What Are the Most Common Entry Points for Wildlife?

Any holes that you have around your home exterior can be entry points for wildlife as small as rodents and bats or as large as raccoons and skunks. Houses have more holes and possible entry points than you might think. In this article we take a look at the most common types of entry points to help you understand the holes that may be present in your home. Problems with wildlife entry are manageable with proper attention through our Skedaddle Scarborough wildlife control and inspection programs.

Roofing Entrances

Roofing is a vulnerable place on the exterior of your house because there are several places where pests can enter, and the hole they find or create may only be visible from your yard if it is severe. Features that break up the straight line of a roof, though visually appealing, are spots where shingles and tiles are the most susceptible to damage because they are difficult to completely seal. Any slight gap in the shingles or flashing at these junctures is enough to make animals decide to move in.

Roof Edges and Eves

Thawing and freezing cycles during winter months soften the wood that covers the edges and eves of your roof. When a rodent finds soft wood, it can easily chew through to create a small entrance. Raccoons and bats commonly chew or rip through soffit as well.

Vents

Vents are a necessary part of a good roofing system because they release the hot air that would otherwise be trapped in your attic. Unfortunately, this release of air is an invitation to animals that can chew through the vent covers.

Chimney Entrances

An uncapped chimney can become an entrance for birds, bats and rodents. Animals are known to build nests inside chimneys, causing a serious hazard the next time a fire is lit.

Wall Entrances

Walls make up such a large percentage of the exterior of your home that there are a lot of opportunities for small gaps of damage to occur. In addition to damaged areas, your walls are vulnerable where vents and plumbing outlets are placed. Rodents are good at chewing through vents and the rubber material that seals plumbing outlets, and the holes they create are small enough that they are not easily visible.

Porch or Deck Entrances

Many wild animals love the dark space under a porch or deck where it stays warm during winter months and cool in the summer. This space attracts rodents, bats and larger animals such as raccoons and skunks. Pests are known to chew or dig their way under a porch or deck.

Scarborough Humane Wildlife Control and Inspections

Regular inspections are necessary to look for holes and signs of entry. A hole large enough to let in raccoons is easier to spot, but a rodent or bat can get through a hole the size of a quarter, so the inspections must be thorough. A tiny hole in a wall or roof, or miniature teeth marks, may be the only signs of entry that are visible. Pest control is about more than a dislike of winged or furry visitors. Wild animals can carry disease and over time they can cause expensive structural damage to your home. The key to protecting your family and home is to take care of existing problems early and prevent additional animals from moving in. Early wildlife prevention strategies are important as it is easy to miss the signs of entry and the best way to take care of the situation is to hire a professional for an inspection.

Schedule an Inspection

Skedaddle technicians are trained to find the signs that an animal has entered your home. We pride ourselves in handling the animals with the utmost care and protecting your home from future invaders. Contact us today for an inspection so you can relax knowing that your home and family are safe.