Inspect All Openings

Animals can find various entry points in any building and these entry points are in numerous areas that are not always visible to the naked eye. Take a closer look at any and all vents that can be used as an entry point and be sure to pay close attention to your roofing as well.

All it takes is one loose shingle to provide wildlife with the doorway that they need. This becomes especially important during the cold weather months when wildlife is looking to burrow into any small space that they can find. Are there any holes in the siding that need to be closed? What about gaps in the building materials?

These are questions that must be answered if homes, buildings and schools are going to remain safe. Any larger holes need to be covered up immediately and permanent repair is typically going to be in your best interests. Make sure that the materials that are being used in these repairs are chew resistant. Hardware cloth, caulk and steel wool are helpful in this regard.

Keep Gutters & Lawns Clean

Once the weather starts to turn, it can be tough to summon the will to go examine your gutters on a regular basis. Whether you are looking to maintain a home, school or building, this is a key task. The grit and grime that your gutters are known to collect serve as a neon sign for all the unwanted wildlife in your area.

These materials must be cleared away before the wildlife have a chance to show up. If there are any other piles of debris on the property, be sure to remove those as well. Those who store firewood at their home will want to move these materials off the ground. This eliminates several openings that you may not have considered.

Do Not Store Food In Plain Sight

As the old saying goes…if you feed them, they are never going to leave. Wildlife are especially skilled when it comes to locating sources of food and some of these sources may not be the ones that you are thinking of. For example, there are a wide range of wildlife who will particularly enjoy setting up shop in your compost heap.

Schools need to pay close attention to their Dumpsters and make sure that they always remain clear of foodstuffs and stay locked. If a business, school or residence has outdoor trash bins, these also need to be monitored closely. Cables and locks need to be used to secure them. They should also be stored off the ground as much as possible.

Examine All Doors & Windows

All it takes is the slightest crack of daylight to turn your home into a wildlife motel. The same goes for all building owners and school administrators. Even something that seems minor, like a small crack in a window, can provide a doorway for unwanted pests and vermin who are looking for a place to hole up during the winter months.

The chimney of any home or building must also be closed off to keep the pests at bay. If the chimney does not have a chimney cap, the remaining efforts are all for naught. Trimming away tree branches that provide a path for wildlife to come in through the roof or windows is also in your best interests.

Look For Clues Inside

Last but certainly not least, you need to make sure that no wildlife has been able to make their way inside before you can start to seal up the exterior of the structure. Take the time to inspect the inside of your vents and your chimney. If there are any other areas within the interior of the school or business building where wildlife can hide, examine them closely.

There are certain telltale signs that wildlife has already been able to set up shop inside of your home, building or school. Take a closer look at the floors to make sure that there are no droppings. In many instances, these droppings are not always going to be easy to see. Bear this in mind during your search and act accordingly.

If there any outside openings that need to be plugged and you are unsure as to whether you have any wildlife who are trying to get in, plug them with paper and then return a few days later. Has the paper been disturbed in any way? If so, this is usually a sign that you are dealing with a wildlife infestation.

Any signs of activity in your home, building or school? This may be a sign that you require professional assistance. Do not hesitate to contact a professional wildlife control service if you are experiencing continued issues. Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.