As cool weather approaches, we are all looking forward to spending time outdoors and enjoying the fall season. While we are enjoying the time outside, some unwanted pests could be enjoying the indoors of our home. Animals such as squirrels, mice, and opossums start to search for warm habitats in preparation for the winter months. Your home is the perfect place for these animals to find refuge and provides them easy access to food and water.
Before the fall season turns into winter and becomes even colder, it’s important to start your preparations early enough to prevent animal intruders from getting inside your house. Keep nuisance pests out with these fall wildlife prevention tips.
Make Sure It’s Sealed!
Screened attic vents and openings in chimneys provide ideal openings wildlife can use enter your home. Creatures like raccoons, squirrels, and birds can easily sneak in and make your home theirs! Ensure that the attic vents and chimneys are fully screened and sealed off.
Cracks and crevices on the outside of your home are other easy access points these animals can get into. Check for holes on the exterior of your home, especially around utility pipes. Rodents, including mice and rats, can easily fit through these openings, even ones as small as a dime! If you spot a hole, try using caulk and steel wool to seal it up.
Clean It Up!
Wildlife love food and your garbage can provide them plenty of food sources! Make sure your garbage can isn’t overflowing. Try to clean up after each meal and properly close garbage cans whether they are stored inside or outside! Keep your exterior garbage cans secure by locking their lids overnight.
Clogged gutters can block the drainage of rain and melting snow. This can not only cause damage to your home but can also invite wildlife (like birds) to build their nests in. Check to make sure your gutters are clean and your downspouts are far from your foundation. Consider investing in a gutter care system that will further protect gutters from animal nesting and keep them free of leaves and debris.
Tidy Up the Yard!
Some wildlife, like squirrels, are known to use tree branches to gain access to the roof. This gives them an easy guide to the inside of your home through the attic or any other openings. Be sure to cut your tree limbs or branches that are hanging too close to the foundation and roof.
Cleaning up leaf piles, brush, and debris can also help prevent small animals from invading. When cleaning up these piles, put them in sealed waste bags and store them in the garage until garbage day. Additionally, make sure your firewood is stored at least 2 feet off the ground to keep animals from nesting underneath.
Preventing wildlife from entering your property can be difficult and sometimes can even feel impossible. If you are constantly having to keep these animals out, consider contacting a professional wildlife control company. These professionals can inspect your home, identify the entry points, safely remove these animals, and prevent them from entering in the future!