Raccoons and squirrels love to nest in attics because they are safe and warm. They won’t come and harm you but letting these animals nest in the home will cause a ton of damage. Urine will accumulate and seep through the ceiling. Feces will dirty the insulation and render it useless. Animals may even chew on electrical wires, risking fire and power outages.
So, how do you prevent this? Raccoon removal Whitby experts recommend that you get rid of all food sources, maintain the roof, and cover entry points with mesh. For stubborn wildlife, try using deterrents.
Here’s how you can protect your attic from wildlife.
Get Rid of All Food Sources
Raccoons are omnivores that will get into everything. So, maintain your yard. Pick up fallen fruit, mow the lawn, and limit the amount of bird seed you leave out. Cover the barbecue and clean up after a meal outside. Limiting the amount of food there is outside will reduce your likelihood of getting raccoons in the attic.
Likewise, you should switch to lidded garbage bins that you can lock and tie down with bungee cords. Store them in a shed, garage, or other structure if you can. You should also keep them clean to reduce odors.
If you like to grow vegetables, you can protect your plants by making raised garden beds and using lids. Lids made of mesh keep skunks and raccoons out while preventing rodents from chewing their way through. Simple row covers may also prove useful.
Cover Entry Points with Mesh
Making the yard less attractive is the first step. The next one is to physically protect your roof from an invasion. Cover roof vents, plumbing mats, and chimneys with a durable mesh. Galvanized steel that is 16-gauge or thicker works best. The tighter the mesh, the better you will be protected from rodents. Screw the mesh right into the roof to keep raccoons out.
Don’t forget to protect your soffits, too. Seal any gaps you find along the edges of your soffits to prevent mice from climbing up the wall and into the attic. Bats are no strangers to these gaps, either. Use a silicone caulking or narrow mesh that will keep those tiny critters out.
If it’s too dangerous, contact a local wildlife removal company. Many companies offer exclusion services in addition to wildlife removal. Look for a company that is insured and well-reviewed. Some companies also offer warranties, so if a raccoon does break through, the company will return to fix the problem.
Use Deterrents
There are certain smells that help to keep wildlife away. Try mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a drop of dish soap, then spray the mixture along the edges of your soffits and flower beds. Diluted hot sauce will also work well in the garden.
Alternatively, you can set up some electronic deterrents that will irritate wildlife when they come near. Try a motion-activated deterrent that sprays water or makes an ultrasonic noise and place it near the roof.
Contact a Wildlife Removal Company for Help
Many wildlife removal companies offer exclusion services in addition to removal. This means they will cover entry points for you. Professionals have all the safety equipment and training necessary to reach the roof safely. They can protect your roof with wildlife-proof materials that will last for many years.
If you are currently struggling with a wildlife invasion, do not hesitate to give the professionals a call. They can remove the animal safely, humanely, and permanently. Wild animals have their place in the ecosystem, but they should stay out of the house.
