Keeping Backyard Wildlife from Becoming a Nuisance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2008

Many homeowners like being able to see some wildlife around their yards. Some people even create habitats that encourage the presence of birds and animals. But sometimes, the result is unwanted wildlife around, or even in, a home. Taking a few preventative measures will decrease the chances of this happening.

"To keep squirrels and raccoons from taking over bird feeders, use a gravity-operated treadle so that only birds can access the feed," advises Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension natural resources educator. "In addition, do not allow feed to accumulate underneath the feeder. If pets are fed outdoors, move feeders indoors at night."

Trees that have branches extending over the roof of a house should be trimmed. An alternative to trimming the tree is to place a 3-foot-wide band of sheet metal around the trunk of the tree, at least 6 feet off of the ground.

Installing a chimney cap will help prevent direct entry into a house.

"To find out if animals are already in the chimney or attic, sprinkle flour or talcum powder around the top of the chimney and watch for tracks for several days," suggests Friend. "If animals are present, they obviously will need to be removed before the cap can be installed."

Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to get a listing of licensed nuisance wildlife control contractors, or call your local city or county government offices to find out if they have animal control services.

Stack firewood away from the house, at least 2 feet above ground. This will not only lessen the chances of wildlife making a home in the wood, but it will also decrease the chances of termites making a home in your house.

Seal openings around foundations. Cover openings with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete. If there is concern about small animals that may dig underneath the foundation, place wire mesh at least 6 inches below ground to discourage digging.

Keep trash containers tightly closed. If needed, secure the lids with elastic cords. Do not add meat or grease to compost piles.

Having animals and birds around the home can be enjoyable. And, enhancing an area for certain types of wildlife can be done without attracting wildlife you do not want. For more information, visit U of I Extension's Living with Wildlife website:http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/wildlife/.