Unwanted Animal Visitors

Today reminds us that spring is fast approaching. As the temperatures increase so does the activity of critters. A partial list of what you may see besides the usual cat and dog include opossums, raccoons, wild rabbits, birds, squirrels, skunks, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and deer. Below is a list of what Animal Control recommends to help deter unwanted guests. Put any of your own secrets in the comments. I know we are going to break some of this rules since we want to attract birds.

• To keep all trash picked up in the yard
• Secure and to lock trash cans. Trash containers should have secure lids and should preferably be placed on cinder blocks or some type of raised base
• To remove pet food from the yard, especially cat food. Possums and some wildlife animals are particularly fond of cat food.
• Gardens should be securely fenced. Use tree banks, apply wire mesh to fruits, vegetables.
• Do not leave water in bird baths, pet bowls or fountains
• Fruits and vegetables should be picked up and removed from the yard.
• Secure access to attics, garages and basements. Decks, chimneys, sheds, roof eaves, and crawl spaces should be well sealed or capped.
• Tree limbs should be kept trimmed back away from the house in order to limit animal access to the roof.
• Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife can also increase parasite transmission, spread disease and make the animals ill.
• Bowls filled with ammonia or rags soaked with ammonia and moth ball flakes placed on the ground in areas to be protected often work as good deterrents for most wild life and stray cats.
• If animals are living underneath or inside structures around the home, citizens should seek further advice on deterring them or on how to move them.