Fall is the time of year when when the leaves fall and the days get short. Wildlife seek out warmer places to escape the cold, mate and nest in order to survive the long winter ahead. However, many animals find it convenient to seek new shelters around humans. That means causing damage in order to gain access into people’s homes, garages and sheds. In order to prevent that from happening, the professionals at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control suggest the following:
- Check your home and property for any entry points wildlife may use
- Clean the gutters and trim back trees
- Seal the windows, front and back, as well as garage doors
- Clean out the garage
Wildlife Control Involves Prevention, And Prevention Involves Sealing Entry Points
This means checking and proofing any weep vents in the brick façade of your house, sealing around HVAC and utility lines and gaps between the siding and foundation, roof and soffits and roof and fascia. Roof vents are also ideal entry points for various critters and should be included in every inspection.
Bird feeders and bird seed that falls to the ground help rodents to survive long wintersClean Your Gutters
The reason why clearing out your gutters is important is because clogged gutters block the drainage of melting snow and rain. As a result, household leaks and damage to foundation and landscape occur. But, more importantly, clogged gutters are very inviting for birds that find such places ideal to build nests. Various bird droppings can cause disease in humans. They can also eat away at car paint and tar-based materials used in roofs. So, grab a garbage bag, a ladder, some rubber gloves and dig in. In order to check your chimney, simply inspect it from the inside with a flashlight and look for nests. This is an easy and simple way to perform some DIY wildlife control and prevention.
Seal Your Windows And Garage Doors
Any gaps in or around home windows, as well as rubber seals on or around home and garage doors, make for ideal entry points for mice and other wildlife. According to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control experts, mice can easily chew through rubber and thin plastic seals, which is why it pays to replace them with more heavy-duty, durable materials like metal. Caulking is another alternative, as it is not only easy to apply but also inexpensive.
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Pro Tip: Perform A Fall Cleaning Of Your Garage
Consider scheduling a fall cleaning of your garage. In addition to re-organizing your belongings, you’ll also have a chance to inspect the nooks and crannies of your garage you don’t often have access to. This way you’ll be able to look for any damage or holes wildlife could use to gain access inside. Remember: being meticulous with your cleaning in the fall provides a wildlife-free winter.
Lastly, keep in mind that there is no substitute for experience. Although you know your own home best, it is still wise to call in the professionals who will perform an expert check of your entire property and identify existing and potential wildlife entry points. The experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control know exactly where and what to look for, which makes them the quickest and safest way to safeguard your home against unwanted invaders this winter. Call Skedaddle today and be the recipient of their lifetime guarantee.