Arizona is home to 59 native species of snakes.1 The state is also home to at least 16 species of rats and mice.2 There are also 28 known species of bats in Arizona, more than any other state in the U.S.3 The chances are good that at one time or another a homeowner will encounter a problem with snakes, rats and mice, bats or other wildlife.
There are simple ways to minimize the threat of nuisance wildlife in your home and on your property.
Tip #1: Ditch the Birdfeeder
Snakes eat mice, rats, squirrels and other small mammals, so your backyard bird feeder is a prime area for snakes to stalk their prey.4 It’s also a feeding ground for other wildlife, besides birds. While squirrels and chipmunks will frequent the feeder during the day, at night the mice and rats come out under cover of darkness.
If you just can’t give up birdwatching, opt for putting the feeder as far from your home or outbuildings as possible and regularly clean up seed that has fallen on the ground.
Tip #2: Remove any Object that Collects Water
Snakes and other wildlife need water just like humans do. Any object that routinely collects water is a place wildlife will seek out. From an old tire to your child’s play area, any object that collects water should be eliminated. In the case of the child’s sandbox, slide or swing set, just drill drain holes in any area where water collects.
Garden hoses are another source of shelter and water, especially for snakes. Install a wall mounted device to keep your hose off the ground and make sure faucets don’t leak. While fountains and birdbath are beautiful additions to your landscape, these features also contribute to wildlife issues. Consider covering them at night.
Tip #3: Mouse Proof Your Yard
Secure your garbage so that mice and rats are not attracted to the area where you place your garbage outdoors. If a snake smells rodent droppings, they will likely gravitate to that spot waiting for their prey. Keep your pet’s food bowls indoors. That goes for your pet’s water bowl also. Don’t leave a water bowl outside overnight.
Tip #4: Keep Wildlife from Living Under Your Deck or Porch
Skunks, raccoons, snakes, chipmunks and other wildlife really love the area under your deck or porch. It is dark and damp and provides wildlife with security. You can use patio blocks, wood or composite material to enclose your deck, making sure to regularly inspect that animals aren’t tunneling under the blocking material.
An alternative is to expose the area under your deck to as much light and air as possible. Mesh screening, buried to a depth of at least 12” below ground can also be effective.5 Installing rock under your deck can also deter wildlife from making your deck or porch their home.
Tip #5: Keep Tall Grass and Leaves Away From Your Home and Outbuildings
Snakes and other wildlife use tall grass and leaves to hide from predators. That is why it is important to eliminate these hazards from your yard.
Prevention is the key in making sure that your home and outbuildings don’t become a haven for wildlife. Another key is inspection. Routinely walk your property, looking for holes in the ground or in structures. Before blocking the holes, try to determine what animal is using that hole. A wildlife removal specialist can help you identify and safely and humanely remove the animal.
Professional Wildlife Removal with Fast and Safe Solutions
Critter Evictors in Scottsdale has ample experience and has helped hundreds of home and property owners throughout Maricopa County with wildlife infestations of all kinds.
Call our proven critter and wildlife removal services today if you’re experiencing an invasion and need emergency removal services. We specialize in humane and responsible critter removal in the local area and provide services that address everything from bird and bat removal, to rats, moles, snakes, raccoon removal and more.
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1 Snakes in Arizona
Link: https://www.snaketracks.com/snakes-in-arizona/
2 16 Types of Mice and Rats Found in Arizona by Lindsey Dahle
Link: https://birdwatchinghq.com/mice-and-rats-in-arizona/
3 Test Your Knowledge About Arizona Bats
Link: https://www.my-arizona-desert-living.com/Arizona-Bats.html
4 10 Things in Your Yard That Are Attracting Snakes to Your Home
Link: https://bestlifeonline.com/what-attracts-snakes-to-yard/
5 What Can I Put Under My Deck to Keep Animals Out by Turner Tomlinson
Link: https://bestlifeonline.com/what-attracts-snakes-to-yard/