Keeping critters out of your yard

Many homeowners want their backyards to serve as sanctuaries. However, some may be sharing their relaxing backyard domains with uninvited guests. From racoons checking out trash cans to deer munching on prized flowers to squirrels raiding the bird feeders, unwanted wildlife can transform a normally peaceful spot into a frustrating space.

According to data tracked by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, wildlife damage in the United States accounts for billions of dollars in losses each year. Although a large portion of these losses are agricultural, residential damage should not be overlooked. Deer, rodents, racoons, moles, and skunks are known to wreak havoc on a property.

Keeping animals out of the yard requires an approach that balances efficacy with humane practices. These tips, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States, can help.

· Modify the habitat. Homeowners should remove the incentive for animals to visit a landscape. This means identifying features that attract wildlife and removing them. Picking up fallen fruit from trees, locking trash bin lids, storing birdseed in airtight containers, and treating the lawn for grubs, can reduce the chances that animals will visit.

· Erect physical barriers. Fences make for great neighbors and also are a viable option for keeping out large intruders. To deter deer, homeowners likely will have to put up a fence that is at least eight feet tall, as deer can easily jump lower barriers. For burrowing animals, fencing that extends underground and turns outward is essential to prevent digging.

· Use sensory deterrents. Modern repellents use smells or tastes that will keep animals at bay. For example, some repellents will use predator urine to dissuade certain animals from spending time in the yard. Additional deterrents include motion-activated sprinklers or lights that scare animals away.

· Work with neighbors. Critter prevention must be a community effort. If one neighbor is leaving out food for feral cats or feeding deer, then they may be compromising the efforts of homeowners looking to keep wildlife at bay. Making a neighborhood pact to be consistent with pesky animals will help everyone avoid damage and potential animal interactions.