Wild animals live where there is food, shelter, and easy access. When your yard or pet routine supplies those three things, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, and other animals notice fast. We help homeowners reduce encounters so pets stay safe and yards stay usable. We use humane methods, inspect entry points, and follow local regulations when removal is needed.

Why wildlife visits yards and what they look for

Wild animals are driven by basic needs. Common attractants include exposed garbage, pet food left outside, fallen fruit, open compost, and accessible shelter like gaps under decks, open crawlspaces, or dense brush. Raccoons and squirrels are especially good at finding easy food and shelter near homes. Reducing attractants is the fastest, most reliable way to cut visits.

Signs your yard is inviting wildlife

Look for:

• Scattered garbage or knocked-over cans.
• Pet food bowls left outside overnight.
• Rub marks or greasy tracks on low fences or trash can lids.
• Holes in compost piles or patches of dug-up soil.
• Scratching or chewing at eaves, soffits, or fascia.

If you spot one of these signs, act now. Small changes stop most problems before animals move in full time.

Pet safety steps everyone should do

Pets are often the first to meet wildlife. Protect them like this:

• Bring food and water bowls in at night.
• Supervise small pets outdoors after dusk.
• Keep pet doors secured with timed access or manual locks at night.
• Make sure vaccinations are up to date and talk to your vet about rabies and other local risks.

If your pet has an encounter or a bite occurs, call your vet and local animal control right away. If an animal is acting strangely, contact professionals for safe removal.

Yard fixes that make a difference

You do not need a major renovation to reduce wildlife problems. Try these cost effective moves:

• Secure trash in wildlife-proof containers and store them in a garage or shed until pickup day.
• Use bungee straps or locking lids on bins to stop raccoons from tipping them.
• Pick up fallen fruit and keep bird seed feeders off the ground.
• Install a sturdy compost bin with a lid and close off gaps at the bottom.
• Remove brush piles and trim dense ground cover where animals can hide.
• Put a cover or grate over crawlspace vents and repair torn screens.

A few inexpensive changes are often enough to shift an animal’s focus elsewhere.

How to wildlife-proof structures

Animals look for easy entry points into attics and crawlspaces. Common fixes include:

• Install chimney caps and repair loose flue covers.
• Seal gaps in soffits, fascia, and rooflines with metal flashing or hardware cloth.
• Fit vents and exhausts with one-way screens or covers built for wildlife exclusion.
• Use heavy-gauge wire mesh around foundation vents and under decks.

We perform inspections to locate entry points and recommend materials that block animals but allow proper ventilation. When removal is required, we follow humane capture procedures and then seal entry points so the problem does not come back.

Landscaping choices that discourage visits

Plant selection and layout can help. Consider:

• Choose a low-maintenance ground cover that does not hide animals.
• Keep trees trimmed so branches are at least several feet from roofs and eaves.
• Use gravel or paved borders near foundations instead of mulch where tunneling is common.
• Place motion-activated lights or sprinklers in problem areas to startle unwelcome visitors.

These steps make your yard less hospitable without changing its look.

Small changes that reduce food sources

Food is the biggest attraction. Make these daily habits:

• Store trash and recycling inside until pickup.
• Clean grills and remove food scraps after outdoor meals.
• Put away bird feeders at night and only use feeders designed to limit spillage.
• Feed pets indoors or supervise feeding time outdoors.

If you already have a wildlife problem, do not try to trap or relocate animals yourself. Licensed professionals use the correct methods and follow local rules.

Decontamination and cleanup after an infestation

Animals that nest in attics or crawlspaces leave behind droppings, nesting material, and odors. Proper cleanup prevents health hazards and future infestations. We clean, disinfect, and deodorize affected areas using natural biological cleaners that remove contaminants, waste, and lingering smells. This step restores a healthy environment and discourages repeat visits.

When to call a pro and what to expect

Call us if you notice repeated visits, aggressive animals, damage to structures, or any sign of disease. A professional inspection includes:

1. A thorough survey of the yard and building exterior.
2. Identification of attractants and entry points.
3. A humane removal plan if animals are present.
4. Decontamination, repairs, and exclusion work to prevent return.

We are licensed and insured and offer same-day or next-day service where possible. Our approach protects your family, your pets, and the animals themselves.

Seasonal considerations

Fall and spring see the most activity. In fall, animals stock up on food and look for warm shelter. In spring, mothers look for safe dens for young. Plan inspections before these seasons to catch problems early and to schedule humane exclusions at the right time.

Quick checklist to protect pets and yard tonight

• Bring pet food and bowls inside.
• Secure trash and remove fallen fruit.
• Trim any branches touching the roof.
• Check for fresh diggings or droppings around foundations.
• Call a licensed wildlife specialist if you find a den or repeated evidence.

Protect what matters most

A few simple changes stop most wildlife problems before they start. If you want a tailored plan for your property, we can inspect, remove animals humanely, and fix entry points so you can enjoy your yard again. We restore safety for pets and household members and make repeat visits unlikely. Ready to make your yard wildlife-resistant? Call us at 310-551-0901 for an inspection and free estimate.