Dealing With Pests and Wildlife Naturally and Effectively

As animal lovers and purveyors of safe, natural and organic products for pets, we certainly don’t want to expose them to unnecessary threats from pesticides and other chemicals that can cause them harm, health issues or even death. But at the same time, we don’t want them aggravated by problems with pests, wildlife and other potentially dangerous animals.

For example, the majority of dog owners will protect their pets from heartworm, a dangerous and often deadly disease transmitted by mosquitos. Although there are effective medications available, they don’t stop animals from being bitten and being subject to a host of other diseases these flying menaces can carry.

Instead of using repellents, sprays and other chemicals when we’re outdoors, burn all-natural citronella candles or consider using screened tents or other enclosures that keep these pests away when we’re outside. To keep them from coming indoors, make sure windows and doors are tightly shut and that screens are in good working condition.

Take Away Their Home

Another way to keep these pests at bay is to make sure they don’t have a place to breed in the first place. Get rid of all sources of standing water in puddles, buckets, flowerpots or other places since mosquitoes only need a tiny amount of water to lay hundreds of eggs. Also be mindful of other potential places where mosquitoes breed and:

• Keep swimming pools properly maintained and report those abandoned or ignored to local health officials
• If you have a bird bath, wash it out every few days
• Repair leaky hoses or facets where water can accumulate underneath them
• Keep gutters free of leaves and other debris
• Check drip pans in air conditioning units and other devices
• Regularly remove and clean tarps over firewood and other items

It’s also recommended to keep grass and shrubbery trimmed since this is where mosquitoes like to lurk and stay out of the sunshine.

Stop Scavengers

Creatures out on the prowl for a meal can be particularly problematic but you can help them to become sparse by taking away their food source. Animals like raccoons are particularly fond of digging through garbage cans and once they’ve found a comfortable place to dine, they can be difficult to deal with and cause other problems.

Be sure garbage and refuse containers are tightly closed and if possible, keep garbage cans in a garage or other type of outbuilding. Ensure the doorways to these enclosures are closed and they’re not other ways of entering into these structures through small holes or gaps.

If you have a back yard or garden, regularly check fences and gates for possible ways critters can gain access to your property. Loose boards, broken hinges or faulty latches can give animals a way into your personal, private outdoor space.

With a little bit of planning, preparedness and awareness, we can keep pests and wildlife away from our homes, our animals and ourselves. You don’t need chemicals to protect your precious pets from other critters and potential threats from pests.