Calgary’s divProtecting Your CalgarProtecting Your Home from Urban Wildlife: A Seasonal Guide
Calgary’s diverse wildlife adds to the city’s charm, but when these animals decide to invade your personal space, it can lead to property damage and health risks. This comprehensive guide will equip Calgary homeowners with the knowledge to protect their properties from wildlife intrusions throughout the year. Understanding the local wildlife, recognizing seasonal challenges, and implementing proactive strategies are all key to keeping your home safe.
Understanding Calgary’s Urban Wildlife
Before diving into prevention strategies, it’s essential to identify the wildlife you might encounter in Calgary:
- Coyotes: Often seen in parks and residential areas, coyotes can pose a risk, especially during their breeding season.
- Skunks: Known for their strong odor, skunks can become nuisances, particularly when they seek food in your trash.
- Raccoons: These clever scavengers can easily access unsecured garbage and are notorious for raiding bird feeders.
- Squirrels: While often harmless, squirrels can chew through wires and insulation if they gain access to your attic.
- Rabbits: Common in gardens, rabbits can cause extensive damage to landscaping and plants.
- Various Bird Species: Some birds can become pests, particularly if they decide to nest in your gutters or eaves.
- Deer: In some neighborhoods, deer can wander into yards, creating hazards and causing damage to gardens.
Each season presents different wildlife challenges, so let’s explore how to secure your home year-round.
Spring: Preparing for Baby Season
As Calgary thaws, animals begin searching for nesting sites. Here’s how to prepare:
Inspect and Repair
- Roof Maintenance: Check your roof for any winter damage and repair loose shingles or tiles.
- Seal Cracks: Ensure that any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior are sealed to prevent entry.
- Siding Check: Repair any loose siding that may provide access points for wildlife.
Landscaping Tips
- Trim Tree Branches: Keep tree branches away from your roof to deter squirrels and raccoons from climbing.
- Remove Brush Piles: Clear away brush piles that could serve as cozy homes for animals.
- Choose Plants Wisely: Start your garden with wildlife-resistant plants to reduce the chance of attracting unwanted visitors. For more information on wildlife-resistant plants, visit The City of Calgary’s Gardening Resources.
Pro Tip
Consider installing motion-activated sprinklers to deter curious animals without harming them. This method is effective for keeping away pests like raccoons and skunks.
Summer: Active Wildlife Management
Summer in Calgary brings increased wildlife activity. Here are steps to stay vigilant:
Secure Food Sources
- Animal-Proof Bins: Use garbage bins designed to be animal-proof to prevent raccoons and other critters from rummaging through your trash.
- Clean Up Fallen Fruit: Regularly pick up fallen fruit from trees, as this can attract unwanted wildlife.
- Indoor Pet Food: Keep pet food stored indoors to avoid attracting animals.
Maintain Your Yard
- Lawn Care: Regularly mow your lawn to deter small mammals from making it their home.
- Standing Water: Remove any standing water to prevent mosquito breeding, which can also attract other wildlife.
Wildlife-Proof Your Home
- Chimney Caps: Install caps on your chimney to prevent animals from entering.
- Seal Under Decks: Use materials like fine mesh to cover vents and seal gaps under decks or sheds.
Fall: Preparing for Winter Denning
As temperatures drop, animals seek warm spaces. Protect your home with these measures:
Home Exterior Check
- Eaves and Soffits: Inspect these areas for gaps and secure attic vents with heavy-duty screens.
- Foundation Check: Look for cracks or holes in your foundation that could allow animals entry.
Remove Attractions
- Gutter Maintenance: Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams and potential nesting sites.
- Store Patio Furniture: Remove bird feeders and store outdoor furniture to discourage wildlife from settling in.
Calgary Wildlife Tip
Be especially cautious of coyotes during this season, as their activity in urban areas often increases.
Winter: Ongoing Vigilance
Calgary’s harsh winters can drive wildlife to seek shelter. Here are tips specific to winter:
Monitor Your Property
- Animal Activity Checks: Regularly inspect your property for signs of animal activity, particularly after snowfall.
- Tracks and Sounds: Look for tracks leading to your home and listen for unusual noises in walls or attics.
Prevent Easy Access
- Clear Snow: Keep snow cleared from doors and windows to reduce hiding spots for animals.
- Chimney Flue: Ensure your chimney flue is closed when not in use to prevent animals from entering.
Safe De-Icing
Use pet-safe and wildlife-friendly de-icing products on walkways and driveways to minimize environmental impact. For more eco-friendly de-icing solutions, check out The City of Calgary’s Environmental Initiatives.
Year-Round Wildlife Protection Strategies
Certain practices are essential regardless of the season:
- Proper Waste Management: Use secure, animal-resistant garbage and compost bins to deter scavengers.
- Regular Home Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections to identify potential entry points early.
- Educate Family Members: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to coexist safely with urban wildlife.
- Humane Deterrents: Opt for non-toxic, humane repellents when necessary to discourage wildlife without harm.
Professional Help
Understand when to call Calgary wildlife control experts for safe and legal animal removal. For more information on local wildlife control services, visit Wildlife Rescue Association of Alberta.
Calgary’s Wildlife Bylaws and Regulations
Stay informed about local regulations regarding wildlife:
- Permits for Relocation: It is illegal to relocate wildlife in Calgary without the proper permits.
- Control Methods: Certain methods of control may be restricted within city limits, so always check local guidelines.
- Report Aggressive Wildlife: If you encounter aggressive wildlife, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Coexisting with Calgary’s Urban Wildlife
By following this seasonal guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildlife intrusions while respecting Calgary’s natural inhabitants. The goal is peaceful coexistence, not elimination. With the right precautions, you can enjoy Calgary’s wildlife from a safe distance.
For persistent wildlife issues, always consult professional Calgary pest control services that understand local ecosystems and regulations. Contact us today for expert help in keeping your home safe and wildlife-free.