Wild Animal Nesting Season: Attics & Home Concerns

Wildlife in the Home: A Growing Concern for Homeowners

As spring approaches, many homeowners find themselves sharing their space with unwelcome guests – wildlife. From attics and chimneys to vents and brush piles, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals seek shelter and nesting places. This influx can lead to property damage, potential health risks, and general disruption. Understanding how to manage these encounters is crucial for protecting your home, and family.

Why Wildlife Enters Homes

Animals are driven to seek shelter, food, and water. Homes provide a safe, dry, and warm environment, especially during inclement weather. In their search, they may exploit cracks in walls, attics, garages, or crawlspaces. Orkin notes that wildlife are always looking for these essential resources.

Potential Problems Caused by Wildlife

• Damage to Property: Animals can chew wires, dig into yards, and cause structural damage.
• Health Risks: Wildlife can spread diseases through droppings, urine, and direct contact.
• Nuisance Issues: Droppings and odors can create unsanitary conditions. Noises from animals scurrying within walls or attics can be disruptive.

Common Wildlife Intruders

• Squirrels: Known for nesting in attics and chewing on electrical wires.
• Raccoons: Often seek shelter in chimneys and can cause significant damage while trying to gain access.
• Birds: May build nests in chimneys, vents, or eaves, creating fire hazards and unsanitary conditions.
• Rodents (Rats & Mice): Can contaminate food sources and spread diseases. Critter Control emphasizes the health risks associated with rodent infestations.
• Opossums: Often found under decks or in crawl spaces.

Professional Wildlife Management Services

Several companies specialize in wildlife management, offering a range of services:

• Inspection: Professionals will inspect your property to identify entry points and signs of animal activity.
• Exclusion: Sealing potential entry points, such as vents, holes, and pipes, to prevent future access. Orkin highlights the importance of exclusion and prevention.
• Removal: Safely removing or capturing animals according to local and state regulations.
• Repellents: Using strategically placed repellents to deter animals from specific areas.
• Cleanup & Repair: Removing droppings and repairing any damage caused by the wildlife.

Companies like Orkin and Critter Control offer these services, ensuring humane and effective wildlife removal.

DIY Deterrents

While professional facilitate is often recommended, homeowners can grab steps to deter wildlife:

• Trim Trees: Cut back tree branches that provide access to the roof. Orkin suggests this as a first step to prevent raccoon access.
• Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks and holes in the foundation and around pipes.
• Install Chimney Caps: Prevent animals from entering chimneys. Critter Control emphasizes the importance of chimney caps to prevent issues like mold spores, diseases, and fire hazards.
• Use Deterrents: Consider using commercially available animal repellents.
• Bird Spikes: Install bird spikes on ledges and other areas where birds perch. Amazon offers various bird and animal deterrent products.

Staying Vigilant

Regularly inspect your property for signs of wildlife activity, such as droppings, unusual noises, or visible damage. Addressing potential problems early can prevent more significant issues down the road. Keeping your property well-maintained and sealed is the best defense against unwanted wildlife encounters.