Your home is your sanctuary, but without proper precautions, wildlife can find its way inside. From squirrels in the attic to raccoons in the garage, these uninvited guests can cause costly damage, spread diseases, and disrupt your peace of mind. Sealing your home is the key to keeping wildlife out, protecting both your property and family.

This guide will walk you through identifying potential entry points, the tools you’ll need, and how to secure your home step-by-step. Take action now to enjoy a wildlife-free, safe, and comfortable home.

Identifying Common Entry Points

Wildlife can enter your home through even the smallest of openings, so it’s important to thoroughly inspect and seal any potential entry points. Here are some common areas where wildlife may try to sneak in:

Attic vents: These are often large enough for small animals to squeeze through.
Chimneys: Birds, bats, and other small creatures can use chimneys as a means of access.
Cracks and gaps in exterior walls: Even the tiniest holes can become an entry point for determined wildlife.
Crawl spaces: These dark, secluded areas are attractive to many types of rodents.
Garage doors: Raccoons and other animals can push their way under or through garage doors.
Roof intersections: Animals can easily climb or jump onto your roof and find a way in through intersecting points.
Dryer vents: These provide an easy route for rodents to enter your home.

To identify potential entry points, start by taking a walk around the exterior of your home. Look for any visible openings or gaps, paying special attention to areas near trees, bushes, or other structures that could serve as launching pads for wildlife. Next, check the interior of your home for signs of animal activity such as droppings, chewed wires/insulation, or bird nests. These are all indicators that there may be an entry point nearby.

What Kind of Materials Needed for Sealing?

Before you begin sealing your home, make sure you have the necessary materials on hand. Here’s a list of items that can help get the job done effectively:

Wire mesh: This is useful for covering larger openings such as vents and chimneys.
Caulk and sealant: These are essential for filling in gaps and cracks in walls, foundations, and other areas.
Steel wool: Can be used to plug small holes or openings that wildlife may try to gnaw through.
Hardware cloth: Similar to wire mesh but with smaller holes, this can be used to reinforce smaller openings.
Heavy-duty gloves: Protect your hands while working with sharp tools and materials.
Ladder: In order to reach and secure high entry points, a sturdy ladder is necessary.

How To Seal Your Home Against Wildlife

Now that you’ve identified potential entry points and gathered your materials, it’s time to start sealing your home. Follow these steps for a thorough and effective seal:

Start with the exterior:

Begin by inspecting the outside of your home and identifying any openings or gaps. Use wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover larger openings such as vents and chimneys, securing them in place with screws or nails. For smaller cracks or holes, use caulk or sealant to fill them in.

Check windows and doors:

Make sure all windows are properly sealed with weather stripping and check for any gaps around door frames that could allow animals to enter.

Secure roof intersections:

Trim tree branches and remove any nearby structures that animals could use to access your roof. Next, use wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover any intersecting points on your roof, securing them in place with screws or nails.

Inspect the interior:

After sealing the exterior of your home, go back inside and check for any remaining entry points. Look for small holes or gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings and fill them in with steel wool or caulk.

Seal crawl spaces:

If you have a crawl space under your home, make sure it is properly sealed by covering all vents with wire mesh or hardware cloth. Additionally, seal any holes or openings along the foundation using caulk or sealant.

Secure garage doors:

Install a rubber or vinyl seal along the bottom of your garage door to prevent animals from squeezing underneath. You can also reinforce the sides and top of the door with hardware cloth, securing it in place with screws or nails.

Cover dryer vents:

Use wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover your dryer vent, securing it in place with screws or nails. This will prevent rodents from entering through this common access point.

Monitor for signs of wildlife:

After sealing your home, continue to monitor for any signs of animal activity. Keep an eye out for droppings, chewed wires/insulation, and noises coming from inside your home. If you notice any of these signs, there may still be an entry point that needs to be addressed.

These steps may seem time-consuming, but the peace of mind and protection they provide make it well worth the effort.

Don’t wait for wildlife to invade your space. Let Wildlife Removal Toronto secure your home with expert sealing techniques to prevent future infestations.

Tips for Maintaining a Wildlife-Proof Home

While sealing your home is an important step in keeping wildlife out, there are also some preventative measures you can take to discourage animals from even attempting to enter. Here are a few tips to help maintain a wildlife-proof home:

Keep your property clean and free of food sources that may attract animals.
Trim tree branches away from your roof and other structures to prevent easy access for climbing animals.
Store garbage cans in secure bins or containers with tight-fitting lids.
Regularly check and maintain the exterior of your home for any potential entry points.
Install motion-activated lights or sprinkler systems to scare off animals that may approach your home.

Additional Resources for Homeowners

If you want to learn more about wildlife-proofing your home or dealing with animal intruders, here are a few helpful resources to check out:

The Humane Society’s guide on «How to Keep Wild Animals Out of Your Home»: provides additional tips and advice for keeping animals out of your living space.
National Wildlife Control Training Program’s «Animal-Proofing Your Home» video: offers a visual demonstration of how to properly seal and protect your home against wildlife.
Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Conflict Management Fact Sheets: contains information on specific animals and their behaviors, as well as strategies for preventing conflicts with wildlife.

Remember, if you encounter a wild animal in your home, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife control service for safe and humane removal.

FAQs

Why is sealing entry points important for keeping out unwanted wildlife?

Sealing entry points such as gaps around doors, windows, or crawl space vents is crucial to prevent unwanted wildlife from entering your home. Without these measures, animals can easily gain access and create damage or health risks.

What role does removing pet food and compost piles play in wildlife prevention?

Leaving out pet food or compost piles can attract unwanted wildlife to your property. By properly managing these food sources, you reduce the chances of animals attempting to gain access to your home.

When is the best time to seal your home against wildlife?

The ideal time for sealing entry points is during early fall. Animals often seek shelter in colder months, making this the best time to prepare your home and prevent them from finding their way inside.

How can a pest control company help with unwanted wildlife?

A pest control company can identify vulnerable areas like crawl space vents or gaps and assist in sealing entry points. They can also help lower energy bills by improving insulation while ensuring your home is wildlife-proof.

Conclusion

Sealing your home against wildlife is a vital step in safeguarding your property and family. By identifying common entry points, using the right materials, and following proper sealing techniques, you can prevent unwanted intrusions and the issues they cause. Remember, regular inspections and maintenance are key to keeping your home secure over time.

Stay proactive—trim overhanging branches, seal trash bins, and address potential problems quickly when they arise. By taking these steps, you’ll create a safe, comfortable space free from wildlife disruptions. Start today, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is well-protected!

Keep wildlife out for good! Wildlife Removal Toronto specializes in sealing entry points to safeguard your home against unwanted animals.

Call us today at (647) 768-8057 or Request Your Free Inspection!