Avoiding problems with unwanted wildlife, mice, and rats

The City of Ottawa is home to many animal species that flourish in a human or urban environment. This includes unwanted wildlife or species such squirrels, mice and rats that can damage homes or properties, and which may in rare cases transmit disease.

Remember that these animals have the same basic needs as we do: food, water, and shelter. Many of our daily activities can create the conditions that invite these animals into our homes and on our properties. To decrease the likelihood of attracting unwanted animals to your home or property, follow these simple tips:

Eliminate food and water sources

Maintain or remove bird feeders

Putting out feeders is a popular way to attract birds to your yard. However, if the feeder is easily accessible or if birdseed falls and remains on the ground, then other unwanted animals will take advantage of the food source. To reduce this risk, use deterrent methods such asatticbaffles, tidy up fallen seed daily, or consider eliminating feeders all together.

Bring pet bowls inside

Food and water bowls that are intended for your pets are another common attraction for unwanted animals. This can place your pet at greater risk of injury or disease, either from fighting or from sharing their bowl with sick stray or wild animals. Bring pet bowls inside promptly after each use.

Secure garbage

Maintain compost bins to prevent animals from entering and secure both indoor and outdoor garbage in animal-proof containers with tight fitting lids. When possible, bring garbage cans and bags to the curb as close to pick up time as possible to reduce access for animals.

Eliminate hiding and living spaces

Maintain landscape

Unwanted animals often hide or shelter in dense vegetation. If planting near a building foundation, avoid dense or tall ground cover, and keep shrubs and bushes well-trimmed. Maintain clear sight lines in yards. Fence vegetable gardens, pick up windfall fruit or nuts, and clean up gardens before winter.

Minimize clutter

Clutter provides unwanted animals with places to hide, sleep, nest and reproduce. Remove piles of newspapers, bottles and cans, paper bags, cardboard, and other trash from around the home, garage, and shed. Wood piles also attract animals. Place wood piles on stands measuring 30 cm (12 inches) off the ground and away from the home when possible

Protect buildings

Repair cracks

Animals like squirrels, mice and ratscanchew holes into buildings and can squeeze through cracks and holes as small as 1.25 cm (1/2 inch). To keep them out of buildings, seal all holes and cracks in foundations, walls, floors, underneath doors and around windows.

Seal doorways and vents

Use metal weather stripping under exterior doors, close window gaps with metal flashing, and cover dryer, fresh air, and attic vents with fine metal screening (especially on lower floors).

Close inactive burrows

An inactive burrow will often have leaves, cobwebs, or other debris around the entrance. Close burrows so vermin cannot get back in by filling with soil and tamping down with a shovel, or by stepping onthem.