How to Prevent Wildlife from Taking Over Your Home

From structural damage to harmful messes, wildlife can cause serious problems in your home. Use these tips to prevent wildlife entry or remove unwanted guests.

Emma Radebaugh
Today, 02:31 PM

A raccoon holding onto a red brick wall is right under a roof eave. He stands near a shutter and looks at the viewer.

Finding overturned trash cans outside of your house or hearing scratching in the walls can leave a sinking feeling in your chest. You work hard to create a safe and welcoming home, but it only takes one persistent critter to disrupt that peace. Nuisance wildlife can cause serious damage to your property and pose health risks. Use these practical tools to prevent wildlife from taking over your home.

Maintain Your Yard

Keeping your yard tidy is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to discourage wildlife. Trim overgrown plants and move woodpiles or other clutter that could provide hiding spots. Lidded trash cans and storing pet food indoors are additional ways to remove sources of attraction. A clean, well-maintained yard makes your property less appealing to wild animals.

Seal Off Entry Points

The best way to keep wildlife out of your home is to seal entry points. Inspect areas such as vents, rooflines, and gaps around doors and windows. Even the smallest cracks can be inviting to animals, so reinforce these areas with durable materials like metal mesh or caulking. You should also check your foundation and attic, as these spaces are prime targets for opportunistic intruders. Sealing your home's openings establishes the first barrier against unwanted guests.

Use Professional Traps

If you spot signs of wildlife in or around your home, contacting a professional right away can save you a lot of trouble. The longer the animals stay, the more damage they can cause and the harder they are to remove. Professionals have the expertise and use wildlife control equipment, such as humane traps or exclusion tools, to handle the situation safely and efficiently.

Nuisance wildlife can chew through wiring, damage insulation, and leave behind harmful droppings that are tough to clean. The sooner you secure your home and yard, the easier it is to avoid these problems. Simple tasks like closing off entry points, removing attractants, and staying on top of yard maintenance protect against infestations. If you spot signs of wildlife, act quickly by calling a professional for safe and effective removal.