How to get rid of wildlife in your home and garden safely

Updated April 1, 2024

How to get rid of wildlife in your home and garden safely

There are a few ways to safely remove wildlife from your home and garden without harming them. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best ways to get rid of wildlife in your home.

1. Use a humane animal removal service


Some reputable, experienced animal removal companies use humane methods such as trapping and relocation to remove nuisance wildlife from homes. They will work with you to choose the most effective solution for your specific situation and ensure that all animals are treated respectfully.

Some reputable, experienced animal removal companies use humane methods such as trapping and relocation to remove nuisance wildlife from homes. They will work with you to choose the most effective solution for your specific situation and ensure that all animals are treated respectfully.

In addition, consider hiring a professional animal removal company if you have a large or potentially harmful animal, such as a bear, that needs to be removed from your property. These companies typically use tranquilizers and tracking devices to capture the animal without harming it.

Wildlife Removal

2. Use a vacuum cleaner with the pet filter installed


A vacuum cleaner with a pet filter is a great way to get rid of all the dust, hair, and other debris your pets leave behind. Not only will this clean your floor more effectively, but it also protects you and your family from potential illness or injury caused by harmful particles in the air.

3. Use repellents and deterrents to keep wildlife away from your property


Keeping wildlife away from your property is a common goal for many homeowners. Several repellents and deterrents can be used to achieve this objective, and choosing the right one for your specific situation is essential. 

Several repellents use natural ingredients like peppermint or cedarwood oil, while others use synthetic chemicals. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s crucial to find the ones that work best for you and your family. 

Some precautions that should always be taken when using repellents or deterrents include avoiding direct contact with the animals, wearing long-sleeved clothing if possible, spraying during dawn or dusk when they’re least active, covering up any food sources (especially bird feeders), and keeping pets indoors during times of heightened activity.

4. Use a live trap to capture and relocate nuisance wildlife


Using a live trap to capture and relocate nuisance wildlife effectively gets them off your property. Using a humane, effective trap can safely remove these animals without hurting or killing them. Here are some tips for setting and using a live trap: 

– Choose the correct type of trap. Several types of traps are available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you choose one designed specifically for capturing pesky wildlife (e.g., rats, squirrels, raccoons). 

– Set the trap where it will be easy to find and access. Place it near entrances or windowsills, so you don’t have to worry about trapping yourself or anyone else when trying to set it! 

– Use fresh bait every time you set your trap. The best baits for catching nuisance wildlife include peanut butter (for rats), bird seed (for birds), oatmeal (for cats and other small mammals), or fruit juice cups filled with sugar water (to capture opossums). Be sure to replace bait regularly, so pests don’t become habituated to any particular food source.

Wildlife Removal

5. Create barriers or fences to keep wildlife away from your property


One of the best ways to keep wildlife away from your property is to create barriers or fences. Fences can be made from any material and are easy to install. You can even build them yourself! Just be sure to choose a safe fence for you and the animals you’re trying to protect.

Here are a few tips for creating effective fences: 

– Use high-quality materials. The fence should withstand weather conditions, such as wind and rain. Make sure the fence is also opaque so that animals don’t have an easy time seeing through it. 

– Choose gates that work well with your design goals. Gates should open wide enough so that large animals can pass through easily but not so broad as to allow smaller creatures access without breaking the gate latch (this is important if you want to keep predators away). 

– Make sure all corners of the fence are reinforced with metal wire or post construction to withstand direct animal attacks (i.e., lions!).

6. Seal cracks and crevices where wildlife can access your property


Sealing cracks and crevices where wildlife can access your property is crucial to protecting your property from damage. Wildlife often tries to gain access to properties in search of food or shelter, and unsealing these openings can lead to significant damage.

To seal cracks and crevices effectively, use a wide variety of materials that will stay flexible under pressure (i.e., not concrete). This includes mortar, caulk, expanding foam, tree wraps, wire mesh fencing fabric strips wrapped around trees or posts at least twice the circumference of the opening being sealed off, etc. Once you have chosen the appropriate material(s), apply it correctly – using much more pressure than you would when caulking a window or door crack. Remember areas near water sources – these are prime places for wildlife to enter dwellings through small gaps in doors and windowsills.

Wildlife Removal

7. Call a professional


If these measures don’t work or you’re concerned about the safety of your pets, it may be best to call a professional. A licensed wildlife removal specialist can assess your situation and help identify potential hazards before taking action.

Conclusion


Preventing nuisance wildlife from accessing your property can be a hassle, but taking the necessary precautions to keep your home and pets safe is essential. There are several ways to protect yourself, and a professional may also be needed depending on the situation. At Alpha Wildlife Nashville, we want to ensure that our customers are always safe and secure while dealing with nuisance wildlife. Contact us today for more information on how we can help!


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