Tips to Keep Rochester Wildlife from Crashing Your Holiday Party

Planning a holiday party should be all about festive decorations, delicious food, and good cheer with friends and family—not worrying about unexpected wildlife guests! From raccoons to squirrels, unwelcome critters can quickly turn your holiday celebration into a chaotic scene. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent wildlife from making an appearance.

Here are some practical tips to ensure your party is fur and feather-free!

1. Secure Your Trash

Wildlife is often lured by the smell of discarded food. Use sturdy trash bags and keep them sealed in a lidded bin, ideally stored in a garage or shed. If a bin isn’t available, double-bag waste and keep it elevated or out of reach.

2. Keep Food Indoors

Outdoor tables filled with food are an open invitation for animals. Serve your meals indoors or ensure all food items left outside are covered and attended. Once guests finish eating, promptly clean up leftovers, crumbs, and spills.

3. Seal Entry Points

If your party extends to patios or other areas near your home, check for open doors or windows that might tempt curious critters. Use screens when needed and close any small gaps under doors or around the perimeter.

4. Avoid Feeding Birds During the Party

While some enjoy feeding birds as part of their outdoor space, birdseed can attract other—and less welcome—visitors. Save bird feeding for another day to avoid uninvited guests like squirrels, raccoons, or rodents.

5. Use Outdoor Lighting Strategically

Bright, well-lit areas often deter nocturnal animals. Consider setting up additional outdoor lighting around your party area or in places where animals might approach.

6. Play Deterrent Sounds

Portable speakers or sound clips can help keep wildlife away. High-frequency noise or movement-triggered devices are especially effective for warding off animals while keeping your party ambiance intact.

7. Decorate with Purpose

Strong-scented candles, citrus decorations, or plants like peppermint can act as natural repellents for some animals. You can add a little holiday charm while keeping critters at bay.

8. Inform Guests

Communicate with your guests in advance about keeping food and drinks secure, especially if there are children attending who may accidentally drop scraps or leave plates unattended outside.

9. Clean Up Promptly

Once the party winds down, clear all leftovers, secure trash, and clean up spills. Leaving food or drink remnants overnight practically guarantees a visit from wildlife.

Enjoy your party knowing that both your home and your guests are safe from unexpected animal interruptions! Taking just these small precautions can help you focus on what matters—enjoying the holiday season with loved ones.