Winter Intrusions
Like human beings, each winter the members of the wildlife community take measures to ensure that they survive the weeks of freezing temperatures and scarce food. This usually leads many of them towards Scarborough homes where they find warmth, safety, and food. Most wildlife animals will move into the attic which is quite warm during the winter, but a few will occupy the space between the walls, the garage or basement.How Your Festivities May Attract Wildlife
The festivities of the Christmas season increase the likelihood of wildlife intrusion, especially if certain precautions are not taken. Christmas in Scarborough means lots of food and beautiful decorations, these two things can invite wildlife animals to come into the home. Decorations, especially those that are erected outside, can become homes for animals. If your decoration is natural (like a natural Christmas tree), you may end up offering wildlife animals a free ride into your home. The same can happen with wreaths that are placed on doors.Keeping Wildlife Away
It is important that you inspect your decorations before taking them into your home. Some sellers may have a tree shaker so you can ask for the tree you’re buying to be placed on the shaker. The agitation will dislodge any animals or insects that are in it. Inspect the leaves and branches closely afterward to ensure that there are no bugs still living in the tree.
You can also keep wildlife intruders out this winter by having your home thoroughly inspected for potential access points. These access points must be repaired immediately because they will become highways for wildlife animals if they remain unaddressed. Additionally, you should avoid storing leftovers in and around your home. After those big festive meals, be sure to take the garbage to a disposal site that is far from the home. Any storage inside must be temporary and must also be very robust. This means using bins that are tightly locked to prevent wildlife from accessing the food inside.
You should also avoid intentionally feeding wildlife animals. It is easy to feel sorry for animals like raccoons, mice, and squirrels who struggle through the winter. Your pity may lead you to feed them but this is never a good idea. Once these animals discover that food is left out for them frequently, they will stick around, set up their nests or worse, they may try to get closer and eventually move inside your home. In no time you could end up with a whole drove of wildlife animals coming for food. This also attracts larger wildlife animals like foxes and coyotes that prey on these animals so feeding them may also put them at risk.
