As a homeowner or garden enthusiast, dealing with wildlife damage around your home is a common challenge. Whether you’re tending to your garden, landscaping, or just maintaining your property, certain animals can cause unexpected harm to plants and even lead to significant financial losses. While wildlife damage can occur year-round, the fall and winter months are particularly problematic. As food and shelter become scarcer, animals may seek refuge in your yard, home, or landscape. Fortunately, managing wildlife damage isn’t out of your control – with the right strategies, you can minimize or even eliminate these issues. Here’s a closer look at how you can protect your property from wildlife damage using straightforward, common-sense control methods. If you’re concerned about wildlife around your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional like Stellar Inspectors. As an InterNACHI-certified company, we offer the highest level of expertise to help you safeguard your home and landscape.

Common Wildlife Culprits

Many different species of wildlife can create headaches for homeowners. Some of the most common offenders include raccoons, skunks, snakes, rodents like moles and mice, bats, and squirrels. Whitetail deer are also increasingly becoming a nuisance in suburban areas, grazing on ornamental plants and landscaping. Other birds, such as starlings, pigeons, and woodpeckers, can damage the structure of your home, particularly wood siding. Understanding which species are causing the damage is the first step in creating an effective wildlife control plan. For more information on local wildlife species, check out Texas Parks and Wildlife’s species fact sheets.

How to Control Wildlife Damage

1. Identify the Wildlife Species
   Correctly identifying the wildlife causing the damage is crucial. This may seem straightforward, but under certain circumstances, identifying the species can be tricky. Take time to learn about the animals in your area, their behavior, and habitat needs. Understanding their habits will help you tailor an effective control strategy.
2. Modify the Habitat
   One of the most effective ways to reduce wildlife damage is by modifying the environment around your home. For example, you could choose landscape plants that are less attractive to deer or use lawn care techniques like more frequent mowing to reduce cover for rodents. You can also eliminate food sources, such as pet food, fallen fruit, or birdseed, which might attract unwanted animals.
3. Block Access to the Area
   If you can identify where the animals are entering your home or property, take steps to block their access. Sealing gaps in the roof, foundation, or around windows and doors can help keep critters out. For larger animals like raccoons or skunks, securing vents, chimneys, and attics is essential.
4. Use Repellents
   If preventing access isn’t enough, you can use repellents to drive animals away. There are a variety of options available, from chemical repellents to natural homemade solutions. Visual deterrents (such as scarecrows or reflective objects) and sound-based devices (like ultrasonic repellents) can also be effective in keeping animals at bay.
5. Consider Removal
   When other methods fail, it may be necessary to remove the wildlife causing damage. Trapping, relocating, or, in some cases, using poison or gas cartridges in dens may be necessary. Before taking any action, always consult a wildlife conservation agent or local animal control to ensure you’re following the appropriate laws and guidelines.>/LI>

Is Wildlife Control Worth It?

Before committing to an extensive wildlife control program, consider whether the damage is severe enough to warrant the investment of time and money. In some cases, it may be more practical to tolerate minimal damage, especially if the aesthetic benefits of having wildlife around your property outweigh the economic loss. However, if the damage is significant, creating and implementing a wildlife damage control plan is a smart investment.

Final Thoughts

Managing wildlife damage around your home requires a mix of knowledge, patience, and practical action. By identifying the problem species, modifying their environment, and taking preventative steps, you can protect your property and reduce the risk of long-term damage. For personalized advice or concerns about wildlife control, contact Stellar Inspectors. Our experienced team is here to help you protect your home from wildlife issues while maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem on your property.