WILDLIFE AND TRASH
The neighborhoods in Irving are home to many kinds of wildlife that wander through day and night. If you’ve ever woken up to find your trash bags torn open and garbage scattered, you know how frustrating it can be! Whether the culprit is a raccoon, opossum, or even a curious bobcat, hungry animals are often lured by food waste—which can make up nearly 30% of all household trash.
No matter who’s been snooping around your bins, here are some easy, effective ways to keep wildlife out and your curbside area clean and tidy.
Irving Animal Shelter – Wildlife Deterrent Service
Irving Animal Services offers free wildlife deterrent devices for residents and local businesses. Options include ultrasonic deterrents, motion-activated sprinklers, and lights.
You can borrow these devices for up to two weeks at no cost, and instructions will be provided. Borrowers just need to sign a short deterrent agreement. If you find the devices helpful, you can purchase similar ones at local stores.
đź”— Learn more at irvingtx.gov/animal-services
Other Helpful Tips
✨Shine a Spotlight
Leave a porch light on or install a motion-sensor light near your trash area. The sudden brightness can discourage most nighttime visitors.
đź’§Spray It Down
A quick spritz of diluted bleach, Windex, or ammonia on your trash bags can help mask food smells and discourage curious noses.
🌸Mothballs — Not Just for Moths
Raccoons, especially, dislike the scent of mothballs. Sprinkling a few around your trash area may convince them to look elsewhere for dinner.
🗑️Double-Bag It
While it uses a bit more plastic, double-bagging especially smelly garbage helps contain odors that attract wildlife.
🥕Rethink Food Waste
Since food scraps are the main draw, consider composting or freezing them until trash day. Keeping decomposing food out of the bag during the week can make a big difference.
It can be a challenge to outsmart clever critters, but with a few small adjustments, you can help keep your yard clean, your bags intact, and your neighborhood wildlife safely at a distance.
Learn more about freeze damage: https://www.usbg.gov/blog/frostbitten-flora-what-happens-plant-cells-when-it-freezes
Learn more about protecting your plants: https://dallascountymastergardeners.org/freeze-warning-protect-your-plants/
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