Entertaining guests is something most of us enjoy, but what if you discover you’re hosting unwanted guests of the wildlife variety? From mice to bats to racoons, a variety of wild animals can decide to move into our homes. Finding wildlife in your house can be an unsettling experience. Fortunately, you can proactively protect your home from those unwelcome guests. Follow these tips for keeping wildlife out of your home and maintaining your comfortable living space with invited visitors only.
Seal entry points to keep wildlife out.
Seal Entry Points
Animals can enter homes through surprisingly small spaces, so it’s essential to inspect your home for any cracks, holes, or gaps where they might get in. Focus on windows, doors, foundations, attics, and crawl spaces. Some easy solutions can secure these areas. For example, apply weatherstripping around windows and doors to cover gaps. Smaller openings can be sealed with caulk or foam insulation. For larger holes or vents, install durable hardware cloth or metal mesh.
Additionally, open doors and windows provide easy access for wildlife—unattended garages are especially inviting. To prevent animals from nesting inside, avoid leaving your garage door open for extended periods.
Maintain Your Roof and Attic
Loose shingles and gaps between the roof and walls can provide welcoming entry points for animals. Check your roof periodically for wear and fix any gaps immediately. Also, ensure all attic vents and exhaust fans are securely screened to prevent bats, birds, and other creatures from entering.
Regularly inspect your attic for signs of animals, such as droppings, chewed wood, or damaged wires. Remember that animal droppings can carry harmful diseases, so proper removal is crucial. Always contact a professional if you discover droppings anywhere in your home.
Keep landscaping trimmed and control food sources.
Control Food Sources
Wildlife is drawn to food. Consequently, managing food sources around your home is imperative. If you have outdoor pets, bring food and water bowls inside each night. To avoid attracting unwanted animals, store pet food in sealed containers indoors. Hang bird feeders away from the house, and clean up any spilled food daily. Bird seed is a favorite snack among chipmunks and squirrels.
Gardens and potted vegetable plants are also appealing food sources. Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables promptly, and consider adding a fence around your garden to help keep animals out.
Make Landscaping Adjustments
Debris and piles of leaves, wood, or compost can attract wildlife looking for shelter or food. To keep animals away from your home, store firewood at least 20 feet away, and trim branches so they are at least 6 to 8 feet from your roof. Trees and vegetation close to the house provide easy access for squirrels and raccoons.
For additional security, installing motion-sensor lights around your home can deter nocturnal animals from approaching your home and potential entry points.
Secure Your Chimney
Install a chimney cap to prevent birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals from entering your home through the chimney. During the spring and summer months, keep your chimney clean to discourage animals from nesting. Periodic chimney inspections by a professional can ensure that your fireplace stays secure and wildlife free.
Schedule routine pest inspections.
Schedule Routine Pest Control
Routine pest inspections help your home stay animal and bug free. Professionals can identify early signs of potential problems and proactively treat them. There are a variety of pest companies in our area that can discuss a plan for your home and needs.
If you prefer natural pest repellent DIY solutions, there are some options for you. Certain plants and scents, like mint, marigolds, peppermint, and cayenne pepper, can be used to create a barrier around entry points and deter some animals. When you need extra help, there are pest control companies that specialize in environmentally-friendly treatment.
Keeping Your Home Secure
Finding any unwanted animal in your home is disconcerting. The good news is that wildlife can be safely removed and excluded from your house. If you do find wildlife inside, contact a wildlife specialist to ensure your safety and that of the animal.
By regularly checking for possible entry points, keeping your yard maintained, and scheduling pest inspections, you can reduce the risk of wildlife entering your home. Some of these tips require professional attention, and we can help connect you with trusted service providers.
If you’re ready to start entertaining invited guests in a new home, start your home search here at srmfre.com. Our agents are ready to help you find your next home in Richmond, Williamsburg, and the Irvington areas; give us a call at (804) 288-2100 or (757) 603-3001.