As winter approaches, wild animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and skunks start looking for a warm place to call home. Small cracks in the attics, chimneys, and vents of houses are very attractive to these creatures when it comes to finding shelter. An inspection can help determine if this is a problem so it can be fixed, residents of Atlanta protect your home from animals this winter by following this guide.
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.
Fall is the ideal time of year to do an inspection, and it can be combined with other outdoor work such as trimming tree limbs and cleaning gutters. It is very important to make sure that there are no animals already living inside any of these places before they are sealed up, as they will get trapped, die, and decompose if this happens.
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.
In attics, a tell-tale sign of animals are droppings and torn up nesting materials on the ground. Once it has been determined that creatures are present, one must scout out the place through which they entered, usually near an exhaust vent or where the roof meets the trim. Looking inside the chimney flue to make sure nothing is living inside is also recommended, then it can be capped off.
Small openings can usually be filled with either expandable foam, copper mesh, or caulking. While larger ones will need to be patched with hardware cloth or fixed permanently by a professional. The type of species of wildlife can also determine how the damage is addressed, wire mesh flashing will work against squirrels and raccoons, but a stronger gauge is required for the latter.
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.
Fall is the ideal time of year to do an inspection, and it can be combined with other outdoor work such as trimming tree limbs and cleaning gutters. It is very important to make sure that there are no animals already living inside any of these places before they are sealed up, as they will get trapped, die, and decompose if this happens.
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.
In attics, a tell-tale sign of animals are droppings and torn up nesting materials on the ground. Once it has been determined that creatures are present, one must scout out the place through which they entered, usually near an exhaust vent or where the roof meets the trim. Looking inside the chimney flue to make sure nothing is living inside is also recommended, then it can be capped off.
Small openings can usually be filled with either expandable foam, copper mesh, or caulking. While larger ones will need to be patched with hardware cloth or fixed permanently by a professional. The type of species of wildlife can also determine how the damage is addressed, wire mesh flashing will work against squirrels and raccoons, but a stronger gauge is required for the latter.
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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