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24
How to Prevent Wildlife From Taking Up Residence
Who would argue that Minnesota wildlife isn't beautiful? Watching squirrels playing in the woods can be more entertaining than television. Many of our Maple Grove homes for sale offer plenty of opportunities to watch them. The same holds true of our Minnetonka homes for sale. But when you come face to face with a huge skunk, treating your garbage like an all-you-can-eat buffet, you may not feel very welcoming.
Here are a few simple things to consider to help you make sure you aren't inviting our woodland friends to come over for dinner and let them know they'll be happier in their territory than yours.
- Secure Your Garbage
Raccoons and other rodents are experts at removing loosely fitting lids; some larger specimens can even stand on their hind legs and burrow through the contents. Housing the cans in a wooden frame can prevent animals from knocking them over. Look for tamper-resistant trash cans at your local home improvement store. - Block Access to Bird Feeders
If you can't hang them in a spot exclusive to birds, consider using squirrel baffles or trick poles to confound their efforts. To be effective, the poles must be at least 10 feet from a tree or structure from which the furry acrobats can jump and at least 5 feet off the ground. - Keep Pet Food Out of Sight
A 25-pound coyote would be thrilled to find a bowl of dog food, so feed your pets inside only. In fact, small animals are their prey of choice, so protecting the ones you love is important. Fortunately, they tend to be vocal at night, so if you hear them calling to each other after the sun goes down, you know you need to take extra precautions to keep your pets safe. - Skip the Birdbath
You may enjoy watching birds bathing in the garden, but water attracts other creatures you may not want to see in your yard. When water is scarce, birdbaths attract squirrels, opossums, skunks, and even larger animals like deer. If you live in a rural area and want to support woodland animals, provide a water source well away from your home. - Install Fencing
Careful garden design can render sturdy fences attractive additions to your landscaping scheme. You can employ hedges and vines to make electric fences invisible while protecting your other plants and pets. Wire mesh and chain link fences are excellent materials to discourage animal entry to the yard while leaving the landscape visible. - Create a Snake-Resistant Environment
Only two venomous snakes inhabit Minnesota, and they only live in the southeastern counties. Nonetheless, even harmless snakes make many people uncomfortable, making them unwanted house guests. To prevent their visits, eliminate the places they love to hide, such as cool, dark, and damp environments. They love tall grass for the protection it provides. Like other creatures, they are attracted by water and pet food. By protecting your home from rodents, you are also protecting your home from snakes. Keep them outside the house by ensuring there are no openings to let them in. Install door sweeps to create air-tight seals between thresholds and doors.
Homes await in Hennepin County that offer access to gorgeous lakes and forests, priced to fit any budget. Call today to see what the area has to offer or to put your property on the market. We look forward to serving you no matter your real estate needs.