Going to the community pond to feed the ducks last week’s bread is one thing. But feeding other types of wildlife around your house can cause a wide range of problems, and even certain threats. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about feeding animals in your yard, including some helpful do’s and do not’s to live by.
Feeding Wildlife Out of Your Backyard
There are many potential consequences to feeding animals on your property. Although birds and bird feeders are typically a safe bet, they too can cause problems around the yard if you are not careful. When it comes to having bird feeders, just be sure to position them far from your siding, roof, and chimney. This will help divert the birds urges to nest on your house. As for all other types of wildlife, it is best to steer clear of providing them with a reliable and consistent food source. Why? Well, the number one reason is that they will continue to come back!
Structural Damage
Visiting animals can cause a load of structural damages to gardens, lawns, flower beds, siding, roofing, gutters, trees, decks, porches, patios, outdoor furniture, playsets, swimming pools, ponds, and much more. Worst of all, if the animals are coming back to your property every day or night, they might eventually want to move in, which creates an entirely new set of structural repair needs. Attics and crawl spaces are top target, giving animals free will to tear down insulation, soil flooring, and make a nasty mess with their rotting food and droppings.
Health and Safety Threats
In addition to costly structural damage, wildlife can also pose certain health and safety risks. Not only are wild animals known carriers of several types of infectious diseases, many species are prone to attack if provoked, frightened, or ill. Animals like skunks are a major concern for those who have curious outdoor pets who might get sprayed during a conventional sniff. Similarly, raccoons and bats are one of the most well-known carriers of the Rabies virus, to which there is no cure once infected.
If You Insist on Feeding Animals…
There are helpful tips to stick by if you insist on feeding animals on your property. These tips can help mitigate nuisance wildlife activity, and therefore, protect your home and loved ones from the consequences of their behaviors. Here’s what you should do when feeding wild animals around your house:
⚫ Use species-specific feeding containers or bowls. For instance, use a squirrel feeder to feed squirrels and chipmunks, and use bird feeders to feed birds.
⚫ Place all animal bowls and feeders at least 20 feet from your house or any other important structures, like sheds, barns, cars, and utilities.
⚫ Reduce your feedings during the warmer seasons of the year, when their natural food sources are plentiful.
⚫ Be sure to use enough feeders and food to prevent animal overcrowding, fighting, territorial behaviors, and more.
⚫ Always contact an Indianapolis wildlife control company if you notice too much animal activity, animals acting odd, or find a dead animal on your property.
Experiencing Nuisance Wildlife Problems in Indianapolis?
Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable animal removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.
