When it comes to wildlife intrusions, prevention is the best solution. There are many reasons why homeowners should prevent wildlife intrusion. When critters find a way into your home, you could end up with significant and costly damage—to your electrical wiring, your drywall, your pipes, your insulation, your valuables, and more. It can also put the health and safety of your family and pets at risk. Wildlife can carry many different parasites, diseases, and viruses that can be passed on to you through bites, scratches, saliva, skin cells, urine, and feces.
So what can you do to prevent wild animals from entering your home? Use these tips.
Install a Chimney Cap
If your home has chimneys, then you should install chimney caps to prevent entry into your home. Animals often use chimneys as a safe nesting spot because theyare warm and secluded, and protect them from the elements.
In addition, be sure to inspect your chimney flashing and replace it if necessary in order to prevent squirrels and other small animals from using the weak flashing to get into your attic.
Cover Your Roof Vents
Roof vents are common entry points for wildlife. Make sure that all vents that are near to an exit in your roof have steel or mesh covers on them. Many animals can chew through weaker materials. The vents you should worry most about protecting are your appliance vents, plumbing vents, and gable vents.
Install Drip Edge
In many older homes, there is a natural, unsealed gap where the edge of the roof deck meets the fascia board. Installing drip edge is one of the most effective was to prevent the intrusion of wildlife, yet many homeowners do not realize that they are offering animals easy access into their home because these holesare hidden. If the drip edge isn’t sealed, however, big and small animals alike can easily lift up the shingles and widen the gap to squeeze through.
Secure Your Porch and Deck
Animals will naturally gravitate to the secluded, dark, and cozy space underneath your ground-level deck or front porch. Skunks, raccoons, foxes, groundhogs, opossums, chipmunks, and many other wildlife are known to nest in these areas, and some can seriously undermine the structure and integrity of the space.
A wooden lattice isn’t usually enough to keep these animals out. Install galvanized mesh and make sure to bury it several inches below the ground.
Landscape
Effective landscaping can also prevent some wildlife from gaining entry into your home. Maintain short grass to provide less cover for animals like mice and snakes. Remove overhanging branches near your home to prevent raccoons and squirrels from easily accessing your roof. Removing certain types of trees can also discourage critters from coming onto your property for berries and other food sources.
Replace Loose Mortar and Weather Stripping
Replacing loose mortar and weather stripping around windows and the basement foundation can also help homeowners effectively prevent intrusions. Otherwise, cunning animals can bite or tear through them and gain entry.
Caulk
Inspect the outside of your home to discover any holes or cracks that small animals might be able to use to get into your home. Seal up gaps between soffits and bricks, as well as between valley tops and bottoms with caulking.
Remove Trash
Animals are attracted to food, so it’s important to store your garbage in tight containers that they cannot reach. Keep pet food inside and don’t leave food out in the kitchen. Make it less tempting for animals to come in.
Homeowners who are proactive and take care to wild-proof their homes can prevent the damage, costs, and safety risks that come with wildlife intrusions.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!