With the sun beaming down, the warm breeze through the trees, and the smell of barbeque filling the air, summertime is the easiest time of year to relax and unwind. Unfortunately, while a casual approach to the warmer months is often encouraged, it is a mistake when discussing wildlife prevention and wildlife removal in Coquitlam.

People often make the mistake of thinking the winter and spring months are the most worrisome time for wildlife intrusions, but not so. While the winter will see an increase in certain animals seeking warmth and shelter for the coming cold, the problems do not disappear when the weather gets better.

Many species become more active during the summer, and with the increase in outdoor activity of humans, animals will have an easier time finding food and scraps close to houses and throughout residential areas. While the summer is a time to relax and celebrate, it is also a time to amp up preventative measures to protect your home.

Animals More Active in the Summer Months

You will still need to take a preventative approach to the typical animals in your areas, like mice and birds. However, some animals become more of a problem in the summer, like:

• Bats
• Rats
• Raccoons
• Opossums

As the maternity period for bats (May through August), the summer is a time for finding roosts. Unfortunately for many homeowners, perfect roosting sites include attics and basements. These areas are dark and damp, offering an optimum place to raise their young until they are old enough to fly.

While rats are active year-round, they become more active in the summer months because of the abundance of food choices. The animals are also hard at work preparing for the next harsh season.

Raccoons tend to have their litters between April and May, meaning they spend a significant amount of time in the summer foraging for food. As a nocturnal species, it is possible you might not see them, but they are present and active.

Another nocturnal critter that gets more active in the summer months is the opossum. They also care for their young during the summer months and can be helpful to have around your property because they discourage other unwanted pests. 

Wildlife Prevention To Ensure a Fun and Safe Summer

While the summer can see an increase in wildlife activity around your home, preventative measures are the same as they are throughout the year. You want to maintain a clean and well-maintained yard space, ensuring leaves, clutter, and wood are cleared away from your house. Keeping the lawn short will eliminate any convenient coverage or shelter. 

You also want to maintain yard structures and buildings, keeping doors and windows shut and locked when not in use. It is also crucial to inspect these buildings and your house for any holes, cracks, or openings around the foundation or other vulnerable entry points, such as windows, doors, and soffits.

Make sure that all food and water are brought indoors, pet and human. You should store the food in airtight containers to reduce the risks of unwanted visitors. If you have bird feeders on your property, make sure to install them away from your house and keep the ground clear of any loose seed.

Finally, eliminate clutter. Make sure all garbage is stored in tightly sealed cans. Keep the trash cans behind closed doors until garbage pickup. Leaving loose bags and clutter around your yard entices wildlife to take shelter.

Wildlife control during the summer is just as important as the winter. While some animals might not make themselves known during the day, they are more active around your property. If you suspect a wildlife problem, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for help.