Tips for Wildlife-Proofing Your Home

Long summer days bring sunshine, adventure—and plenty of wildlife activity. Whether you own a home in Calgary, Red Deer County, or Whitehorse, the warmer months are when animals of all sizes become more active, searching for food, shelter, and sometimes finding their way onto your property.

At Acuity Advantage, we know from experience that protecting your home from wildlife risks is not just a winter concern. We have seen firsthand how quickly small oversights can turn into big problems, especially during the active summer months. Our professional Home Watch services are built on years of hands-on knowledge, safeguarding properties year-round and giving homeowners true peace of mind. We are here to share what we have learned and help you stay one step ahead.

The following are some of our top tips for wildlife-proofing your home.

Understand Your Regional Wildlife Risks

Wildlife risks vary by location:

• Calgary: Within city limits, encounters are typically limited to bobcats, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and foxes, especially near green spaces or city edges.

• Red Deer County: The rural mix increases sightings of deer, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and occasionally bears—especially in the active summer months.

• Whitehorse: Wildlife is part of daily life, with bears, moose, foxes, squirrels, and birds frequently roaming near homes, particularly when food is abundant.

Knowing which animals are common in your area helps tailor your prevention efforts effectively.

A Real Life Reminder

Even urban homeowners are not immune. One of our valued Calgary clients recently experienced the heartbreaking loss of their dog, Chip, in a coyote attack at their home. Their story was featured by CityNews Calgary as a powerful reminder of the growing presence of wildlife even in developed neighborhoods: CityNews Calgary – Family mourns pet lost to coyote attack in SW Calgary.

We are grateful to the family for allowing us to share their experience to help raise awareness and prevent future tragedies.

Secure Your Property Against Larger Animals

If you live in bear country or areas with larger wildlife, take these precautions:

• Use bear-proof garbage bins and avoid leaving trash out overnight.

• Remove bird feeders during peak bear season.

• Thoroughly clean and store BBQs; cover and secure if left outside.

• Keep pet food indoors.

• Harvest gardens promptly to prevent attracting wildlife.

• Avoid scented outdoor items like candles and certain decorations.

• Clean up after outdoor gatherings.

• Install motion-sensing lights, noise devices, or electric fencing where allowed.

These steps significantly reduce the chance of a large animal wandering onto your property.

Protect Against Small Critters

While large animals can cause obvious damage, smaller creatures like raccoons, squirrels, and skunks can quietly create havoc:

• Seal gaps in attics, vents, crawl spaces, and under decks.

• Inspect and maintain fences, sheds, and garages.

• Lock pet doors when unattended.

• Secure compost, garden produce, and pet food.

• Keep compost piles well-managed and remove outdoor food scraps.

Proactively addressing small-entry points helps prevent infestations before they escalate.

Maintain Yard and Exterior Spaces

Your yard can unintentionally invite wildlife:

• Trim shrubs and mow grass regularly.

• Pick up fallen fruit or nuts from backyard trees.

• Clear brush piles, wood stacks, and unused debris.

• Monitor ponds, fountains, and birdbaths for signs of animal activity.

In regions like Whitehorse, overgrown or dry vegetation can also increase wildfire risks. Regular maintenance not only deters wildlife but helps safeguard your home from fire hazards and signals to would-be intruders that the property is cared for.

Watch for Seasonal Weather and Mechanical Issues

Even in summer, sudden storms, hail, or high winds can damage roofs, windows, and outdoor structures. Power outages can disable alarms, sump pumps, or fridges, leading to spoilage or flooding.

Additionally, thawing and shifting in seasonal transitions can trigger leaks in plumbing, irrigation, or HVAC systems.

Acuity Advantage’s scheduled property checks help catch these issues early, ensuring that appliances function properly, leaks are detected, and damages are reported before they worsen.

Stay on Top of Summer Projects and Renovations

Many homeowners use summer to schedule renovations or yard improvements—but who keeps an eye on things while you are away?

Our Certified Home Watch Professionals can act as your on-site contact, monitoring vendor progress and ensuring work is completed safely and to your standards.

Trust Acuity Advantage for Peace of Mind

Whether you are away for a few days or several weeks, Acuity Advantage provides detailed reports, prompt communication, and proactive property care. We tailor our Home Watch services to your region, inspecting for wildlife vulnerabilities, storm damage, mechanical failures, and more—so you can fully enjoy your summer adventures knowing your home is secure.

If you suspect a bear, cougar, or other large predator near your home, always contact local wildlife authorities. Never attempt to handle these situations yourself.

Want to learn more about how we can help protect your home this summer? Reach out today for a complimentary consultation.