KEEPING CRITTERS OUT OF YOUR ATTIC
Soon critters in the area will be sourcing shelter for the winter. Now is the time to make sure your home isn’t inviting them in.
Critters don’t wait until the first snowfall to find shelter, they are sizing up their options as early as August.
VERMIN IN YOUR ATTIC ARE TROUBLE
Critters that enter your attic can be very destructive and wreak havoc on your home. Raccoons and Squirrels for example have very sharp teeth and claws; strong enough to tear through wood and metal.
COSTLY DAMAGE CAN ENSUE
Once in, vermin begin the nesting process which includes gathering materials (often clothing, paper goods and cardboard, or insulation) in order to breed early next spring. They also source out a latrine (yes, it is what you think it is – a place away from the nest to do their business).
VERMIN CARRY INSECTS
Vermin can also be infested with insects including lice, fleas, and mites that can make their way into living spaces below. Once a pack sets up shop in your home, you have a problem. The first thing to do is get rid of them. But this isn’t a do it yourself job. Vermin can also carry rabies and other diseases. Once they are removed, the process of cleaning up the contaminated area is next, and it can be costly depending on how much damage is done.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
Here are some simple things you can do to make your home less attractive to raccoons and other vermin seeking winter shelter.
- Make sure your attic vents, including any attic fan vents are protected with bird and vermin proof screening
- Put gutter guards on the end of your gutters to block vermin access via your gutters
- Cut trees and bushes, remove items that allow vermin easy access to the exterior of your home
- Keep trash cans away from any side of your home
- Do not leave dog food outdoors, and if you want to feed the birds, be sure the feeder is 30ft or more away from your home
- Repair any damaged soffit siding or soffit vents that are loose
- Inspect your roof for damage that could lead to attic access
- Repair any damaged soffit or facia wood
Not sure what is happening in your attic? Call us for a free attic assessment today!