Here are some steps you can take:
- Remove unused pet food and water bowls at night and never leave them out for wild animals
- Don't store garbage in bags - keep it in cans with secure lids or stored in a secure area
- Harvest gardens often and pick up fruit from the ground
- Control access by keeping pet doors locked and sealing entry holes in and under buildings, eaves, air ducts and decks. Slotted vent covers are better than screens
- Make a trench around a deck at least one foot deep, put in ¼” screening or metal flashing, and fill with dirt. Attach screen to deck with nails or fence staples. Before completing, make sure no animals are trapped inside. Sprinkle flour around entrance holes and check for tracks in the morning- if there are none 3 nights in a row, there probably are no animals. This may also be used along fences.
- Animals damaging lawns may leave if there are no grub worms or subsoil insects. Organic and chemical control products can be bought at hardware or garden stores. If using chemical products, remember the safety of pets and children
- Animals may be kept away from roof areas by trimming branches 10 feet from roof and by keeping climbing plants away from roof area and eaves.
