Managing garbage
Improper storage of garbage is one of the fastest ways to attract unwanted wildlife. Bears, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, ravens, rodents and feral pets can all cause problems.Prevent troubles by storing all garbage in rodent proof containers that are secured in a building. Containers should be emptied frequently and washed to reduce odors. Do not store garbage outdoors; it will just be an invitation for an unwanted wildlife visit.
Composting
Outdoor composting should not be done in bear country. The odor of decomposing materials is attractive to many wild animals, especially bears. Burying compostable materials will not prevent bears from getting to garbage since they are very accomplished diggers.Treat all compostable materials like other garbage - store it securely and dispose of it regularly.
Junk piles
Remove brush piles, old vehicles and other sources of junk from your property. This type of habitat can serve as shelter for rodents, skunks, raccoons, rattlesnakes, and feral pets.
Don't feed the animals
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JEROME - Along with the green grass and flowers, spring often produces several uninvited guests to neighborhoods throughout the Magic Valley Region.
Skunks, raccoons, bears, foxes, and coyotes can often become spring and summer nuisances if trash and food sources aren't handled correctly.
Skunks and raccoons are the primary culprits. They are active at night, and usually not seen around homes. Residents often find evidence of their activities in the morning.
The odor of skunk is unmistakable and raccoons are notorious for making a mess of garbage. Both live in and near towns, and forage for insects, small mammals, eggs, fruit and pet food.
If one of these two mischief-makers should appear at your home, but find no food or possible den sites, it will probably leave on its own. Otherwise, it may stay as long as the homeowner lets it.
To prevent skunks and raccoons from hanging around, store all garbage in a secure building, and dispose of it regularly. Don't leave pet food outside. Pet food left outside during the night is the main attractant for both skunks and raccoons.
Seal all holes under porches, decks, sheds, and in foundations and crawl spaces to prevent entry. Remove all brush, woodpiles and abandoned junk that could serve as den sites. Doing so will also discourage rodents that may otherwise serve as a food source.
Fence gardens with mesh wire to keep skunks and raccoons out. Regularly pick up and dispose of fruit that has fallen from fruit trees.
People who feed wild animals knowingly often cause problems for neighbors and their pets. Wild animals can transmit diseases to domestic animals or injure them in territorial fights.
If people do find one of the uninvited guests, live traps are available at the Magic Valley Regional Fish and Game Office in Jerome, 868 East Main.
Here are a few other tips to manage the unwanted guests.