Keep Wildlife Out of Yards

North Texas is home to a wide variety of wildlife—including raccoons, opossums, skunks, armadillos, and snakes—that often wander into residential areas in search of food, water, and shelter. While seeing wildlife can be exciting, these encounters can quickly become a problem when animals dig up gardens, scatter trash, damage lawns, or even spread disease.

Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to keep wildlife out of yards and prevent unwanted guests from causing costly damage to your property.

Why Wildlife Invades Yards

Most animals aren’t trying to cause trouble—they’re just looking for basic survival needs. Your yard may unintentionally offer:

• Food or birdseed

• Unsealed trash bins

• Compost piles

• Sheltered hiding spots under decks, sheds, or brush

• Standing water or leaky faucets

If your yard is providing easy access to these resources, it becomes a magnet for wildlife activity.

Signs You May Have Wildlife in Your Yard

Before you can take action to keep wildlife out of yards, it’s important to know what to look for. Common signs include:

• Torn-up grass or flower beds (common with armadillos or skunks)

• Droppings or tracks near patios and fences

• Overturned garbage cans or compost bins

• Unusual noises at night (like chattering, hissing, or rustling)

• Sightings of animals during the day

Tips to Keep Wildlife Out of Yards

1. Secure Trash and Compost

Use wildlife-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and keep compost in sealed bins. Avoid putting meat or greasy food scraps in compost piles.

2. Remove Pet Food and Bird Seed

Feed pets indoors when possible, and clean up spilled seed under bird feeders. Wildlife like raccoons and squirrels see these as easy meals.

3. Eliminate Water Sources

Fix leaky outdoor faucets, remove standing water, and keep birdbaths clean and elevated to avoid attracting snakes and rodents.

4. Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

Nocturnal animals like skunks and raccoons hate sudden lights and sounds. These deterrents are effective and humane.

5. Seal Off Sheltered Spaces

Install lattice or wire mesh around the bottom of decks, porches, and sheds. These areas are ideal nesting spots for opossums and raccoons.

6. Trim Trees and Overgrown Brush

Overhanging branches can give animals easy roof access, while thick vegetation offers hiding places. Keep your yard open and well-maintained.

When to Call a Wildlife Control Expert

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, animals continue to return—or may already be living nearby. If you’re unsure how to safely handle a situation, contacting a professional wildlife control service can make all the difference.

Experts can:

• Identify the species and behavior

• Humanely remove the animal(s)

• Recommend or install exclusion barriers

• Help with cleanup and sanitization if needed

It’s far easier (and less expensive) to prevent wildlife issues than to deal with full-blown infestations. By staying proactive and following these simple tips, you can effectively keep wildlife out of yards in North Texas and enjoy a safe, peaceful outdoor space.

For residents in the DFW area, professional help is just a call away—especially during spring and fall when wildlife activity is at its peak

Are you in need of wildlife removal? Our friendly operators at Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control are available now at (817) 606-7607. Find out more about our wildlife removal in Arlington and Fort Worth, TX.