Posted by: Karim Ali
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Dealing with Wildlife Intrusions
Rockcliffe Park is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Ottawa, with lots of trees and green spaces. Living so close to nature is amazing, but it also means you might have some wildlife visitors. Seeing a squirrel or raccoon in your yard is cute, but it’s not so fun when they sneak into your attic or basement.
In this blog, I’ll explain the wildlife problems common in Rockcliffe Park, how they can affect your home, and simple ways to keep your house safe while still enjoying the beauty of nature.
1. Common Wildlife Problems
Living near the woods has its ups and downs. One downside? Uninvited animals. Here are some of the usual culprits in Rockcliffe Park:
- Squirrels: They love climbing into attics to nest, causing noise and damage.
- Raccoons: Smart and sneaky, raccoons can open garbage bins and even get into your roof or attic.
- Birds: Pigeons or woodpeckers might nest on your property, leaving messes or damaging your house.
- Insects: Ants, wasps, and other bugs can make their homes in walls or gardens, leading to bigger problems if left unchecked.
The wooded environment in Rockcliffe Park is perfect for these creatures, so it’s important to stay alert and act quickly when needed.
2. How Wildlife Affects Homes
Wildlife isn’t just noisy – it can also cause serious damage to your home.
- Attics: Squirrels and raccoons often chew through insulation, wires, and wood, creating expensive repairs.
- Roofs: Birds and raccoons can mess up shingles and gutters as they look for ways to get inside.
- Basements: Burrowing animals or bugs can slip through small cracks, leading to structural damage and pest problems.
- General Property Damage: Raccoons can tip over garbage bins, while other animals may ruin outdoor furniture or gardens.
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to spot and fix issues early.
3. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
Seal Entry Points
Check your home regularly for any openings where animals could sneak in. Key areas to inspect include:
- Roof vents
- Chimneys
- Basement windows
Use strong materials like steel mesh to seal these spots and keep animals out.
Regular Inspections
Inspect your attic, roof, and basement every so often to spot signs of wildlife, like droppings, chewed wires, or nests. Catching the problem early can save you time and money.
Smart Landscaping
- Trim trees so animals can’t use branches to get onto your roof.
- Clean up fallen fruit or food scraps that might attract wildlife.
- Keep your yard tidy to prevent pests like ants or wasps from settling in.
Call the Pros
If you’re dealing with a persistent problem, don’t hesitate to hire pest control experts. They can remove animals safely and give you tips to stop them from coming back.
4. Living Harmoniously with Nature
The trees and wildlife in Rockcliffe Park are part of what makes it special. Instead of viewing animals as a problem, think of ways to live alongside them.
- Protect Their Habitat: Avoid unnecessary tree removal or clearing spaces that could disrupt local wildlife.
- Be Prepared: By staying on top of prevention, you can enjoy the area’s natural charm without worrying about your home’s safety.
That's All
Living in Rockcliffe Park means being close to nature, and that includes wildlife. Animals like squirrels and raccoons can cause issues, yet most problems can be prevented with a little effort. Sealing your home, keeping your property clean, and calling professionals when needed will help protect your house while still letting you enjoy the beauty of the neighbourhood.
Bonus tips
1
Use Wildlife-Proof Bins
Get bins with secure lids to stop raccoons and other animals from tipping them over.
2
Install Motion Sensors
Lights or sprinklers that turn on when animals approach can help keep them away at night.
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