How to wildlife-proof your home
The invasion of wild animals into your home is frustrating. Using loud noises to scare animals away may not be enough. You may have to modify your home or make repairs that can be costly. However, once the repairs are done and you begin a regular inspection of your home, we believe your wildlife problems will be over.
If wild animals cannot be humanely encouraged to leave your home using the deterrents suggested here, we recommend that you get help from a professional and reputable wildlife removal company.
We will always have wildlife within our city environment, and we will have problems with these animals until we take preventative measures to reduce their populations by making sure they can't live in our homes.
This page gives you general information about how to make wild animals leave your home. See the links here and the fact sheets on specific animals for details.
You may have to dig a trench around a shed or patio and install fencing, called a prevention skirt, below ground to keep foxes and other animals from digging dens.
Using deterrents
Deterrents are ways to keep animals from using your home for their den or nest. The check list explains which areas of your home can attract wildlife as den sites or food sources. These areas should be inspected each year in the early spring and fall. Damaged or weak spots should be repaired.
Follow repair instructions exactly as described in the check list and other pages or contact a professional. If an animal has moved into your home, try the methods of removing it that are described in other pages. After an animal leaves you must make the necessary repairs immediately or the same animal or another one will move in.
Areas that cannot be repaired or screened should be checked regularly. These areas may include light fixtures or decorative outdoor fixtures, tool sheds, etc. Some areas, such as balconies, should be checked daily.
Remember these tips when you use the deterrent methods:
- Follow the instructions correctly and exactly.
- You must be as determined as they are. If you're using noises to scare animals away, make them loud and non-stop over a 24-48 hour period.
- Remember that most of these animals are nocturnal and will not move out until late evening hours.
- Before making repairs, make sure all animals have left the area. Read fact sheets on specific animals for information on how to make wild animals leave your home and how to make sure they have left.
Use common sense when selecting a deterrent method.
- Try the least expensive methods first.
- Pay attention to detail when reading instructions on a deterrent substance.
- An odour deterrent may not work in an outdoor area or in an area that is so large the animal can move away from it.
- Using an odour deterrent in your home may also affect you!
- Putting a deterrent substance on the surface of a lawn may not work if the animal can go around it, move away from it or turn back and avoid the substance.
- Try several methods at the same time.
- Use the exact product recommended, apply it exactly as it suggests and apply it generously.