When we think of wildlife we tend to think of animals such as bears and deer, but wildlife comes in all shapes and sizes. In Florida for example, we see wildlife commonly in the form of raccoons, opossums, and rats. Regardless of how big or small, it’s important to keep in mind that any wildlife can pose a problem for you as all wildlife seems to like human trash. While you may think what’s the big deal if animals go through my trash, there are many reasons this can become a problem for you. When wildlife decides to have a free for all in your trash they not only leave a mess behind for you to clean up but they also create a health hazard. When this happens our team at Quality Pest Control is more than happy to come on out and remove the wildlife from your property, but this is only a temporary fix. To keep wildlife away from your property and your trash in the long run you are going to need to use some preventative methods.

What Preventative Methods Keep Wildlife Away?

Keep Garbage Inside

The easiest way to prevent any wildlife animals away from your trash is by keeping the trash inside your home until trash pick-up. If you have a garage attached to your home then we recommend storing all trash and receptacles there while waiting until trash day. This way the trash is not directly inside your home but is also not by the driveway where wildlife can have a go at it. If you must keep the garbage can outside then we recommend avoiding throwing any food out until you have gotten closer to the day the trash gets picked up.

Upgrade Your Trash Can

This solution is another one that can benefit people trying to avoid wildlife from picking at their trash and is especially great for those who cannot keep their trash inside their home or garage. There are now many options when it comes to trash cans with some of these options being wildlife resistant. The average trash can has an easily opened lid that is not secure in the slightest. Even if wildlife was not digging in your trash the wind could easily have knocked your trash can over and made the same amount of mess. The best way to just avoid any trash problems is to get a receptacle that can only be lifted with a heavy handle such as metal. Metal trash cans prevent animals from being able to bite or lift the lids, securing your trash. When you use the plastic cans you are allowing animals such as raccoons and opossums to use their sharp teeth and bite holes into the trash. We know how crazy that sounds but these animals’ abilities are not to be underestimated.

Limit Scents

If you have ever driven past a garbage mountain in Florida then you know exactly what garbage smells like. The scent is as unique as it is equally disgusting. However, animals do not share this same level of disgust when they get a whiff of the smell of trash. All they are thinking is that they have an opportunity to get food. The best way to combat the powerful scent of garbage is to get a heavy-duty metal trash can that has a more secure lid to it. This way odors are less likely to escape and attract wildlife to your home. Another method we have seen work wonders is double-bagging trash. Double bagging is an excellent way to add another layer of protection for your trash while also eliminating the odor. This method is a true win-win for you, especially if you are unable to get a new garbage can.

Whether you notice wildlife poking through your garbage once a week or once a month, these methods never hurt to try. Especially if you are having to pick up the mess these animals leave behind. The only thing worse than dealing with the trash is having to do it twice. To learn more about wildlife prevention methods and wildlife removal services, give us a call today at (954) 329-0264.