The United States is home to various animals, and about 3,000 are native species. These animals are often harmless, but some can carry all sorts of diseases with them. For example, raccoons are one of the most common animals to carry rabies. As a result, it’s essential to take steps to keep animals in your backyard and away from your home. One of the most common ways to do this is by fencing.
Fencing
Most animals in the United States aren’t big enough to jump over a typical fence, making this an effective way to keep them out of your backyard. You can also make the fence taller or put barbed wire at the top to make it more difficult for animals to get in. If you’re worried about aesthetics, you can always plant climbing vines or other plants on and around the fence to cover it up.
Composite fences are a good option for those who want a good mix of aesthetics and protection. However, these fences can rot quite quickly, especially if you live somewhere with high humidity.
If you want the best option, consider installing a robust pre-cast concrete wall in your home. This fence is made of weather-resistant concrete and can last for decades with the proper maintenance.
Fencing is one of the best and most reliable ways to keep animals and trespassers from your backyard. The next best thing you can do is to make your backyard less attractive to animals.
Make Your Backyard Less Attractive to Animals
Animals won’t wander into your backyard unless there is something to attract them. The most common attractants are food and water. If you store some meat in an outdoor refrigerator, keep it fenced off if you have a garden so animals can’t get to the food. You can also lock the refrigerator to ensure nothing can break into it.
It’s also essential to remove any standing water from your backyard. This includes birdbaths, kiddie pools, and even puddles. If you have a swimming pool, ensure it’s covered so animals can’t fall in and drown.
You should also keep your trash cans tight so animals can’t get into them and make a mess. If you have pet food outside, bring it inside at night, so animals don’t eat it.
Making your backyard less attractive to animals is an excellent way to keep them out. However, you should also use repellents to ensure that they stay away.
Animal Repellents
Various animal repellents are on the market, each designed to work on specific animals. For example, there are repellents for deer, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, and more. You can find these repellents at your local home improvement store or online.
When using a repellent, you need to be careful not to harm the environment. Some of the most common ingredients in animal repellents are naphthalene and thiram. These chemicals can be toxic to plants and animals if used in large amounts. As a result, you should always follow the instructions on the label when using them.
You should also consider using ultrasonic devices to keep animals away from your backyard. These modern devices emit high-frequency sound waves that animals can’t hear. They’re safe to use around children and pets, making them an excellent option for families. However, sometimes animals will still find their way into your backyard, no matter what you do. In these cases, it’s best to have a plan to deal with them.
Be Prepared to Deal With Animals in Your Backyard
If you live in an area with many animals, it’s essential to be prepared for the possibility that one might end up in your backyard. The first step is identifying the animal and determining if it’s dangerous. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and assume that it is.
Once you’ve identified the animal, the next step is to decide how to get rid of it. You can probably shoo it away if it’s a small animal, like a bird or squirrel. However, you’ll need to call animal control if it’s a larger animal, like a deer or raccoon.
It’s also a good idea to plan what to do if an animal attacks you or someone in your family. If you have small children, they’re especially at risk. In these cases, it’s best to have a fence around the perimeter of your yard so you can quickly get to safety.
You should also keep a first-aid kit in case someone gets injured. Finally, make sure you know who to call if you need help. By being prepared, you can ensure that everyone stays safe if an animal does find its way into your backyard.
If you have a problem with animals in your backyard, consider using one of these five methods to keep them away. If none of the solutions works above, you can always call animal control. They can help you safely remove the animal from your property.
