When temperatures outside drop, many wild animals begin searching for nooks and crannies they can use for shelter. The attics, vents, and chimneys of people's homes are some of the preferred places skunks, raccoons, squirrels and other creatures may invade. Conducting an inspection can help prevent this problem, homeowners in Atlanta protect your home from animals this winter by following these tips.
Most of the time, people don't notice these cracks and crevices until they spot an animal using them as a door. Wildlife are very skillful when it comes to seeking out suitable shelter. Conducting a detailed inspection from the foundation to the rooftop is a good way to locate such trouble spots so they can then be fixed.
The best time of year to conduct such an inspection is fall, and it can easily be done at the same time as other cleanup tasks such as clearing debris from gutters and trimming limbs of trees. It is essential to ensure that all animals are out of any spaces in the home before sealing them up, or they can get trapped inside to die and rot.
One will need the following items for inspecting the home; a ladder, binoculars, a flashlight, and a camera to keep track of all entry points. Starting with the foundation, pay close attention to places where different types of building materials join, vents, window wells, and where cables, wires, and pipes enter the house. Damaged, loose, or rotting places on the roof and siding should be investigated thoroughly.
When inspecting an attic, look around for signs such as droppings and nesting materials, if detected, the next step is to locate the point of entry. Exhaust vents, and where the roof intersects the trim are all common spots. The chimney flue also needs to be checked, and if vacant, an animal-proof chimney cap can be installed.
The repair of small openings can be done using copper mesh, caulking, or expandable foam, but a larger one will at least require nailed-down hardware cloth or preferably a professional restoration. Affixing wire mesh helps prevent re-entry, however one must use a heavier gauge to deter larger creatures such as raccoons.
It also helps detract animal visitors if homeowners are careful to secure all garbage and composting bins, and put out trash in the morning instead of at night. Meat scraps should not be composted. Trimming tree branches so they are at least six feet from the house is also advisable.
Most of the time, people don't notice these cracks and crevices until they spot an animal using them as a door. Wildlife are very skillful when it comes to seeking out suitable shelter. Conducting a detailed inspection from the foundation to the rooftop is a good way to locate such trouble spots so they can then be fixed.
The best time of year to conduct such an inspection is fall, and it can easily be done at the same time as other cleanup tasks such as clearing debris from gutters and trimming limbs of trees. It is essential to ensure that all animals are out of any spaces in the home before sealing them up, or they can get trapped inside to die and rot.
One will need the following items for inspecting the home; a ladder, binoculars, a flashlight, and a camera to keep track of all entry points. Starting with the foundation, pay close attention to places where different types of building materials join, vents, window wells, and where cables, wires, and pipes enter the house. Damaged, loose, or rotting places on the roof and siding should be investigated thoroughly.
When inspecting an attic, look around for signs such as droppings and nesting materials, if detected, the next step is to locate the point of entry. Exhaust vents, and where the roof intersects the trim are all common spots. The chimney flue also needs to be checked, and if vacant, an animal-proof chimney cap can be installed.
The repair of small openings can be done using copper mesh, caulking, or expandable foam, but a larger one will at least require nailed-down hardware cloth or preferably a professional restoration. Affixing wire mesh helps prevent re-entry, however one must use a heavier gauge to deter larger creatures such as raccoons.
It also helps detract animal visitors if homeowners are careful to secure all garbage and composting bins, and put out trash in the morning instead of at night. Meat scraps should not be composted. Trimming tree branches so they are at least six feet from the house is also advisable.
About the Author:
Dave L. Weglin has taught safe animal control practices for over 20 years. If you are interested in getting the Best Pest Control in Decatur and Tucker, GA then he recommends you visit his friend at Crocodile Dave
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