Animal proofing seems like an easy DIY fix. But, pests are resilient and dedicated to nesting in a warm safe place. By not correctly animal proofing you’re prolonging the problem. Here’s three ways you’re animal proofing your house wrong.

1.  Jumping the gun.

Although your first instinct is to repair the point of entry, it’s important to make sure all wildlife is out of your home first. Spotting one critter could mean a colony or family elsewhere – especially during spring and summer. By locking animals out you could be separating mothers from their babies.

Animals have very strong maternal instincts and will do tremendous amounts of damage to your house in order to get back to their babies. Ripped up shingles, vents and siding are all possible outcomes. You could also end up with dead animals in your attic, walls, or chimney if a frustrated mother decides to abandon them. It’s important to consider what animals you’re dealing with, their biology and the time of year before sealing any point of entry.

Evidence of animals in your home

• Actual sighting.
• Droppings or urine.
• Unusual smells or noises.
• Exterior damage to your roof or siding.

2. Not being diligent.

Wildlife could have multiple entry points into your home. Sealing one will leave others exposed and won’t reduce the problem. Make sure to keep an eye on different high traffic areas and check whether there are holes, cracks or openings on your home’s exterior. It’s important to be aware of any wear and tear to your home. It doesn’t take a very large hole for animals to sneak through. Regularly walk around and inspect your house. Especially heading into fall when wildlife starts looking for warm places to hide.

Common wildlife entry points.

• Weep vents.
• Gaps between building materials.
• Door and window frames.
• Roof vents.
• Soffits

3. The wrong materials.

When repairing any holes make sure to use strong materials. Wildlife will return to the point of entry even after you sealed it. Using a soft plastic, expanding foam or thin won’t keep out wildlife with strong teeth and claws.

They will chew right back in. Pests will mark points of entry with scents so they and the other animals in the neighbourhood know where to return. Also, a shoddy repair job might be a short-term solution, but it won’t prevent wildlife forever. They or others will find a way back in.

Best repair materials.

• Heavy gauge wire screen.
• Silicone sealant.

Grimsby wildlife removal services

If you stumble across wildlife in your home it’s advisable to call a professional. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been wildlife proofing homes since 1989. Get the benefits of our years of practice and avoid mistakes.

We’ll remove any infestations and permanently repair points of entry. Best of all, we guarantee wildlife won’t get back into your home.

Call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today – 1-888-592-0387