Top 10 Ways to Prevent Urban Wildlife Problems

Having problems with unwanted wildlife friends? Check out your home to make sure you aren't creating a welcoming environment for them to thrive in.

• Don't leave cat or dog food outside at night. 
• Don't leave bird seed in feeders or on the ground overnight.
• Don't put unsecured garbage outside at night.
• If you have a pet door, securely close at night.
• Trim overhanging branches that provide easy access to our roof for squirrels and other wildlife. 
• If ou have a chimney, make sure that it has a secure cap. Chimneys without caps are an open invitation to birds and raccoons looking for "hollow trees" in which to raise their young. 
• Thoroughly inspect your roof, eaves and siding for signs of damage. Cover attic vents and other roof openings with heavy-gauge, rust proof wire mesh.
• If you have a deck, install an L-Shaped barrier to prevent animals from digging underneath it and creating a "den."

Best way to get rid of current unwanted "urban wildlife" is to remove food sources and comfy environments. Try these ideas!

• Restrict food supply (Don't leave out trash bags, pet food, and pick up dog waste.)
• Eliminate access to den sites (Under decks, porches, between fences, etc.)
• Use aversion techniques
• Water Hose (Low tech, low cost)
• ScareCrow Motion sprayer: http://www.contech-inc.com/products/scarecrow/ 
• Super Soaker (Leave filled and ready to shoot. Also low tech, but it works!)

Next time you consider setting out rat poison consider its long term effects.

• Over time rats develop a tolerance to the poison humans set out.
• Hawks and owls eat multiple poisoned rodents and die, decreasing the hawk/owl population.
• This results in a larger rat population because there are less animals around to prey on rats.

Before you set a trap or patch a hole, call 911 WildLife and get professional advice!

For more information about Urban Wildlife, please contact Bonnie Bradshaw at bonnie@911wildlife.com or 214.368.5911. DFW contact numbers below.

Dallas 214.368.5911

Fort Worth 817.737.0911

Denton 940.898.0911

Sherman 903.893.2911