As human society expands and our populations grow, we’re taking up more and more space.
And we are building homes where animals would usually live. It’s not all too surprising that we are crossing paths with animals on our property more and more often. But it’s important to remember that any animal that makes its way onto your property is only trying to survive and that you must treat it with respect. If you find that there are unwanted animals on your property on a more regular basis, you can follow the next steps to reduce their presence!
Step #1: Sealing Your Property
Animals aren’t walking into your property through the door when you are walking in and out. So if there are any in your home, they’ve found an alternative route in. You need to find this entry and exit point in order to seal it off, preventing animals from coming in in the first place. Take the time and make the effort to scan your home from top to bottom for cracks, holes, and other potential means of getting in and out.
Remember that many animals can squeeze through tiny holes that you’d never imagine they could get through. So don’t expect the gap to be large and immediately noticeable. This logic can be applied to outdoor areas too – if a raccoon is living under a deck you should take measures to cut off access into your deck. Just make sure that the raccoon is out first, so it doesn’t become trapped.
Step #2: Removing Food Sources
Most animals will avoid contact with humans at all costs. So if they’re in your home, there’s a reason. This reason is usually access to food. Now, it’s not surprising that animals are becoming increasingly hungry. We’re building our homes where they used to source their food! But if you don’t want them in your home, it’s extremely important that you store food away and seal any food that is left on work surfaces properly. No food means fewer animals. It’s as simple as that!
Step #3: Avoid Inhumane Control Methods
Remember that there is no “humane” way to kill an animal that is in good health. So, don’t fall prey to advertising that sells traps and other products to kill or harm animals that encroach on your land. There are always other ways to go about things that are more fair and ethical all round.
Hopefully, the above advice will help you to tackle the problem of unwanted animals encroaching on your property as ethically as possible. Sure, animals can cause a nuisance. But at the end of the day, we all need to learn to live alongside each other as peacefully as possible!
