Wildlife Proofing Your Home

How Do I Keep Animals Out of My Window Wells?

Some animals, like raccoons, like to create dens in window wells while other animals with poor eyesight can fall into the well and become trapped. Simply covering the window well with a plastic or mesh barrier can prevent animals from intentionally or unintentionally entering. 

How Do I Keep Animals Out of My Trash?

Because garbage is an easily accessible and abundant food source, it is extremely attractive to many species of wildlife. Keeping trash in designated cans with lock-down lids can prevent animals from rummaging through. Sometimes, a bungee cord strung between the handles of the lid may be necessary. If your trash can is less secure, consider storing it inside until pickup. 

How Do I Keep Animals Out of My Chimney?

Fitting your chimney with a chimney cap can prevent animals from entering. Chimney caps are available to purchase or you can make your own. The goal is to prevent gaps in the design where animals can squeeze through or widen. Chimney caps should be checked regularly for integrity.

How Do I Prevent Birds From Flying Into My Windows?

Window collisions from birds can be devastating. About 1 billion birds die each year in the U.S. from window collisions, with 54% to 76% of all collisions being fatal.

During the day, windows reflect surrounding structures which looks like an extension of what’s outside. Your windows and doors reflect trees, bushes, flowers, the sky, etc. At night, birds can be attracted to the lights inside your house.

Adding stickers to your windows, drawing on the glass or adding a non-reflective film can help birds see the structures and avoid them. One study showed a decrease in window strikes by 47% by using certain window decals. You can also help by turning off any outdoor lights, especially on nights where migrating birds are flying over your area.

What are Some Wild Animal Deterrents? 

Deterrents can be physical, visual, auditory or olfactory (smell). For best results, multiple different types of deterrents should be used together, especially if you are attempting to deter a mammal. 

• Physical deterrents make certain behaviors uncomfortable. For example, bird wire makes it uncomfortable for birds to perch in a location. Motion-activated sprinklers are another type of physical deterrent. 

• Visual deterrents create unusual patterns of movement or light that can frighten animals. Objects that reflect light are effective at creating these patterns, as well as motion-activated lights. Birds tend to be more receptive to visual deterrents than mammals. 

• Auditory deterrents are noises that are unfamiliar or threatening to animals. Recorded predator noises or human speech can be played in areas where animals are unwanted. Sonic scare devices are typically available in garden supply stores or online and can also be used for this purpose. 

• Olfactory deterrents can be placed in problem areas to create bothersome smells for wildlife. However, some species are much more receptive to them than others. For example, birds are not usually deterred by smells unlike mammals. Urine, human sweat or even capsaicin can be used for most mammals. Capsaicin is a compound found in hot peppers. Olfactory deterrents can be placed on a towel or rag, then placed inside a bag with holes in it. 

How Do I Get an Unwanted Animal Out of a Space They’re Already Inhabiting? 

Deterring animals from spaces they already live in can be achieved through harassment, along with other deterrents mentioned above.

Harassment should be avoided when an animal is caring for their young (April to October). Once you’ve confirmed the location of an animal, you can set up a light and a speaker (playing humans talking), and spread urine at the entrance. The light and radio should remain on during the animal’s active hours or non-stop for 72 hours. Note: You do not need to turn the volume up to excessive levels. Most animals have much better hearing than we do!

After 72 hours, you can investigate the area to see if the animal relocated. If the animal has left, you can now use exclusion methods to prevent another animal from moving in.