Keeping the Critters Out This Fall

As the temperature drops and the nights become longer, the chances of wildlife setting up house in your home increase. Is there a way to keep your home wildlife- and bug-free as the cold season creeps in? Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent these pesky creatures from taking refuge and creating havoc in your home’s structure. From your roofing pros in Atlanta, here are a few tips for keeping your home critter-free this autumn-winter season.

7 Tips to Keep Your Home Critter-Free   

 

1. Check for Entry Points

It’s definitely getting colder outside so they’re looking for a nice, warm place to stay. Unfortunately, your home becomes the top contender for such a place. Don’t give them free access. These critters won’t wait for an invitation and would easily take over your Atlanta home if given the chance, so inspect for holes, gaps, and cracks in your sidings and roofing and check other places (including areas around the chimney, gutters, doors, windows, along the foundation, basement, casements, etc.) as well for any other possible entry points.

2. Seal Gaps

Critters and pests can enter through the smallest of openings so insulate all gaps (including areas where pipes and electrical lines enter the house), repair or replace weather stripping on doors and windows whenever necessary, install a chimney cap, and repair torn window screens. It’s also important to have a yearly inspection of your roof and siding.

Not only do old or damaged roofs and siding offer larger gaps and holes as they deteriorate but wildlife such as woodpeckers, squirrels, and raccoons can create openings allowing entry to the internal structure of your home where they can do damage to electrical wiring, insulation, and interior framing. It is important to not only seal small gaps properly but retain a professional who can repair or replace your roof and siding when needed. In addition, adding deterrents such as wildlife flashing tape, plastic owl or hawk statues, and certain wildlife sprays, can help in the battle to keep wildlife at bay. 

3. Clean the Gutters

Fallen leaves and other debris can clog gutters and obstruct the free flow of rainwater down the drain, leaving pools of stagnant water which are the ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, termites, cockroaches, and other flying and crawling insects. In addition, clogged gutters can also lead to water damage to your home or commercial building as well. 

4. Secure Garage Doors

If left unsecured garage doors are not only an open invitation to burglars but bugs and unwanted animals as well. Large gaps under garage doors freely allow squirrels, mice, and rats access to your home, possessions, and car to set up residence. 

5. Fix Moisture Issues

Since every living thing depends on water for survival, critters will look for a constant water source inside the home. Usually, this comes in the form of standing water from leaking water pipes so fix these issues before they attract these unwelcome visitors and cause more serious problems in the way of water damage to your home or commercial building.

6. Keep Trash Away from the Home

Trash attracts insects, rodents, and other critters since it provides them with food, warmth, and shelter. So, make sure your surroundings are clean and keep trash away from the home at all times. Make sure trash can lids are secure at all times. Store trashcans away from the home and out of the garage if possible. For commercial building owners, keep dumpster areas clean and make sure that the doors and lids are kept closed. 

7. Trim Plant Growth

Ideally, you wouldn’t want to have branches and foliage too close to your roof and siding since foliage can cause damage to these areas on their own. However, trees and bushes can also allow pests and small wildlife free entry to your roof, siding, and your home’s interior. To reduce or eliminate the risk of pest or wildlife invasion, trim overgrown foliage and keep wood piles at least 20 feet from the home.

Christian Brothers Roofing: We’ll Take Care of Your Roofing Needs in Atlanta

Pest and wildlife invasion can be a serious problem but there are ways to avoid it. Aside from following the tips discussed above you can always rely on us for all your roofing, siding and gutter installation needs in Atlanta. At Christian Brothers Roofing, you’ll get excellent service no matter the size of the project.

We have you covered so don’t wait. Call us at 770-734-6700 or send us an email at info@christianbrothersroofingatlanta.com and let us discuss how we can be of help. Contact Us Now for your free roof inspection service.