Hire Our Experts to Seal Animal Entry Points in Your Memphis Home
Have you spotted signs of animal entry in your home? Maybe some chewed wiring, holes in the attic or roof, or droppings in your crawl space? Your first thought might be to figure out how they got in and block that entry point, but this process is more involved that most assume. In fact, many act too quickly, sealing the home while the critters are still inside!
For effective wildlife removal and sealing of animal entry points, hire us – we’re Memphis’ trusted animal control experts.
Through the Roof/Chimney
Skilled climbers can access your roof and chimney if there are weak spots. Birds may also nest in roof overhangs, and bats can slip through tiny openings near roof intersections.
Through the Attic
Gaps near the eaves, holes in insulation, or improperly sealed access points make it easy for mice, bats, and even raccoons to enter.
Through the Garage
Garages can be one of the easiest places for animals to enter, especially if the garage door is left open or has gaps at the bottom.
Through the Foundation
Cracks in your foundation, gaps around utility pipes, and openings around basement windows can provide entry points for all kinds of animals.
Through the Vents
Roof vents, soffit vents, and dryer vents can also be an easy way for pests to enter if they aren’t properly screened off. Birds can build nests inside, while rodents can chew through flimsy covers.
Through the Fascia
If your fascia boards become damaged or rotted, they can create openings large enough for squirrels, bats, and birds to squeeze through.
Wildlife Control Near Me: How Are Animals Getting Into My Home?
Most forms of wildlife are smarter than we give them credit for, and can find their way into your home through a variety of sneaky and unexpected entry points. Any small gaps and structural vulnerabilities can make your home an inviting place for rodents, birds, bats, and other critters. What’s most common?
- Through the Fascia: Fascia boards run along the edges of your roof, covering the space where the roof meets the walls. If these boards become damaged or rotted, they can create openings large enough for squirrels, bats, and birds to squeeze through. Even small cracks in the fascia can be an invitation for insects and rodents to gnaw their way in.
- Through the Roof: Many animals (think raccoons and squirrels) are skilled climbers and can easily access your roof – which means that loose shingles, damaged flashing, or unsealed gaps around chimneys can serve as entry points. Birds may also nest in roof overhangs, and bats can slip through tiny openings near roof intersections.
- Through the Vents: Roof vents, soffit vents, and dryer vents provide necessary airflow for your home, but they can also be an easy way for pests to enter if they aren’t properly screened off. Birds may build nests inside, while rodents can chew through flimsy vent covers to gain access to your attic or walls.
- Through the Attic: Your attic offers warmth and seclusion, making it a prime target for animals. Gaps near the eaves, holes in insulation, or improperly sealed access points can allow mice, bats, and even raccoons to enter and make themselves at home.
- Through the Garage: Garages are typically one of the easiest places for animals to enter, especially if the garage door is left open or has gaps at the bottom. Mice, rats, and even larger animals like raccoons can slip inside when you’re not looking, then easily find a way into the rest of your home through gaps in walls or ceilings.
- Through the Foundation: Cracks in your foundation, gaps around utility pipes, and openings around basement windows can provide entry points for all kinds of animals. And, over time, small cracks can widen, making it easier for pests to enter and nest inside crawl spaces or wall voids.
- Through the Socket Gap: Socket gaps – those small spaces left between siding panels – can widen over time, making your home more vulnerable to animal entry. We can seal these spots, so critters can’t enter and cause even more damage.
- Through the Edge Gap: Edge gaps refer to small spaces where building materials meet – like where the roofline meets siding, or where soffits meet exterior walls. These seams can shift or separate over time, creating perfect entry points for pests. We take metal and custom fill in all empty spaces where an animal can enter.
This covers the basics and most common entry points, but there are numerous ways your way home could be vulnerable, which is why hiring an expert to do a wildlife inspection is so important. We’re here to help – reach out to Coopertown today for all of your wildlife control needs near Memphis and beyond.
How Do You Identify & Seal Animal Entry Points in a Home?
The best way to figure out where animals are entering your home is by paying close attention. Monitor the spots you hear the most noise, or if you’ve actually seen the animal, keep a close eye on that area. Keep in mind the following, as you do this:
- Even small holes and cracks can leave you vulnerable. Some animals can squeeze through quarter-sized holes.
- Look for holes that have been chewed open, commonly found in walls, roofing materials, or attics and soffits.
- Sealing interior holes is important, but don’t neglect exterior vulnerabilities, as well. Animals will look at exterior cracks as easy access points.
As for repairing these spots, it’s imperative to hire an expert who knows how to do the job right and guarantee a tight seal. Coopertown Services will cover holes and cracks with animal guards, ensuring nothing is missed or overlooked in the process. We’ll also note any damages to insulation or electrical wires, as well as any droppings or other damage. From removal to clean-up to prevention, we handle it all.
What Are Signs That Animals or Wildlife Are in My Home?
Suspicious of some strange activity in your household and wondering if woodland creatures are to blame? The following signs could indicate you have a wildlife problem:
- Strange Noises: Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds in the walls, attic, or ceiling are common with rodents, raccoons, or bats. As for chirping and squeaking, that usually means you have birds, but could be rodents, as well.
- Droppings or Urine Stains: Rodents will leave behind small, pellet-like droppings, typically in pantries, cabinets, or along baseboards. Larger droppings in an attic or garage usually indicate raccoons, opossums, or squirrels. And any strong ammonia-like urine odor should be triggering those warning bells.
- Gnaw Marks or Property Damage: Animals can leave behind quite a mess – like chewed wires, torn up insulation, or gnawed-on wooden beams. You’ll also want to watch for holes or gnaw marks on food packaging, as well as damaged vent covers.
- Nesting Materials: Spotting piles of leaves, twigs, shredded paper, or fabric in hidden corners? Your home invaders have likely set up a nest, which means some new babies will be in your space soon if you don’t act fast.
- Unusual Pet Behavior: Our pets are pretty intuitive. If your cat or dog is acting restless, barking/meowing a lot, pawing at walls or vents, or fixating on specific areas, there’s a good chance they’re hearing or seeing critters that you’re missing.
- Unpleasant Odors: Any foul, musky smells from hidden areas in your home should be further investigated. Others have noted a strong, decaying odor that often means a dead animal is in the walls or attic. Long story short, if you smell something off, don’t ignore it.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and potential health risks. We’re here to help – reach out now.
How Can I Prevent Animals From Entering My Home?
- Have a sturdy chimney cap installed.
- Invest in metal screening for dryer vents, soffit vents, and exhaust openings.
- Keep overhanging tree branches at least 6 – 8 feet away from your home.
- Clear away leaf piles, woodpiles, and overgrown vegetation.
- Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep pet food in sealed containers and don’t leave it outside overnight.
- Eliminate standing water, and fix leaky hoses or gutters to prevent attracting thirsty wildlife.
- If you eat outdoors, promptly clean up food scraps and grill residue.
- Don’t leave the garage open for extended periods, especially at night.
- Use steel wool or expandable foam to block small openings around utility lines.
- Store boxes and firewood off the ground to prevent hiding spots for rodents.
-Nancy T.
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For Wildlife Prevention Services Near You, Hire Us
Keeping animals out of your home requires a combination of vigilance, regular maintenance, and proactive prevention. By sealing entry points, securing food sources, and maintaining your property, you can reduce the chances of wildlife finding a way inside. If you suspect an animal has already entered your home, call us for humane removal, as well as inspection, disinfecting, and sealing.
Reach out soon with questions or to schedule.
Because we offer comprehensive wildlife services, we’re also happy to remove any nesting materials inside of your home.