Wildlife intrusions can cause big damage to your Thornhill home and property, health risks and financial burdens. Wildlife prevention strategies will keep your home safe from common pests like raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds and other critters. Below we’ll outline the best ways to keep your home safe and animal free. Using professional wildlife removal services is key to navigating bylaws and humane treatment of animals.
Thornhill Wildlife
Thornhill’s landscape with its greenery and proximity to natural habitats makes it a wildlife haven. While this is a bonus to the area, it means homeowners need to be aware of wildlife intrusions. Knowing the types of wildlife that inhabit Thornhill and why they come to residential properties is the first step in wildlife prevention.
Attraction Factors
Several things can attract wildlife to your Thornhill home so you need to address these to keep unwanted critters out:
- Food: Pet food, bird seed and compost piles are attractants for raccoons, squirrels and skunks. Make sure these food sources are stored securely and not left out in the open.
- Water: Ponds, bird baths and pet water dishes can attract birds, squirrels and raccoons. Clean and maintain these water sources regularly to prevent attracting animals.
- Shelter: Trees, shrubs and rock piles are great shelters for wildlife. Keep your yard clean and clear of debris to reduce hiding spots for animals.
- Habitat: Thornhill’s natural habitats, forests and wetlands are home to many wildlife species. You can’t change the surrounding environment but you can make your property less appealing by taking preventive measures.
By knowing these attraction factors you can take proactive steps to make your property less attractive to wildlife and reduce the risk of intrusions.
#1 Raccoon Prevention: Keep Determined Invaders Out
Raccoons are notorious for being persistent and adaptable. To protect your home:
- Secure Garbage Bins: Use raccoon-proof garbage bins with tight fitting lids or fasteners. Don’t leave food waste out.
- Remove Food Sources: Outdoor pet food, fallen fruit and compost piles.
- Block Entry Points: Inspect your home for weak spots like roof vents, gable vents and uncapped chimneys. Cover these with galvanized steel mesh to prevent entry.
- Trim Tree Branches: Raccoons use overhanging branches to climb onto roofs. Trim branches at least 3 feet from your house.
- Install One-Way Doors: For humane removal of raccoons already inside, install one-way trap doors at entry points so they can leave but not re-enter.
Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, distemper and parasites like roundworms so proactive measures are important for health and safety. Professional raccoon removal services are key to effective and humane raccoon management.
#2 Squirrel Control: Don’t Let Them Cost You
Squirrels can chew through wood, wiring and insulation causing fire hazards and structural damage. Prevention is key:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks and crevices around eaves, vents and soffits. Use caulk or steel wool for small openings and galvanized mesh for larger ones.
- Protect Bird Feeders: Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or place feeders far from your home to avoid attracting squirrels.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs or trees at least 3 feet from your home’s exterior to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your roof.
- Remove Nesting Materials: Clear away debris like dry leaves, twigs and grass piles that squirrels can use to build nests.
If squirrels are already in your attic you may need a professional removal service to ensure thorough and humane exclusion. Professional squirrel removal services are key to effective and humane squirrel management.
#3 Skunk Prevention: Reduce Odour and Damage
Skunks are excellent diggers and can damage your yard, garden and structures and leave their stinky spray as a defence mechanism. To prevent skunks from taking up residence on your property:
- Seal Access Points: Close off crawl spaces, elevated sheds and gaps under porches or decks with concrete slabs or hardware cloth.
- Eliminate Attractants: Don’t leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight. Secure garbage bins.
- Use Natural Deterrents: Spread used kitty litter or strong-smelling substances like carbolic soap near suspected entry points to repel skunks.
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Skunks don’t like bright lights as they are nocturnal and prefer dark.
If skunks are present one-way door systems can allow them to leave but not re-enter. Don’t provoke them to spray by keeping a safe distance. Professional skunk removal services are key to effective and humane skunk management.
Skunks
#4 Bird Control: Protect Roofs and Balconies
Pigeons and sparrows may seem harmless but their bird droppings can cause structural damage and health hazards by harbouring diseases. Protect your home with:
- Bird Netting: Cover balconies, eaves and other nesting spots with bird netting to prevent roosting. Managing bird nests is key to preventing structural damage and ventilation issues.
- Spikes and Repellents: Apply bird spikes to ledges, windowsills and rooflines to prevent perching. Non-toxic repellents can also deter nesting.
- Secure Attics: Inspect vents and attic openings for gaps where birds can enter. Use mesh screens to block access.
- Remove Food Sources: Keep outdoor eating areas clean and don’t feed birds near your home.
Regular maintenance and quick action will keep bird populations under control and your property protected.
#5 Pest Prevention: Keep Small Invaders Out
Pests like ants, cockroaches and rodents are home invaders. Here’s how to prevent:
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Inspect and seal all gaps in foundations, windows and doors. Check entry points around pipes and electrical lines.
- Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for food storage and clean countertops regularly to get rid of crumbs and spills.
- Keep it Clean: Vacuum, mop and clear clutter regularly to reduce hiding spots and food sources for pests.
- Dehumidify Your Home: Many pests thrive in moist environments. Use dehumidifiers in basements, crawl spaces and other damp areas to make your home less appealing.
- Inspect Incoming Items: Check packages, luggage and second-hand furniture for pests before bringing them into your home.
Regular pest control services can also help manage and prevent infestations.
Wildlife Control Laws
When dealing with wildlife on your property you need to be aware of the laws that protect certain species. The Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) is a law that Thornhill homeowners should be aware of.
Migratory Birds Convention Act
The Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) is a federal law that protects migratory birds, their nests and their eggs. Under the MBCA it is illegal to harm, kill or capture migratory birds, as well as destroy their nests and eggs. This law covers many bird species found in Thornhill including pigeons, gulls and geese.
If you have a bird problem on your property you need to contact a licensed wildlife control professional who knows the MBCA and can provide humane and effective solutions. These professionals are trained to do bird removal in accordance with the law and will treat the birds humanely and protect the nests and eggs.
By following the MBCA and working with wildlife control experts you can deal with your bird problems responsibly and legally.
DIY Wildlife Prevention Tips
Taking a proactive approach to wildlife prevention will save you time, money and stress. One of the simplest and most effective ways to deter wildlife is by securing pet food and bird seed which are common attractants for many animals.
Securing Pet Food and Bird Seed
Here are some DIY tips to help you secure your pet food and bird seed to reduce wildlife attraction to your property:
- Store Pet Food in Airtight Containers: Store pet food in airtight containers so wildlife can’t get to it. This will prevent raccoons, squirrels and other animals from being attracted to your home.
- Use Bird Feeders with Weight-Activated Perches: These feeders allow birds to feed while keeping larger wildlife like squirrels and raccoons out. The perches are weight sensitive and will shut off access when heavier animals try to feed.
- Go for Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: Squirrel-proof bird feeders have cage-like enclosures or weight-activated perches that prevent squirrels from getting to the seed. These are a great investment to keep your bird seed safe.
- Keep Bird Seed Off the Ground: Don’t scatter bird seed on the ground as this will attract many wildlife. Use a bird feeder or tray feeder to keep the seed off the ground and out of reach of ground dwelling animals.
By following these DIY tips you can minimize the risk of wildlife problems on your property. These simple steps will keep your home and yard wildlife free.
Why Wildlife Prevention for Thornhill Residents
Wildlife intrusions are more than just a nuisance they can cause property damage, health risks and costly repairs. Take preventative measures now to protect your investment and your family. We recommend regular inspections and address vulnerabilities as soon as possible to keep wildlife away. Also humane wildlife control is key to protecting your property and the wildlife.
More Wildlife Prevention Tips
- Educate Neighbours: A neighbourhood wide approach will help with wildlife control in your area.
- Install Barriers: Use fences or barriers with mesh underground to deter digging animals like skunks and raccoons.
- Work with Professionals: For severe infestations or persistent problems, hire licensed wildlife control professionals to assess and secure your home. Make sure they use humane removal methods to solve wildlife problems humanely and efficiently.
