In New England, populated urban areas and diverse natural habitats go hand-in-hand. That means encounters with wildlife are a regular occurrence for many residents. Whether you live in a suburban neighborhood or a more rural area, safeguarding your home and property from nuisance wildlife is critical. Let’s explore strategies and tips to help you protect your home and family from unexpected wildlife encounters.
4 Tips Prepare for Wildlife Encounters
Most wildlife species are enjoyable to have around — at a safe distance! Occasionally, they become a nuisance by damaging something on your property or by getting in or under buildings. When that happens, it’s important to understand why the pest is a problem and what to do about it. Here are some helpful tips:
- Understand Wildlife Behavior: It’s important to know what wildlife is common in your area and learn their habits and behaviors. Common wildlife in Massachusetts includes squirrels, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, and opossums. While they are all drawn to properties that offer easy access to food and shelter, each has unique traits and does unique damage.
- Invest in Prevention Techniques: There are numerous landscaping strategies that can help you deter wildlife. Many of the wildlife issues residents face are food-related. Ensure you keep your garbage secured. Don’t leave pet food outside, And, if you have a garden, you may need to invest in sturdy fencing to keep wildlife out. Sealing off any entry points to your home or outside buildings is also essential, as wildlife can look to structures such as sheds or garages as safe places to take up residence. Another tip is to put up lighting, which often has a repelling effect, especially on skunks.
- Know the Law: The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, has established rules for trapping and removing wildlife that must be followed. Check out our blog post to learn more about protected species and trapping and removal regulations.
- Get Professional Help: Wildlife is unpredictable and they can spread disease. That’s why often the best course of action is to enlist the help of a professional pest control company like Ford’s Hometown Services. Be sure to get advice from a licensed Problem Animal Control (PAC) agent to ensure legal requirements are met when dealing with wildlife. FHS has numerous PAC agents at the ready. Licensed professionals can also help you understand what’s attracting wildlife to your property and provide additional guidance to keep them away.
Proactivity Pays, But Isn’t Always Enough
Taking proactive steps to safeguard your property will help promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife. But even the most diligent homeowner can still find themselves dealing with a nuisance wildlife problem. If you have wildlife damaging your property or threatening your family, we can help. Ford’s Hometown Services has more than 80 years of combined experience in wildlife trapping and exclusion. Call us today at 800-649-9992 or get an online quote.