Keep Unwanted Furry Friends Off Your Investment Property

Keep Unwanted Furry Friends Off Your Investment Property: A Guide for Landlords

As a property owner, the safety and well-being of your tenants, and the condition of your property—should always be a priority. While you may think of your biggest threats as human tenants, unwanted furry visitors can also pose serious problems for your rental property. Feral cats, raccoons, and even homeless individuals can cause damage to your property, spread diseases, and create an unpleasant living environment for your tenants.

Luckily, there are several proactive steps you can take to keep these unwanted guests away and protect your investment. This guide will walk you through how to handle and prevent unwanted animals from causing harm to your rental property.

Feral Cats: A Common, but Manageable Problem

Feral cats can be a significant issue for rental properties, especially in urban or semi-rural areas. These cats often create messes, carry diseases, and bring fleas and ticks into the environment. Fortunately, keeping feral cats away is relatively simple with the right preventive measures.

Here are some tips for keeping feral cats off your property:

• Secure Trash Cans: Cats are often attracted to trash, so ensure that your trash bins are sealed tightly. If your tenants leave food out or improperly dispose of waste, it may attract feral cats to your property.
  
• Citrus-Based Sprays: Cats dislike citrus smells. Consider spraying citrus-based solutions around the perimeter of your property. This natural repellent can help deter cats from lingering around.
  
• Block Off Shelters: If there are areas under decks or in other secluded places where cats might seek shelter, block them off to prevent access.
  
• Plant Lavender: Cats dislike the scent of lavender. Planting lavender around your property can provide a natural deterrent while enhancing the beauty of your landscaping.
• Install Timed Sprinklers: A simple sprinkler system, set to activate when feral cats are nearby, can be a highly effective way to keep cats off your property. Sprinklers can be set to run at night when the cats are most active.

By implementing these methods, you can significantly reduce the chances of attracting feral cats to your property and minimize the risk of damage.

Raccoons: Protecting Your Property and Tenants

Raccoons can be just as troublesome, and they come with their own set of challenges. These nocturnal creatures can wreak havoc on your property, knocking over trash cans, digging up lawns, and even damaging roofs and wiring. Raccoons also pose a health risk by carrying diseases such as rabies and salmonella.

To keep raccoons away, consider the following tips:

• Secure Trash Bins: Just like with feral cats, raccoons are often drawn to trash. Ensure your trash bins are secure and placed in a way that raccoons cannot access them. You may also want to invest in animal-proof bins.
• Treat the Lawn for Grubs: Raccoons love to dig up lawns in search of grubs. Treating your lawn for grubs can reduce the food source for raccoons, making your property less appealing to them.
• Use Yard Guard Devices: Devices that emit sound waves that irritate raccoons, but are inaudible to humans, can be an effective deterrent. These ultrasonic sounds will encourage the raccoons to find quieter environments.
• Install Light Sensors: Motion-activated lights can also discourage raccoons from entering your property. The sudden light exposure will likely scare them off, preventing them from staying in the area.
• Apply Repellents: There are various commercial repellents available that can be applied around your property’s exterior to help keep raccoons at bay. Be sure to follow all safety instructions when using these products.

By following these steps, you can create a raccoon-free environment and reduce the risk of damage to your property.

Homelessness and Trespassing: How to Protect Your Property

Homelessness is a significant issue in many areas, particularly in places like California. While it’s essential to show compassion, it’s also important to protect your rental property and your tenants from the negative effects of trespassing and illegal camping. Homeless individuals may damage property, create unsanitary conditions, or scare away potential tenants.

Here’s how you can handle this issue:

• Post No Trespassing Signs: Clearly visible no trespassing signs on your property will make it clear that the area is private and trespassing is not allowed.
• Contact Authorities if Necessary: If individuals begin to trespass on your property, don’t hesitate to contact the local authorities to handle the situation. It’s crucial to remain within the bounds of the law when addressing trespassing.
• Hire a Property Management Company: If you’re struggling to manage the situation on your own, hiring a property management company can provide added support. They can handle these issues efficiently and legally, keeping your property and tenants safe.

Contact Beachfront Property Management protecting your investment and keeping your rental property safe, secure, and worry-free.