As the crisp air of fall sets in and temperatures begin to drop, many animals instinctively seek shelter from the coming winter. This often leads them to look for warm, safe spaces in and around human homes. Rodents, squirrels, raccoons, bats, and other wildlife creatures can pose a significant challenge for homeowners during the fall season, seeking refuge in attics, basements, and crawlspaces. To prevent these uninvited guests from making themselves at home, it’s essential to take proactive steps to secure your property and protect your home from http://micecontroloakville.ca/ potential damage or health risks.
One of the most common ways wildlife gains entry into homes is through gaps or cracks in exterior walls. As temperatures drop, animals seek any opening that can provide warmth and shelter. Oriented Pest Control experts recommend conducting a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, checking for any holes, cracks, or gaps, especially around windows, doors, and utility lines. Sealing these entry points with weatherproof caulking or foam insulation is a key preventive measure. It’s also crucial to check and repair any damaged roof shingles, chimneys, and vents, as these can also serve as easy entry points for wildlife.
Another critical area to address is the attic. Rodents and other animals, like raccoons and squirrels, are adept climbers and can easily access attics through trees, power lines, or overhanging branches. Keeping tree branches trimmed and away from your home can greatly reduce the chances of these animals gaining access to your roof or attic. Installing chimney caps and securing attic vents with metal mesh will help prevent larger wildlife from squeezing through and taking up residence.
Wildlife is also attracted to easy food sources. Pet food, birdseed, compost piles, and even trash cans can draw animals closer to your home. Storing these items in secure containers, cleaning up fallen fruit or seeds from trees, and regularly taking out the trash can reduce attractants that encourage wildlife to linger around your property. For those who feed birds in the fall, it’s important to clean feeders and remove any spilled seeds to avoid attracting unwanted guests.
Finally, Oriented Pest Control advises homeowners to be vigilant when it comes to any signs of wildlife activity in and around their home. Noises in the attic, droppings, or signs of gnawing or damage to insulation or wiring should be promptly addressed. If you suspect an infestation or are unsure how to proceed with sealing entry points, it’s always wise to call in a professional wildlife control service.
By taking these preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of wildlife entering your home during the fall months, ensuring a safer, more comfortable living space as the weather cools down.
