Wildlife pests such as rats, pigeons, and squirrels make a mess in your yard, and they also ruin gardens you work so hard to showcase. So, how do you keep these annoying creatures from invading your outdoor spaces in New York City?
These are the steps to take when keeping pests out of your yard or garden:
- Use traps to remove all pests quickly
- Set perimeter baits to draw rodents from your yard
- Remove easy access to food sources
- Seal entrance holes
- Use mechanical devices to keep pigeons from roosting
- Spray natural repellents around your yard to keep pests out
In this short guide, we’ll show you:
- How to trap rodents and wildlife pests
- When to use poison baits
- How to employ quick sanitation measures
- Mechanical exclusion for beginners
- Pigeon control anyone can perform
- Top secret techniques the pros use to get rid of yard pests for their clients
How To Get Rats Out of Your Yard
Trapping
Place snap traps where the weather won’t affect them. This requirement may seem impossible. However, there are certain areas where you can use them. For example:
- Covered porches
- Storage sheds
- Crawl spaces
- Under decks and patios
Bait snap traps with dried prunes for rats and peanut butter for mice. Also, it’s best to place them perpendicular to walls or other vertical surfaces.
Baiting
Use rodenticide baits around the perimeter of your yard to draw pests away from your home. Pre-boxed baits are the most convenient. However, be sure to place them under covered areas, the same as traps.
Repellents
Granular rodent repellents stand up to rain and snow better than sprays. Also, it’s best to place them near entry points.
Essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass, and cinnamon round out the active ingredients. So, they are safe for most household use. They contain smells rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels hate the most.
Removing Food Sources
Tips for making your yard less attractive to rodents:
- Keep all trash out of your yard
- Tightly seal all trash containers
- Tightly seal pet food containers
- Clean all food spills immediately
- Seal and elevate bird seed containers
How To Get Rid of Raccoons From Your Yard
Trapping Raccoons
Utilize live animal traps that are at least 12 inches wide and 32 inches deep. This size is ideal for raccoons and other small animals.
Be sure to release raccoons outside city limits immediately. Also, it’s vital to avoid transporting animals inside the interior of a vehicle to prevent airborne illnesses.
Prevention Measures for Raccoons
Raccoons are omnivorous, meaning they’ll eat almost anything, including:
- Live poultry
- Eggs from several species, including waterfowl
- Fruits
- Grains
- Vegetables
The primary remedy for raccoons is to limit their food sources. So, the same measures you use for rodents should be applied to raccoons.
How To Eliminate Squirrels From Your Yard
Trapping Squirrels
The best live traps for squirrels are eight inches wide and 17 inches deep. Bait them with a combination of birdseed rolled into chunky peanut butter.
For the most effective results, spread the mixture on the underside of the trip plate. This technique will ensure the squirrel triggers the trap door.
Squirrel Exclusion and Repellents
Install squirrel baffles on all bird feeders. These devices fit around the posts and prevent squirrels from climbing them. Also, you can use the same granular repellents you use for rodents.
How To Keep Pigeons From Making a Mess
Exclusion Techniques
Pigeons roost anywhere there’s a ledge. Also, they look for nesting spots around eaves, overhangs, and attics. So, it’s preferable to seal these areas with steel wool, metal screening material, and expansion foam.
Mechanical Repellents
Install bird spikes on roofs, ledges, and overhangs. This method has the added benefit of repelling squirrels and roof rats as well.
Scaring Devices
Fake decoys in the shape of owls or falcons can sometimes scare away pigeons or other bird pests. However, you have to rotate them at least every three weeks. That’s because pigeons become accustomed to scare devices easily.
More Tips To Help Keep Pests Out of Your Yard in New York City
Here are a few more ideas to keep pests from taking over your yard:
- Be sure to set traps out of reach of children and pets
- Apply rodenticide baits with approved bait stations only
- It’s best to cover your face with a construction mask or respirator when cleaning rodent nests
- It’s a good idea to wear thick gloves to avoid injury while setting rat traps
- Be sure to check local regulations before trapping wildlife