Urban wildlife

5 Things That Attract Wildlife to Your Home—And How to Fix Them

Living in Southern California means beautiful weather, lush neighborhoods, and unfortunately, frequent run-ins with wildlife. From raccoons and skunks to rats and opossums, wild animals are a part of our urban landscape. But when they make their way into your attic, crawlspace, or yard, it quickly becomes a stressful situation.

Most homeowners are surprised to learn how small, everyday oversights can make their homes incredibly attractive to wildlife. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can reduce the chances of animals moving in—and do it in a humane, responsible way.

Here are the five most common things that attract wildlife to your home—and how to fix them before you find yourself with an unexpected animal guest.

1. Accessible Food Sources

What Attracts Them:

Wildlife, like any other living creature, is driven by the search for food. Pet food left outside, birdseed, compost, fallen fruit, unsecured trash cans, and even grease on outdoor grills can act like neon signs inviting animals to investigate.

Common Culprits:

  • Raccoons rummaging through garbage
  • Rats nesting near compost or gardens
  • Skunks attracted by pet bowls or low-hanging fruit

How to Fix It:

  • Use wildlife-proof trash bins with locking lids.
  • Avoid leaving pet food outdoors—especially overnight.
  • Harvest fruits and vegetables promptly from gardens and trees.
  • Rinse outdoor grills and remove food residue.
  • Consider motion-sensor lights or ultrasonic repellents to discourage nighttime visitors.

2. Shelter and Hiding Spots

What Attracts Them:

 Animals look for warm, safe places to nest or hide, particularly during breeding seasons or cold nights. Your attic, crawlspace, shed, or even a woodpile may be providing the perfect shelter—especially if access points are easy to find.

Common Culprits:

  • Rodents squeezing through vents or cracks
  • Raccoons nesting in attics
  • Opossums denning under decks

How to Fix It:

  • Seal gaps in roofing, soffits, and siding with durable materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing.
  • Install vent covers on chimneys, dryer vents, and attic fans.
  • Use lattice or exclusion barriers to block off crawlspaces or under-deck areas.
  • Keep woodpiles elevated and away from the main structure.
  • Trim trees and overhanging branches that provide a “bridge” to your roof.

3. Standing Water and Moisture

What Attracts Them:

 Like food and shelter, water is a core survival need. Leaky sprinklers, clogged gutters, pet water bowls, or poorly drained yards can create a consistent water source for animals—and even encourage insect populations, which in turn attract animals that feed on them.

Common Culprits:

  • Mosquitoes and rodents breeding in pooled water
  • Skunks and opossums frequenting damp areas
  • Snakes attracted to areas where frogs and insects gather

How to Fix It:

  • Repair leaky hoses, faucets, and irrigation systems.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts regularly.
  • Eliminate standing water in plant trays, birdbaths, and outdoor bowls.
  • Regrade your yard to promote better drainage if needed.
  • Add crushed rock or gravel to soggy areas to help dry them out.

4. Overgrown Vegetation and Landscaping

What Attracts Them:

 Tall grass, thick shrubs, dense ivy, and unmaintained gardens provide ideal cover for animals. They can hide, hunt, or nest undisturbed in areas that aren’t regularly trimmed or maintained.

Common Culprits:

  • Rats and mice hiding in overgrown ivy
  • Coyotes using dense shrubs as ambush points
  • Snakes and skunks drawn to cluttered landscaping

How to Fix It:

  • Keep grass trimmed and bushes neatly pruned.
  • Remove invasive vines and ivy along fences and foundations.
  • Don’t let mulch pile too high against the base of your home.
  • Store firewood and outdoor gear neatly and off the ground.
  • Create clear sight lines around entry points like doors and garages.

5. Unsealed Entry Points

What Attracts Them:

 Animals are expert opportunists. If your home has even a small crack, open vent, or missing screen, wildlife will find it. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter, and raccoons are surprisingly strong climbers and diggers.

Common Culprits:

  • Mice entering through foundation gaps
  • Squirrels chewing into attic vents
  • Birds nesting in chimneys

How to Fix It:

  • Perform a thorough perimeter inspection of your home—daylight visible through a gap means animals can get in.
  • Seal holes using rodent-proof materials (not foam insulation alone, which they can chew through).
  • Reinforce vulnerable areas like roof corners, soffits, and crawlspace doors.
  • Install chimney caps and mesh covers on vents.
  • Hire a wildlife professional for a comprehensive home exclusion plan.

Prevention Is Always Better Than Removal

Many people don’t realize their home is attracting wildlife until it’s too late. But the earlier you act, the easier it is to avoid costly damage and stressful encounters. Addressing these five common attractants not only protects your property—it protects the animals as well.

Humane wildlife control is about coexisting responsibly. That means making small, consistent changes to discourage animals from seeing your home as theirs. Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or part of a city department, proactive prevention is the most ethical and cost-effective solution.

If you suspect animals have already made themselves at home, don’t try to handle it alone. Professional, humane wildlife removal ensures both you and the animal stay safe—and helps keep it from happening again.