With high temperatures and their natural habitats becoming less accommodating, wildlife becomes active in the summer. Seeking food, water and shelter, your homes unintentionally provide these needs. To prevent attracting certain critters to your home, here are some common scents that attract wildlife and how to avoid them.
Common smells that attract wildlife.
Many smells are strong attractants for wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, mice and more. Let’s take a look at some of the top scents that draw these creatures in.
Food waste
Whether it’s scraps or leftovers from your meals or the odors of a barbecue, these lingering smells draw in wildlife due to the possibility of food.
Pet food
Do you feed your pets outside on your porches or in an outdoor pet area? Pet food emits an attractive scent and other animals may seek it out as a possible food source. Thus, invading your property.
Garbage
The pungent smells of a garbage bin are delightful for critters. With the possibility of food available, an unsecured garbage can be appealing to many wild animals.
Compost
Although great for your yard, compost produces an earthy aroma that is irresistible to wildlife.
How to manage these smells.
With an understanding of these smells and the ability to identify them, here are some ways to manage those sources.
Proper trash management
When it comes to scents that attract wildlife and how to avoid them, an important step is proper trash management. Start by securing your garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving your trash cans outside overnight. Try storing your bins in a secure location such as a garage or shed.
Pet food care
To reduce the potential creatures seeking out your pet’s food, consider feeding your pets indoors. If this isn’t an option, try implementing a feeding routine where you pick up the food bowls after your pet is finished. Additionally, store your pet’s food in airtight containers to prevent the smells from wafting in the air.
Eliminating odors
To control the odors on and around your property, make these tasks a part of your outdoor routine:
- Grill maintenance: Clean your grill thoroughly to remove residual food particles.
- Seal containers: Properly seal outdoor and indoor food containers to minimize food scents.
- Garbage bin cleaning: Regularly cleaning your bins can eliminate odors.
- Use deterrents: Placing rags soaked in ammonia near potential entry points can help repel unwanted animals.
Summary
Now that you know some of the common scents that attract wildlife and how to avoid them, implement these deterrents before it’s an issue. If you have already noticed some activity, connect with Pesty Critters Wildlife Control to safely catch and relocate these animals.
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