Most homeowners would probably prefer not to have an encounter with a raccoon in the backyard. Raccoons can harbor infectious diseases, make a mess of household waste and even infest your garage or attic if given the opportunity. That being said, these critters can provide your property with a number of benefits, as raccoons will prey on everything from wasp grubs to small rodents, according to the San Francisco Guardian. All the same, most folks probably would want to keep raccoons at a distance whenever possible. Here are a few helpful tips for discouraging these furry creatures away from your home:
Identify the problem
Each home is different and for that reason will require a unique approach for keeping raccoons away. For example, a homeowner with an aging roof or garage may first want to cover any holes or points of entry that could be used by a raccoon or other creature. The Canadian Federation for Humane Societies found that in autumn, raccoons and other animals may be even more adventurous when looking for a new home. Homes located close to a restaurant may encounter raccoons less worried about a place to sleep and more interested in an easy meal. Consider what may be attracting a raccoon to your property before setting out with a solution.
Secure your rubbish
An unwanted pest may visit your home for a number of reasons, but an easy meal will likely be a welcome matt regardless. Not only does this include trash barrels that are easy to open, but pet food can also be intriguing to an opportunistic raccoon. These animals are very intelligent, and can employ rather sophisticated problem solving skills. For that reason, be sure to take the time to truly secure your waste.
Utilize lights and sound
Raccoons may be clever, but they can also be quite shy. A porch light may not be enough to deter these animals, but a motion activated floodlight could startle a raccoon and send it running. If you have consistent issues with raccoons and other animals in your yard, this could be a worthy investment.
Another tool for keeping raccoons away can be a simple radio. Human voices and noises will discourage any animals from getting too close. If you are having sustained issues with raccoons or other creatures, try playing the radio overnight near your trash barrels. Otherwise, it may be worth calling a pest control management professional.
Make your property less attractive
Beyond an easy meal, there are things that can make your yard desirable to raccoons and other creatures. Places to hide or even raise a family are very valuable to animals such as raccoons, and beyond an open attic or garage, the area under a porch, an old hollowed out log or even a pile of brush can be a problem for homeowners. Not only can raccoons utilize these areas, but prey animals such as small mammals and birds may also flourish on your property. A clean, well-maintained yard is a good way to keep raccoons away from your home.
You probably already know that most people are repulsed by the simple sight of cockroaches. If you are personally dealing with a cockroach infestation, the feelings of disgust are probably even more intense. Unfortunately, the cold winter weather tends to be one of the reasons this pest ends up in your home in the first place, according to Any Pest. While you may know that you don't want to share your home with cockroaches this winter, there are a number of interesting facts about this pest that you've probably never heard.
Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
During the summer months, some people love to go camping with family and friends. Yet this fun trip can be ruined with a few unwanted visitors, most notably different types of bugs. Crawling spiders, hungry mosquitoes and buzzing flies can become annoying quickly. How can you avoid these pests when you're outdoors? Consider these tips to keep bugs out of your campsite.
Carpenter ants can chew through the strongest studs and stringers in a house as they hollow the wooden beams out for nesting. The resulting damage can weaken the home's structural support and require expensive repairs. Professional pest control workers can remove a colony of ants, but the best practice for homeowners is to learn the best ways to keep out an ant colony and prevent the problem before it begins.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
