Winter is almost here. As the days get shorter and colder, raccoons, squirrels, and other wild animals might want to start wintering in your attic or crawl space to escape the cold. Animals can cause costly damage and potential fire hazards within your home.
Roof Damage and Wintering Animals
Snow and ice can wreak havoc on an already damaged roof, and cause major damage when it starts to melt. Because heat rises, a drafty roof can easily spike your energy bill in the winter. Additionally, animals may exploit roof damage as a way into your home. They may look for damaged areas in the roof and eaves of the home. Animals can often make small holes or damaged areas bigger in order to gain entry. Be sure that your roof is winter-ready.
Animals in the House
Mice, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and more can be common intruders for home attics. Each pest animal brings with it specific issues that can be dangerous to you and your family. Wild animals can create health hazards, structural damage, fire hazards, and drafts. All of these can be dangerous and/or costly issues for you and your family; especially before the holiday season.
Entry Points for Wintering Critters
While we discussed roofs above, there are plenty of other exploitable areas in your home. Cracks in your siding or foundation can be an easy mark for small animals. Rodents are known to fit through holes as small as a dime, but they will generally gnaw to make it bigger. Vents are also high-value targets for some animals. They can hide in the warm tunnels of your vent system. Chimneys can be a good, fairly insulated place for some animals to nest. It is important to check your chimney if it has been a while since you have used it. Be sure to install a chimney cap, or check to make sure your current one is not damaged.