10 Things That’ll Attract Wildlife to Your House Fast
Living on land means you’re going to see wildlife—but you don’t want it too close to the house. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to accidentally invite them in. These are the things that bring unwanted critters straight to your door.
Pet Food Left Outside
Leaving dog or cat food on the porch is an open invitation. Raccoons, possums, skunks, and even coyotes will come sniffing around.
If you feed animals outdoors, bring the food in after mealtime. Even spilled kibble can attract nighttime visitors you don’t want hanging around.
Unsealed Trash or Compost
Trash cans without tight lids or open compost piles will draw everything from rats to bears depending on where you live. The smell travels far.
Use locking lids, secure your bins, and keep any compost at a distance from the house. Don’t assume a raccoon can’t open a basic trash can—they absolutely can.
Standing Water or Bird Baths
Still water attracts birds, yes—but also mosquitoes, snakes, and all kinds of other wildlife looking for a drink.
Keep birdbaths fresh and clean. Dump water out of buckets, containers, and clogged gutters to avoid giving critters a reason to hang around.
Uncovered Crawl Spaces or Vents
If your foundation has a gap, vent, or opening without a screen, it won’t take long before something moves in. Skunks and cats love crawl spaces, and snakes aren’t picky.
Check every access point under your house and screen or seal it off before something finds it and makes itself at home.
Feeders That Spill Seed
Bird feeders are great until the seed spills onto the ground. Then you’re feeding squirrels, rodents, and possibly raccoons or deer.
Keep feeders tidy and use a tray underneath to catch extra seed. If you see wildlife showing up daily, you may need to relocate it further from the house.
Woodpiles Up Against the Wall
Stacked firewood is the perfect home for mice, snakes, spiders, and more. If it’s touching your house, they’ve got a straight shot inside.
Keep woodpiles a few feet away from any exterior wall and lift them off the ground if possible. That extra space keeps pests from nesting where you don’t want them.
Open Garage or Shed Doors
If your outbuildings stay open all the time, you’re giving wildlife shelter—especially during extreme heat or cold.
Close doors at night and during the day when not in use. You’d be surprised how quickly a raccoon or possum can make itself comfortable inside.
Fruit Trees or Garden Scraps Close to the House
Dropped fruit, rotting veggies, and leftover garden scraps attract more than just bugs. Deer, hogs, raccoons, and rodents will start treating your yard like a buffet.
Pick up fallen produce regularly and compost well away from the house. Fencing helps, but keeping things tidy makes a big difference.
Dog Waste Left in the Yard
It’s gross, but wildlife like coyotes, foxes, and even some birds are drawn to areas with dog feces. It signals other animals and adds scent markers they’ll follow.
Clean up dog messes often, especially near the house. It’s one of those chores that helps with both hygiene and pest control.
Outdoor Grills or Food Smells
Leftover grease, crumbs, and food smells on your grill can attract animals fast—especially if the wind carries it across the yard.
Clean your grill after use, and don’t store it right against the house if possible. Some animals will come right up on your deck if they smell something worth checking out.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
