Protecting Your Yard from Wildlife

Protecting Your Yard from Wildlife

Spring brings new life to the outdoors, with flowers blooming and animals emerging from hibernation. While this season is beautiful, it can also mean an influx of wildlife into your yard. Whether it’s squirrels raiding your bird feeders, raccoons rummaging through your trash, or deer nibbling on your garden, protecting your yard from wildlife can become a challenge. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your yard safe and secure this spring.

1. Secure Trash and Compost Bins

One of the most common ways wildlife is attracted to your yard is through access to food. Animals like raccoons, skunks, and even bears will scavenge your trash if it’s not properly secured. To protect your yard from wildlife, always use animal-proof bins with secure lids. If you have a compost bin, make sure it’s enclosed and sealed, as the smell of decomposing food can attract wildlife.

If you live in an area with frequent wildlife visitors, consider placing your trash in a shed or garage until trash day, and avoid leaving food scraps outside.

2. Install Protective Fencing

Fencing is one of the most effective ways to protect your yard from wildlife in the springtime. The type of fence you choose will depend on the animals you want to deter. For smaller animals like rabbits and squirrels, a wire mesh or chicken wire fence that extends at least 3-4 feet above the ground should suffice. Ensure the bottom of the fence is buried a few inches into the ground to prevent animals from digging underneath.

For larger wildlife such as deer or raccoons, you may need a taller fence, typically 6-8 feet, to prevent them from jumping over. It’s important to check the fence regularly for any holes or gaps that animals could squeeze through.

3. Use Wildlife Repellents

There are a variety of natural and commercial repellents designed to deter wildlife from entering your yard. Sprays containing ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic, or hot pepper can help repel animals like deer, rabbits, and squirrels. These scents are unpleasant to animals, so they tend to avoid areas where the repellent is applied.

Alternatively, you can use motion-activated sprinklers, which will spray water when an animal crosses their path. This sudden burst of water will startle animals and encourage them to stay away without causing them harm.

For larger animals like deer, hanging bars of soap (preferably strong-scented ones) or human hair near your plants can also help deter them. The strong human scent is often enough to make animals think twice about coming near your yard.

4. Protect Your Yard With Wildlife Netting or Cages

If you have a vegetable garden or flower beds, your plants can be particularly tempting for wildlife. Deer and rabbits, for example, are known to munch on fresh greens and flowers. When protecting your yard from wildlife, consider installing protective wildlife netting or cages around your plants. Lightweight bird netting can be draped over garden beds, or you can use mesh cages to keep larger animals out while still allowing sunlight to reach your plants.

For smaller plants, consider using wire cloches or garden fencing to protect individual plants from wildlife browsing. It’s also helpful to choose deer-resistant plants when planning your garden to naturally deter herbivores.

5. Remove Potential Shelter Areas

Wildlife may seek shelter in your yard in the springtime when they’re nesting or looking for a safe place to raise their young. Common hiding spots include under decks, sheds, or dense shrubbery. To reduce the chance of wildlife taking up residence in your yard, regularly check these areas and seal any gaps or entry points.

If you have a deck, you can add skirting around the base to prevent animals from getting underneath. It’s also a good idea to trim back dense vegetation near your home that could provide cover for animals.

6. Manage Bird Feeders

Bird feeders can attract unwanted animals, especially squirrels and raccoons. While it’s lovely to watch birds, these feeders often draw in more than just the intended guests. To minimize wildlife problems, consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders or placing feeders in areas that are harder for animals to access, such as hanging from poles with baffles. Avoid placing birdseed directly on the ground, as this can attract rodents and other critters.

You can also try switching to seed blends that are less attractive to squirrels, like those with fewer sunflower seeds, or use a feeder that only allows birds to feed and not larger animals.

7. Keep Pets Safe From Wildlife

While not directly related to yard protection, keeping pets safe from wildlife is crucial. If you have dogs or cats, make sure they’re not left outside unsupervised for extended periods, especially at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active. Wild animals can pose a threat to your pets, either by attacking or carrying diseases like rabies.

Be sure to check your pets regularly for signs of wildlife interaction, such as bites or scratches, and keep their vaccinations up to date.

Conclusion

While wildlife is an essential part of our ecosystem, it’s important to strike a balance between protecting your yard from wildlife and allowing animals to thrive in their natural habitats. By securing your trash, installing barriers like fencing, using repellents, and taking steps to protect your garden, you can minimize the impact of wildlife on your yard this spring. With a little effort, you can enjoy a beautiful, wildlife-free yard while still respecting nature’s springtime renewal.

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.