Tips and tricks to wildlife proof your property this winter
The Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers tips and tricks to avoid having unwanted house guests for the winter as critters seek warmth and shelter this winter.
Staff with the sanctuary say it is possible to reduce the likelihood of wild animals, such as squirrels, raccoons and mice, taking refuge in your home during the winter months with some tips and tricks from the experts.
REMOVE ACCESS TO FOOD SOURCES
The wildlife sanctuary staff recommends securing trash bins, keeping areas clean of crumbs and spills, feeding pets indoors, storing pet food in critter-proof containers, and keeping the yard free of fallen fruit, pinecones, and acorns.
Bird feeders should be placed far from the home in the winter months, and spills should be cleaned regularly.
Clean and cover outdoor grills, and store outdoor cushions, so they don't become a cozy nest.
SEAL ENTRY POINTS
Chimney and vent covers are a simple way to keep critters outdoors.
Seal entrances to spaces under decks, porches, or sheds with wire mesh anchored to the ground.
Check the property for holes or cracks on the roof, doors, windows, siding and foundation.
"Mice and squirrels have been known to squeeze through the most absurdly-small cracks," the sanctuary notes in a release. Still, it adds that removing snacks helps to make your house less appealing.
Seal entry points in late fall because, despite most babies leaving the nest in August, it's not uncommon for squirrels to be born in September.
If you're preparing to seal a hole, crumple a paper towel and place it in the entrance. If it gets pushed out, then you have a visitor and should seek help before sealing.
The wildlife sanctuary urges using a humane approach to riding your home of unwanted critters.
"While many organizations will claim to humanely trap and remove animals from your home, this does not guarantee the humane treatment of these animals after they are removed from your property," the release noted.
Learn more about the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca