Wild creatures are common visitors in many neighborhoods. However, they are sometimes known to dig holes in carefully-tended lawns, scavenge vegetable gardens, and make a mess of trash bins! Because suburban areas are also part of these creatures’ natural habitats, relocating these animals can harm them; this is why we are sharing some simple tips to help your animal neighbors from settling in homeowners’ yards or in community spaces.

The following precautions can be taken at both your members’ homes and in communal areas:

  1. Always secure lids on trash bins and cans. If lids do not close completely by trash collection day, homeowners may be able to request an additional bin.

 

  1. Clean trash cans and bins with vinegar or ammonia when they become smelly. These cleaners reduce unpleasant odors, which makes the trash less appealing to critters.

 

  1. Keep the yards and streets in your community clean. Remove any litter – especially food wrappers – as this will attract hungry animals. Also, be sure to change trash bags in communal area bins frequently.

 

  1. Pick up fruits and nuts that fall from trees, as these are easy meals for animals that wander by. If your community contains many of these trees, consider sending a community email to remind homeowners to gather up the fallen fruits and nuts in their yards.

 

  1. Ensure that fences are sturdy and sound. Check for holes and repair any spaces where animals could squeeze through. Keep gates shut and locked when not in use.

 

  1. Clear up, fix up, or fill in any space that a critter could use as a shelter. These shelters could include worn, unsecured sheds, burrow-like holes, woodpiles, crates/boxes, or crawl spaces under porches.

 

  1. Get rid of any pathway an animal could use to climb onto the roof. Advise homeowners to trim tree branches that touch their houses.

 

  1. Lock all windows and doors. Recommend that homeowners lock pet doors at night; this precaution will prevent wild animals from getting into buildings.

 

  1. Remind homeowners not to leave pet food and water bowls outside. Other water sources that can attract animals include forgotten watering cans, kitty pools, and bird baths.

 

  1. Keep your community well-lit and full of activity. Raccoons, opossums, and other wild creatures are nocturnal – they dislike bright lights. Additionally, noise and activity will scare away most wild animals.

Keeping your community clean, neat, and well-lit, which are all desirable aspects to homeowners, are also some of the best deterrents for wildlife. Normal safety precautions (such as locking gates, doors, and windows) can also keep animals out of homes and the community clubhouse. Following these guidelines can help keep your neighborhood picture-perfect without harming the wild creatures that inhabit environments around suburban spaces.

For more information on HOA management best practices contact Spectrum Association Management today! We provide refreshingly different HOA property management services throughout Arizona and Texas and specialize in larger communities with 200+ homes.