Keep your trash cans in the garage or an enclosed area. Put your trash out in the morning rather than the night before. Make sure your trash can has a lid and that it fits securely. Keep your trash cans upright by attaching them to a sturdy pole.

If you find an animal trapped in a dumpster or other container, place a tree branch or piece of lumber diagonally from the dumpster floor to the top. The animal will climb out when he deems it safe to exit. Often a raccoon, opossum or skunk will wait until dark to exit

The best way to prevent wildlife from entering your garden is to install a fence. The fence should extend a few inches below the surface and three feet above. That should deter rabbits, other burrowers and most deer. Organic commercial repellents can also be useful to protect flowers and shrubs and are available at most garden centers.

If Animals are chewing and gnawing at the base of your trees, wrap the bottom three feet of the tree with hardware cloth, chicken wire or install a plastic tree protector. Several layers of aluminum foil will work on smaller tree trunks.

The best way to keep wildlife from digging in your yard is to install a perimeter fence that extends 12 inches into the ground and 4 feet above. If this is not an option, try using an organic insect control product to eliminate bugs as a food source. You can also try placing noise making devices, such as pinwheels, around your yard.

Humane eviction is one of the most effective methods when it comes to human wildlife conflicts. By placing a radio with loud inconsistent sounds or voices, adding bright lights, and strong scents such as predatory (coyote) urine, it helps make the space less appealing to wildlife and they will often move out. It is important during baby season to give mother animals time to move their young.

Monitor the space and if you suspect the animal has moved out, place crumpled newspaper in the “den” hole. If this goes undisturbed for 48+ hours, seal the holes appropriately to stop future wildlife issues from arising.

Trapping and relocating a wild animal often results in death, due to them being placed in an unfamiliarly territory that is already established by others. It also does not solve the root of the problem and another animal will take up residence.

Hang a heavy rope from the top of the chimney into your fireplace in case the animal cannot get out the same way it got in. Place scented dryer sheets in the fireplace to encourage the animal to vacate. Once the creature has vacated, properly cap the chimney.

Wildlife in your house

If an animal should make its way into your home, do not attempt to catch it yourself. This could be dangerous for you, your belongings and the animal. Close off access to as much of your house as possible and open as many windows and doors to the outside as possible. Give the animal time to calm down and find its own way out.