Although there are vast areas of natural wildlife habitats in Quebec, it’s not uncommon for wild animals like raccoons, groundhogs and skunks to venture into, or close to, people’s homes and yards. As a homeowner, what can you do about these unwelcome visitors?
In this article, our Montreal exterminators suggest effective, humane nuisance wildlife control methods to keep wild animals off your property.
Why do wild animals approach urban areas?
Wild animals are increasingly being pushed out of their natural habitats, and for a variety of reasons, their survival instincts often lead them to approach areas where there is human activity.
The search for food and shelter
Each species of wild animal needs a specific type of food and habitat in order to survive. When resources become scarce or inaccessible, animals have no choice but to look elsewhere. Gardens, orchards or garbage cans can become tempting sources of food, and attics or garden sheds can seem like appealing refuges, if an animal has nowhere else to go.
Degradation of natural habitats
Urban expansion, infrastructure projects and intensive agriculture have led to the reduction and fragmentation of wild spaces. These environmental changes are driving many species to move and adapt, since their natural habitat has been disturbed and can no longer provide what they need. This is one reason that wildlife may approach urban areas.
Attraction to household waste
Humans produce an impressive amount of garbage, including food waste. If this is left in the open or stored improperly, the smell will attract nuisance wildlife. From squirrels to skunks, many wild animals see trash as an opportunity for an easy, substantial meal.
Wild species likely to visit you
These nuisance wildlife species are the most likely to show up on your balcony or patio door:
This list is just a beginning – there are plenty of other wild animals that you may at some point need to repel from your property with a wildlife deterrent.
Hazards of nuisance wildlife
It’s possible for humans and some wild animals to live side by side, but not necessarily in complete safety. Nuisance wildlife can cause a variety of inconveniences, and even represent a real danger, if these animals come into contact with humans.
Property damage and damage to gardens
In their search for food or shelter, nuisance wildlife can cause considerable damage to property. Wild animals may rummage through garbage cans, ransack gardens, scratch housing facades, and even gnaw through wires and cables.
Some creatures, like deer and raccoons, have even been known to turn over the soil in search of roots or worms, digging holes in lawns and damaging flowerbeds.
Health risks associated with nuisance wildlife
Getting close to certain wild animals increases your risk of contracting diseases or parasites. For example, foxes and racoons can carry rabies, and deer can carry ticks which can transmit Lyme disease.
Animal droppings can also pose a health hazard as they can contaminate water or soil if they are not disposed of correctly.
Anxiety and disturbances for residents
An unexpected visit from nuisance wildlife can be a source of anxiety, especially if the species is perceived as potentially dangerous or unpredictable. What’s more, nocturnal noises, recurrent damage or even just knowing that a wild animal is prowling nearby can disturb residents.
If you think you may have an intruder in or your home or on your property, contact us today to install an appropriate wildlife repellent!
Natural techniques to ward off nuisance wildlife
If you want to keep nuisance wildlife away from your property, there are several gentle, environmentally-friendly wildlife deterrents to choose from.
Eliminate whatever is attracting wild animals
Make sure your garbage cans are closed tightly and kept out of reach. Avoid leaving food in the open, including scraps and birdseed. Fruit that has fallen from trees should also be picked up regularly to avoid attracting animals like raccoons.
Wild animals often seek warm, safe places for shelter. Be sure to block potential entrances to your home, such as openings under porches, attics or sheds. At Elite Pest Control, we offer a specialized caulking service to solve this problem.
Une natural repellents
Plants like rosemary, lavender and mint can help repel nuisance wildlife with their strong scent.
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, cayenne pepper or lemongrass are also effective. You can soak cloths in the oil, or make a spray that you can use in strategic places to discourage nuisance wildlife from approaching your property.
Scare tactics
Ultrasonic systems that are inaudible to humans but unpleasant for many animals can be used as a non-invasive wild animal deterrent. Lights equipped with motion detectors so that they turn on when an animal approaches can startle a creature and prompt it to run away. Reflections from shiny objects, such as hanging CDs or reflective tape, can also confuse and discourage nuisance wildlife.
Wild animal repellents
For homeowners dealing with nuisance wildlife, there are a variety of products on the market that will keep wild animals away without causing harm.
Ready-to-use repellents
- Sprays: These sprays are often based on natural ingredients such as essential oils, Simply squirt in any areas you want to protect, and the fluid will give off an odor or taste that nuisance wildlife will find unpleasant.
- Animal repellent granules: These products are easy to sprinkle around specific areas such as gardens, where they will slowly release natural wildlife repellents.
- Gels: These wildlife control products can be spread on a variety of surfaces to deter nuisance wildlife from walking on or climbing around an area.
Choosing an effective, environmentally-friendly product
- Natural ingredients: Always check the ingredients list. Products based on natural ingredients are often less harmful to both wildlife and the environment.
- Long-lasting: Choose products that will last for a while without having to be applied again and again.
- Non-toxic: Make sure the product is non-toxic to children, pets, and other local wildlife.
- Recommendations: User reviews and expert recommendations can help you figure out whether a product really works.
Our pest control experts can help you choose and use nuisance wildlife repellent products.
Protective netting and fences
These material solutions directly prevent animals from gaining access to an area. They’re ideal for gardens, vegetable patches, or around ponds to protect fish from predators.
If all your efforts fail, go ahead and call a pest control technician to help out. Depending on the case, they will either capture the animal and relocate it, or hunt it using an appropriate, humane technique.
Keep in mind that numerous nuisance wildlife species in Canada are protected. If you want to take action yourself, make sure you comply with the law.
Keep nuisance wildlife away from your home!
Respectfully keeping wild animals away from your living space is a delicate procedure that demands knowledge and experience. While the above tips can offer a starter approach to managing nuisance wildlife, repelling wild animals for good can be a complex task, depending on the situation and the animal involved.
At Elite Pest Control, we’re committed to providing environmentally-friendly solutions to control nuisance wildlife. Thanks to our experience and in-depth knowledge of various wildlife species, we can help you find a humane way to live side by side with wildlife.
Before nuisance wildlife becomes a serious problem, call on our experts. We’re here to make sure your home remains a haven of peace, both for you and for the natural world around you.