As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, spring brings an array of new life to South Wisconsin—flowers bloom, trees bud, and wild animals become more active. While nature’s rebirth is beautiful, it also signals the start of wildlife seeking food, shelter, and nesting spots in your yard. Springtime is a common season for wild animals like raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and opossums to invade residential properties in search of a safe place to raise their young.
If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your yard from these opportunistic animals and avoid the potential damage they can cause. Here’s a guide to keeping your yard safe and free from wild animals this spring.
Why Are Wild Animals More Active in Spring?
Wildlife becomes particularly active in the spring for several reasons:
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Breeding Season: Many animals give birth during the warmer months, making it essential for them to find secure, quiet places to build nests and raise their young.
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Food Sources: As plants begin to grow, wild animals are more likely to seek food sources in residential areas, including gardens, trash cans, and bird feeders.
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Warmer Weather: The arrival of warmer weather encourages wild animals to venture out of hibernation or dens in search of shelter, food, and water.
Spring is also the time when many animals are more visible, which can lead to increased interactions with humans. Being prepared to protect your home and yard is key to preventing these unwanted guests from becoming a problem.
Common Springtime Wildlife Threats
The following animals are frequently active during the spring and may pose risks to your property:
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Raccoons: Known for rummaging through trash cans and nesting in attics or basements, raccoons are notorious for causing structural damage.
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Squirrels: Squirrels look for cozy places to build nests, often inside attics or chimneys. They can cause damage by chewing through wires or insulation.
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Skunks: Skunks are drawn to food sources like gardens and pet food and often burrow under decks or sheds.
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Opossums: These nocturnal creatures can damage gardens, rummage through trash, or take up residence in basements or crawl spaces.
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Mice and Rats: Mice and rats become more active as they seek shelter and food, sometimes infiltrating homes to escape the elements.
How to Keep Your Yard Safe from Wild Animals
While you can’t completely eliminate the chance of encountering wildlife in your yard, there are several steps you can take to make your property less inviting to them.
Secure Trash and Food Sources
One of the easiest ways to keep wild animals away is by removing their food sources. Make sure trash bins are tightly sealed and store them in a secure area, such as a garage or shed, where animals cannot access them. If you compost, make sure your compost bin is animal-proof.
Additionally, avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside overnight, as this can attract raccoons, skunks, and squirrels.
Seal Entry Points
Wild animals, especially raccoons and squirrels, are adept at finding entry points into your home. Check around your house for cracks, gaps, or holes, particularly in the roofline, around windows, and along the foundation. Seal any openings larger than the size of a quarter to prevent animals from gaining access to attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Installing a mesh or wire barrier around vulnerable areas like vents can also be effective.
Trim Trees and Bushes
Overhanging tree branches can provide easy access for squirrels and raccoons to enter your attic or home. Trim back branches that are close to your house, garage, or chimney to prevent these animals from using them as a bridge. Additionally, keep shrubs and bushes well-maintained to eliminate potential hiding spots for animals.
Install Fencing or Barriers
Consider installing fences or barriers around gardens or areas where you don’t want animals to venture. Use tall fencing that extends underground to prevent animals like raccoons or skunks from digging underneath. For gardens, a fine mesh or chicken wire can act as a deterrent for critters looking for a snack.
Remove Nesting Materials
Wildlife will often seek out places to build nests for the season. Remove piles of leaves, brush, or firewood that might attract animals like raccoons or opossums. Make sure there are no spaces under decks, sheds, or porches where animals can burrow in.
Use Animal Repellents
There are several natural repellents that can discourage wild animals from settling in your yard. For example, you can use predator urine (such as coyote or fox urine) or commercially available repellents that are safe for gardens and pets. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can also startle animals and keep them from approaching.
Maintain a Clean Yard
A clean and well-maintained yard will be much less inviting to wildlife. Keep your lawn mowed and remove any debris, fallen fruit, or nuts that could attract animals. If you have fruit trees, harvest fallen fruit immediately and prevent animals from feasting on it.
What to Do if You Encounter Wildlife on Your Property
If you find that wildlife has already taken up residence on your property, it’s best not to attempt to handle the situation yourself. Many animals can be aggressive when threatened, and there’s also a risk of disease transmission.
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Call a Professional: Contact Critter Control of South Wisconsin for humane wildlife control solutions. Our experts can assess your property, safely remove the animals, and help prevent future intrusions by sealing potential entry points and offering advice on keeping your yard secure.
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Don’t Try to Trap or Handle Animals: If you encounter a wild animal, especially one that seems sick or injured, avoid contact. Trying to trap or handle the animal yourself can lead to injuries and further stress for the animal.
Spring is a time of renewal and growth, but it also brings an increase in wildlife activity. By taking a few preventative steps, you can enjoy a safe, wild-animal-free yard while also supporting local wildlife by giving them the space they need to thrive in their natural habitats. If you're facing a wildlife issue, Critter Control of South Wisconsin is here to help with humane removal and exclusion services.
For expert wildlife control and peace of mind this spring, contact Critter Control of South Wisconsin today!