Is Something Living in Your Attic?
As temperatures dip and leaves begin to fall, neighborhood critters might seek shelter in the warm and cozy confines of human homes. Before you unknowingly invite a raccoon into your attic eaves, consider these measures to guard your home against the elements.
Seal the Perimeter
Animals will be looking for food, water, and shelter. Search your home’s foundation and seal any holes and gaps larger than the width of a pencil. Don’t forget about the spaces around air conditioning units, dryer vents, door and windows, trim and siding, and porches and decks.
Clear the Clutter
One man’s trash is another creature’s all-you-can-eat buffet or ready-made shelter. Relocate that fresh woodpile stacked against the side of your home and those leftover cardboard boxes in the garage. Seal garbage cans with lids, fence in vegetable gardens, and upgrade to bird feeders with trays to catch seed. Also move pet food indoors and secure doggie doors.
Remember the Roof
Prevent birds from flocking to your home by securing a chimney cap and sealing gable vents. Caulk openings larger than a ¼-inch by ½-inch. Check for branches leaning against your roof, which can act as a superhighway for critters.
If you are visited by uninvited holiday guests, it’s best to call in the pros. Professional animal and pest control experts not only know Texas state and local wildlife regulations, but can also advise you on potential hazards you may not have noticed, such as chewed electrical wire. Think twice about taking this problem into your hands — it could come back to bite you in more ways than one.
Prepare further with this field guide to things that want to eat your home.
© 2015 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
