Spring is a time of renewal and growth, but it is also a season when wildlife may find your property particularly appealing. Understanding what might be attracting these animals is vital for maintaining a peaceful home environment. From providing convenient food sources to offering sheltering opportunities, you may unknowingly invite wildlife into your space. 

With these spring wildlife prevention tips, as well as insights on wildlife-proofing your home, you’ll be better prepared to minimize these encounters. At Skedaddle, we specialize in humane wildlife removal services in Kitchener/Waterloo, so let’s explore the factors contributing to unwanted wildlife visits in your neighbourhood.  

1. Unsecured Garbage Brings Outdoor Visitors  

One of the most common attractions for wildlife is unsecured garbage. Whether you place your trash cans in your backyard or store them at the side of your house, improper sealing can turn them into a free buffet for animals. The smell of leftover food can effectively lure a wide variety of animals, ranging from small rodents to larger animals that are seeking a quick and easy meal.  

Even if your trash can has a lid, gaps or weak latches can give animals easy access. Bites or claw marks from animals trying to open the bins can leave garbage exposed, further increasing the lure. Additionally, if you’re leaving food waste bags outside of the cans temporarily, this can worsen the problem by creating a direct source of temptation. Any garbage mishaps can lead to continuous visits from wildlife, making it seem as though your property is an ideal feeding ground.  

The key here is to ensure your garbage bins are wildlife-proof. This means using heavy-duty bins with tight-sealing lids. Consider adding locking mechanisms or bungee cords that can hold the lids shut, even when animals attempt to pry them open. Additionally, ensure no loose garbage is left lying around. For ultimate protection, store outdoor bins inside a shed or secured enclosure.  

2. Food Left Outside for Pets or Birds  

If you’re feeding your pets outside or keeping an unmonitored bird feeder in your yard, you may be inviting more than just the intended beneficiaries. Many small animals, including rodents, are opportunistic feeders. They can quickly take advantage of leftover pet food or spilled birdseed, gradually making your property a regular feeding spot.  

Even if food is left out for only a short period, it can be enough to attract animals. Given that many animals have keen senses of smell, any traces of food—whether intentional or accidental—act as a calling card. If wildlife discovers an easy and recurring food source on your property, not only is it likely to return, but it may also encourage other animals from nearby areas to visit as well.  

To minimize these risks, avoid feeding pets outdoors entirely, or clean up immediately after they’re finished eating. For bird feeders, use designs specifically intended to reduce spillage. Many wildlife-proof feeders are now available that prevent animals like squirrels or rodents from taking advantage of the food meant for birds alone. Finally, regularly clean the area around the feeders to ensure no lingering food is present.  

3. Unmanaged Vegetation and Overgrowth  

Spring brings forth rapid vegetation growth, which is wonderful for curb appeal but can also create the perfect environment for wildlife. Overgrown bushes, untrimmed trees, and tall grass can act as ideal hiding spots or nesting areas for small animals. This type of vegetation offers safety from predators, as well as ease of access to food and water sources.  

Shrubs that are growing too close to your home may also present additional risks. Animals like rodents can use these as cover or even as climbing pathways to access your walls, roof, or attic. Overgrown tree branches hanging above your roof can act as a convenient bridge for animals to enter your home through vents or weak spots.  

To avoid these scenarios, maintaining your yard is essential. Trim bushes, regularly cut the grass, and prune trees to ensure that branches don’t provide direct access to your roofline. Pay particular attention to greenery near the home’s perimeter, as this is often the first area wildlife will explore. A well-maintained yard not only looks good but also reduces the risks of wildlife attraction.  

4. Gaps and Openings in Your Home’s Exterior  

Animals are resourceful when searching for shelter, and even the smallest openings in your home’s exterior can serve as entry points. Gaps around doors, windows, or vents are common points of access. Animals like small rodents can squeeze through holes less than an inch wide, which means even minor imperfections can lead to major problems.  

These gaps and openings aren’t just a pathway in—they serve as an open invitation. Animals may use your home as a nesting site or a place to escape the elements. Once inside, they can cause damage by chewing on wiring, insulation, or other structural components. Without proper sealing, they may also leave behind droppings, which can contaminate surfaces and pose health risks.  

Investing in thorough inspections and repairs is one of the best ways to prevent unintentional entry. Seal cracks using durable materials and install protective screens over vents and other vulnerable areas. At Skedaddle, we know the importance of tracking down every possible access point to ensure your home remains secure.  

5. Standing Water Attracts Animals  

Water is a basic necessity for most animals, and areas of standing water on your property can easily attract wildlife. Spring rains often contribute to puddles, clogged gutters, or flooded lawns, which act as drinking sources and breeding grounds for pests. Wildlife doesn’t just use these areas for hydration—some animals may even lay eggs in standing water, multiplying the problem.  

A backyard pond or decorative fountain, while attractive, can also be inviting to wildlife if not properly managed. Animals will utilize these water features, especially during dry spells when other water sources are scarce. This can turn your yard into a hub of activity for animals seeking refuge.  

The solution is consistent management of standing water. Clear clogged gutters, address drainage issues, and ensure no unnecessary water sources remain following rainstorms. If you have water features, consider methods to wildlife-proof them, such as adding netting or barriers to make access difficult.  

6. Decks and Sheds That Provide Shelter  

Structures like decks, sheds, or outdoor storage units create perfect hiding spots for wildlife. The dark, enclosed spaces underneath these areas provide protection from predators and harsh elements, making them attractive shelters. Over time, wildlife can nest, reproduce, or even cause damage in these spaces.  

The gaps under decks are particularly appealing because they are mostly undisturbed by humans. Larger animals may dig beneath these structures to create burrows. Sheds offer similar benefits, especially if they are not frequently used or properly secured.  

The best approach is to eliminate these opportunities altogether. For decks, install lattice or mesh barriers around the base to block access. Sheds should remain securely locked, and any gaps at the foundation should be sealed. Regular inspections can also help catch activity early before it becomes problematic.  

7. Excessive Outdoor Lighting  

Outdoor lighting may be installed for safety or aesthetic reasons, but bright lights can also attract insects, which in turn may draw animals. Lights placed close to doors, windows, or your yard can inadvertently create a chain reaction, where insects lure animals to your property overnight.  

Wildlife won’t necessarily require food to take interest in your property if their food source is readily available near your lights. This feeding cycle is amplified if you leave outdoor lights on through the night.  

To mitigate this, switch to motion-sensor lighting, which minimizes unintentional wildlife attraction. Adjusting the type of light bulbs to ones that are less attractive to insects, such as warm-hued bulbs, can also help reduce this issue.  

8. Ignored Signs of Attracting Wildlife  

Lastly and crucially, ignoring early signs of wildlife activity on your property can lead to bigger problems. Chewed wires, droppings, displaced soil or rocks, or unusual noises in your walls or attic are telltale indicators that animals have already taken interest in your home.  

Leaving these signs unchecked allows wildlife to establish themselves, making removal more complicated. Delays in addressing these issues worsen damages and increases health risks posed by contamination.  

If you notice these indicators, act fast to prevent escalation. At Skedaddle, our humane wildlife removal services are specifically designed to address these problems while ensuring animals are removed safely.  

Secure Your Spring with Humane Wildlife Removal Services

Understanding what attracts wildlife to your property is your first step in keeping them at bay this spring. By making small yet impactful changes, you can reduce the chances of encounters while safeguarding your property.  

If you’re noticing signs of wildlife, contact Skedaddle in Kitchener/Waterloo. Our expertise in humane wildlife removal and prevention will provide lasting peace of mind for your property.