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
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Biden OKs US$60M in aid after Baltimore bridge collapse as governor warns of 'very long road ahead'
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore warned Thursday of a 'very long road ahead' to recover from the loss of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge as the Biden administration approved US$60 million in immediate federal aid after the deadly collapse.