As Autumn weather is kicking in, it is important to get your home ready for the colder months. Additionally, it is important to protect your home from wild animals that may be looking for a place to stow away for the Winter. This article will provide tips on preparing your home for the season and limiting your chances of having wild animals move in.
Clean Up Fallen Leaves
Fallen leaves can provide plenty of cover for smaller animals to scurry around unseen. Many rodents, such as squirrels, mice, and chipmunks, will hide among leaves to avoid humans and predators. Clearing leaf litter can help deter these critters. But be sure to clean up the piles as you go. Leaving leaf piles in your yard can be a benefit for bigger animals. Snakes, raccoons, opossums, and other critters may use leaf piles to hide out or hunt for prey. Snakes may even den in them. Generally, cleaning up fallen leaves is a good first step to reducing animal activity in your yard. Be sure to continue cleaning up leaf litter as the season continues.
Clean Out the Gutters in Autumn
Leaves and other debris can clog up your gutters. This debris can weigh heavily on your home and cause damage. Wild animals can then exploit damaged areas to gain access to your attic. Additionally, cleaning out your gutters in Autumn will help with drainage from snow later on.
Secure Your Chimney
Chimneys can make excellent dens for pest animals. Unfortunately, Autumn and Winter are also when you need a clear chimney the most. If you do not have a chimney cap, now is a good time to get one. Be sure to check your chimney for denning animals before you cap it.
Changing Your Air Filters in Autumn
Air filters in your home should be changed every 3 months, or sooner. Generally, if you smoke indoors or have pets, you should replace them every 2 months. Replacing your air filters can help keep the air quality in your home cleaner and can make your HVAC system run more efficiently. While air filter maintenance is not necessarily a wildlife prevention issue, damage to your air filter or noticing more grime than usual could be a sign of animals in the ventilation system.
Check Ventilation Fans
Ventilation fans should be inspected before the Summer and the Winter. This helps ensure a steady flow of air from your HVAC systems. Sometimes, wild animals can enter the vents through these openings. Birds may nest on top of central air systems. Rodents may try to enter vent systems to find shelter. Be sure to inspect intake and exhaust vents for signs of animal activity.