One of the wonderful things about living in West Palm Beach and the southeast Florida area is the abundant and exotic wildlife around us. Starting your morning with a cup of coffee out on the porch while enjoying the colorful, chirping birds is truly a delight. Or at least it is until you notice where critters have been busy all night digging up your lawn. Arrgh! Raccoons and possums can be very destructive pests!
We’re encouraged by the NWF (National Wildlife Federation) to cultivate native plants in our yards in an effort to provide a habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife. What we want to avoid, however, is having said wildlife move into our homes! What follows are a few tips that will help you enjoy nature where it belongs – out in the yard.
Feed the Birds (but only the birds!)
It’s fine to feed our feathered friends in moderation. It’s important to note that the birds around us are actually very self-sufficient, feeding themselves on berries, insects and seeds in the area. Your backyard feeder is only supplementing their natural diets. When there is an abundant supply of food in your yard, you may notice that other wildlife will begin to avail itself of your stash.
This may become especially true if you feed your other pets outside. Dog food and cat food are tasty treats for scrounging pests. Raccoons, opossums, deer and bears may start becoming regulars around the feeding station. If this is the case, take the feeder down for a few weeks (remember, the birds won’t starve!), and only feed your pets inside.
Don’t be tempted to feed the furry visitors
As cute as some of them may be, feeding local wildlife like raccoons is a definite no-no. This goes double for bears, foxes, coyotes and alligators! These creatures are naturally afraid of humans, but if they begin to associate people with being a food source, that fear will dissipate. This is when situations can turn dangerous and end up on the evening news!
Don’t store food outside
This is probably a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. Store your bird seed and pet food indoors whenever possible. If, for some reason, you’re unable to do so, store the feed in heavy, secured metal containers.
Make sure the great outdoors can’t get inside
Take time to check out all the potential points of entry to your home. Be sure that you’ve sealed every possible place the critters might be able to get into your attic, crawlspace or basement if you have one. Check to ensure you have screens in your doors and windows, and that they’ve been installed securely.
Following these tips will help to keep the inside of your home critter-free. Sometimes, however, despite our best efforts, nuisance wildlife can interrupt your peace. When this is the case, give Ambassador Pest Management a call. We are wild animal control and pest control specialists in West Palm Beach, FL. If Rocky Raccoon has taken up residence in your rafters, if you have bats in your belfry, snakes, opossums… you name it, we can help! Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!
Ambassador Pest Management Services 