Saturday, February 18, 2012

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

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