What Attracts Skunks To Your Yard

Everyone in the world is aware of the black and white animal known as a skunk. The unique creature has the ability to spray a fluid that is quite stinky as a means of self-defence. Most individuals have smelled the spray of a skunk at some point and time and never wants to be victim of the vicious spray. If a skunk is seen near the home, homeowners want to do whatever they can to get the skunk to go far away. But how do you keep skunks from your yard and home? Read on to see a few top tips to avoid this stinky creature.

Remove Any Source of Food
Skunks are attracted by food sources so if you have something in your yard that attracts the creature, they will hang around. Make sure that garbage cans are sealed correctly and lids are not easily removed. Skunks like garbage and will try to eat what they can from your cans. Be sure to check and see that no food sources are available on your property. If you have nuts, fruit trees or berry bushes, be sure to keep these cleaned and tended to. Skunks like to eat what falls on the ground and may not leave your property if they have found a solid food source.

Light Up Your Home
Skunks are nocturnal animals who only come out at night in search of food. Light frightens the creatures and they will run away when exposed to bright light. Consider adding a motion light to your home when you suspect skunks are present. This type of light will come on with movement. The skunk will see the flash of bright light and instantly run away, going somewhere else to try and find food.

Sprinklers
Another option is to add automated sprinklers to your yard. This is a more expensive option but one that will benefit your yard and deter skunks. Such systems are automated and will turn on with motion. If a skunk or another animal enters your yard space, they will be sprayed. The water will be a deterrent for the animal to never visit your home again.

Create a Barrier
You can choose to add a barrier if you find that skunks are commonly visiting your land. Skunks do not have the ability to climb well so a barrier such as a wire mesh fence will keep the creatures out. However, skunks can dig so you will need to make sure that any fencing is deep so that the skunk cannot dig under the fence line and enter your property.

Consider all these ideas and what will work best for your property to deter any skunks from entering your land. If you continue to have issues, it is wise to contact professional assistance. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is a pest control company that offers quality and humane removal services. The company will work with you to remove skunks and other creatures with ease. A plan will be developed for removal as well as recommendations on what you can do to prevent further visits from skunks or other animals. Contact Skedaddle today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Raccoon Prevention Strategies

Raccoons may seem cute and cuddly but the animal is a major pest when it takes over the home. Raccoons are intelligent and use their smarts to gain entry into a home to make a nice and cozy place to live. This species of animal is nocturnal and likes to make a sleep space in attics, crawl space or chimneys. Raccoons can damage areas of your home that they infest as well as carry diseases such as rabies which can be a hazard in the home. Learning what to do when a raccoon is found in the home is imperative to make your house a safe environment once again.

 Why Do Raccoons Enter the Home?

Raccoons in a natural setting will live in a tree or hollows. In an urban area, raccoons find attics and crawlspaces, and cozy and premade homes. Raccoons actually prefer to live in manmade areas and will enter your home even if you are inside. In the warmth of your home, raccoons will enjoy living and creating a family which can lead to even more of the creatures inside your space!

Health Hazards

There are many health hazards associated with raccoons, the worst and well-known issue being rabies. However, raccoons also can contaminate the home with their feces. Raccoon feces can be infected with a type of roundworm known as Baylisascaris. This can cause illness if the eggs of roundworm are ingested.  

This is why Toronto raccoon removal is so important. A professional in the field of wildlife removal will be able to remove the raccoon from your home as well as clean the space after. Your home will be clear of contaminants so you do not have to worry about sickness or disease after the removal is completed.

Once the raccoon is removed, the technician will suggest options for cleaning and clearing the affected space. This could include restoration of the space with new insulation, framing and more. With removal service, the raccoon will be taken from the home in a safe manner, allowing you to feel good about the animal’s removal. Traps are used that will remove the animal but protect it from harm in the process.

Preventing Raccoons from Entering the Home

Now that you know about raccoons and how Toronto raccoon removal works, you should consider preventing raccoons from entering the home. Any potential openings to your home need to be identified. Any openings found can be blocked with heavy gauge screening to ensure the raccoon cannot enter. An expert will be able to evaluate your home and determine any areas that may be susceptible to raccoons getting inside. If you feel that your home may be at risk, contact a wildlife inspection to see if your home is vulnerable. After an inspection a wildlife specialist will be able to provide options for protecting your home.

To learn more about raccoon removal in the home, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. The pest removal company has vast experience in assisting homeowners in animal and pest issues including raccoons. Contact Skedaddle today to see if you have a home that is vulnerable or for the removal of such pests.