City of Heath: How to be more Wiley than the Coyote

HEATH, TX – Jan. 27, 2021 – The City of Heath and Heath DPS are aware of coyote sightings in various Heath neighborhoods and have consulted the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Rockwall County Animal Control. Representatives with both entities note that the combination of Heath being a semi-rural community with cold weather and construction such as the new White Road results in more activity as wildlife seek shelter and food. This increase is becoming more common, even in suburban areas and cities.

The following tips were offered to help protect your household and pets:

• Remove anything that attracts pests and predator animals to your property, such as pet and livestock food dishes that are out in the open
• Mow down tall grass
• Keep pets indoors, or supervise them during the night when they go outside
• Enclose your compost piles
• Seal up any openings under your deck, porch, or shed

Install Fencing

Fencing is the best way to keep your pets in, and coyotes out. Coyotes can jump high, and will dig as well, so fencing should be at least 6 feet tall, and buried a few inches into the ground. Some people also opt for electric fencing.

Install Solar LED Deterrent or Motion Detector Lights

LED predator deterrent lights are available and can help scare coyotes (and other nocturnal predators and pest animals) away from your property. The coyotes will mistake the twin LED lights for the flickering eyes of another unknown predator. To find this product online, search “predator deterrent lighting”.

Republished with permission from City of Heath monthly newsletter.

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