a person or pet surprises a skunk in a situation where they cannot retreat, the skunk will spray in self-defense.
Skunk spray in human eyes is extremely irritating and can cause temporary blindness, but no permanent damage. Flush eyes liberally with cold water to ease irritation. You may be able to save clothing by washing it repeatedly in vinegar water and/or hanging it outside for a month or so before dry-cleaning. For the worst sprays, however, it may be best to throw out the clothing.
When your pet is sprayed, the quicker you take action, the more completely you can remove the odor.
Wash your pet with diluted vinegar to counteract the chemical makeup of the skunk spray. Skunk Off and similar products containing neutroleum alpha, available from some pet stores, are effective.
Skunk Smell Remedy
- You will need: 1 quart 3% peroxide, 1/4 c baking soda, 1 tbsp. liquid hand soap.
- Mix all three ingredients together.
- Shampoo the animal — thoroughly keeping the mixture out of their eyes, nose and mouth.
- Let the mixture soak for five minutes.
- Rinse well.