Animals can come into buildings looking for shelter or food. Many animals are happy to stay as long as you let them. But living with wildlife in your home presents health and safety risks for the people and pets inside. You should take the appropriate steps to remove wild animals immediately. You can hire someone from a local animal or pest control company to help you or act on your behalf.
Preventing wildlife conflicts in your house
The best way to prevent animals entering your home is to block access to vulnerable areas in the building.
- Wildlife-proof your home by blocking potential entry points.
- Conduct annual inspections to look for damage or new entry points.
- Trim trees that overhang your roof.
- Eliminate sources of food and shelter on your property.
Handling conflicts in your house
Once an animal gets into your home, it should be removed immediately. Some animals can cause damage to buildings and others can potentially spread disease to people in the home.
- Remove all animals from your home including adults and offspring. If you are unable to do so yourself, call a local animal or pest control company for advice or their services (see Animal Control or Pest Control Services in the Yellow Pages), or read Hiring a Wildlife Control Agent -- Tips for Property Owners
- After an animal leaves, make repairs immediately to prevent re-entry.
- Talk to your neighbours about local wildlife and work together to prevent conflicts.
- Contact your local police and MNR office if public safety becomes a concern.
