5 Ways To Animal Proof Your Home
As the seasons change and animals start to look for warmer and more sheltered spots to den, many homeowners find themselves dealing with unwanted critters in their homes. Whether it's a raccoon in the attic, a squirrel in the walls, or a mouse in the kitchen, animal infestations can be frustrating and costly. However, there are steps you can take to animal-proof your home and prevent these unwanted visitors from taking up residence.
Animals are attracted to homes that offer food, shelter, and water, so the key to animal-proofing your home is to eliminate these attractants and seal off any entry points. Here are five ways to animal-proof your home:
1. Seal All Entry Points
One of the most effective ways to animal-proof your home is to seal all entry points. This includes holes and gaps around pipes, vents, and chimneys, as well as any openings around doors and windows. Use steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam to seal these gaps and prevent animals from squeezing through.
Common Entry Points to Check
- Holes and gaps around pipes and vents
- Openings around doors and windows
- Loose or missing roof shingles
- Gaps around chimneys and furnace vents
- Cracks in the foundation or walls
2. Remove Food Sources
Animals are attracted to homes that offer food, so removing food sources is an important step in animal-proofing your home. This includes:
- Storing pet food and bird seed in secure containers
- Keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills
- Removing any potential food sources from your yard, such as pet food, bird seed, and compost piles
- Keeping your trash cans tightly sealed and storing them in a secure location
Tips for Removing Food Sources
- Store pet food and bird seed in secure containers with tight-fitting lids
- Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and spills
- Remove any potential food sources from your yard
- Keep your trash cans tightly sealed and store them in a secure location
3. Install Deterrents
Installing deterrents is another effective way to animal-proof your home. This can include:
- Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellent devices
- Predator decoys, such as fake owls or snakes
- Physical barriers, such as fencing or netting
- Repellent granules or sprays
Tips for Installing Deterrents
- Choose deterrents that are specific to the type of animal you're trying to deter
- Install deterrents in areas where animals are most likely to enter your home
- Use a combination of deterrents for maximum effectiveness
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trimming trees and shrubs is an important step in animal-proofing your home. This can help to:
- Remove branches and limbs that provide access to your roof or walls
- Reduce the attractiveness of your yard to animals
- Improve visibility and make it easier to spot potential entry points
Tips for Trimming Trees and Shrubs
- Trim trees and shrubs to a height of at least 10 feet from your roof or walls
- Remove any dead or diseased branches or limbs
- Consider hiring a professional arborist to trim your trees and shrubs
5. Install Animal-Proof Screening
Installing animal-proof screening is a final step in animal-proofing your home. This can include:
- Screening vents and chimneys to prevent animals from entering
- Installing hardware cloth or metal screening around pipes and vents
- Using animal-proof screening to cover any openings around doors and windows
Tips for Installing Animal-Proof Screening
- Choose screening material that is durable and long-lasting
- Install screening in areas where animals are most likely to enter your home
- Use a combination of screening materials for maximum effectiveness
By following these five steps, you can effectively animal-proof your home and prevent unwanted critters from taking up residence. Remember to be patient and persistent, as animal-proofing can be an ongoing process. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can keep your home safe and secure from animal intruders.
What are some common animal entry points?
+Common animal entry points include holes and gaps around pipes and vents, openings around doors and windows, loose or missing roof shingles, gaps around chimneys and furnace vents, and cracks in the foundation or walls.
What are some effective animal deterrents?
+Effective animal deterrents include motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellent devices, predator decoys, physical barriers, and repellent granules or sprays.
How can I prevent animals from entering my attic?
+To prevent animals from entering your attic, trim trees and shrubs to a height of at least 10 feet from your roof, install animal-proof screening around vents and chimneys, and seal any gaps or holes in your roof or walls.