Wildlife in this region of Florida, as temperatures begin to plummet, looks for a way to stay warm and seek shelter. You may be faced with a wildlife invasion in your house if they see it as their winter hiding spot. The best way to keep animals from making themselves at home in your home this winter is to seal all possible gaps. The process serves as a safeguard for both your house and your family. So what are the reasons for wildlife entering houses and how does sealing gaps help prevent that?
Common Wildlife That Can Invade Central Florida Homes
A variety of wildlife resides in Central Florida, some of which commonly invade homes. Rodents are frequent visitors as they can gain entry through small spaces. Squirrels often enter open roof vents through the attic. Bats can access the building by sneaking through small holes in the roof as they search for a warm and dark area to settle in. Snakes, such as black racers, tend to use foundation fissures or tiny holes around utilities lines to gain entrance into the house. Loose roof shingles, open fireplaces, and even pet doors are used by bigger mammals like raccoons and opossums to invade houses. As animal intrusions pose risks to your home and health it is important to take measures to prevent it.
Why Wildlife Seeks Shelter in Your Home
Wild animals try to survive against the cold by finding food and a warm place to take shelter. Wall spaces inside attics and basements serve as ideal protection for wildlife. Once they get inside, they may damage the structure, contaminate food, and transmit diseases.
Weak points in the structure of your home make it more susceptible to invading animals. Even a slight indentation in your foundation or roof can allow intruders to gain entry. For instance, mice have the capability of squeezing through a hole as small as a dime. Unless holes and gaps are sealing properly, wildlife will find a way to exploit them get into your home.
Identifying Areas Where Animals Might Enter Your Home
To be able to stop wildlife animals from coming in, the very first thing to do would be to make a detailed inspection of the property. The following are the entry points one should be on the lookout for:
1. Roof Gaps
Loose shingles, roof vents, and chimney openings allow animals such as squirrels, bats and raccoons to get inside easily. Wildlife often enters through gaps in the roofline, especially areas with damaged or missing shingles. Make sure to inspect the roof thoroughly. Even the faintest of cracks can act like an invitation to animals such as bats. Installing metal flashing around these areas prevents access, along with heavy wildlife-proof covers over the vents and chimneys.
2. Cracks In the Foundation
Rodents and snakes can creep into basements or crawlspaces through cracks in the foundation. Fill small cracks with caulk or concrete to prevent rodents and snakes from creeping through. Large cracks or openings on the other hand may need professional attention. Regularly check the foundation for new cracks or old cracks that may have expanded.
3. Windows and Doors
Openings around doors and windows give an opportunity for any wildlife to make their home inside a house. Pay close attention to the case of malfunctioning weather stripping. Weather strips that are damaged should be replaced, as they prevent animals from getting through and help with saving energy. Door sweeps help cover up the space beneath doors, which can be an entry point for small wildlife. Attach mesh screens to windows to restrict smaller animals from entering, while maintaining free circulation.
4. Utility Openings
Pipe, cable and vent holes commonly provide access to uninvited guests into the house. If you find openings around utility lines, seal them so that the wildlife does not get through. For larger utility openings, sturdy metal mesh covers should be fitted, so that there is less vulnerability. Inspect the utility openings regularly to check for any damage so that they continue to function as effective barriers.
Monitoring and sealing these openings can greatly minimize the chances of wild animals getting into your house. Next, let us take a look at the materials which can be used for the purpose of sealing gaps.
Materials to Use When Sealing Gaps in Your Home
In order to prevent wildlife intrusion, it is essential to choose the right materials to efficiently eliminate gaps from your house. Below are the materials to use:
1. Caulk
Seal seams around windows, doors, and siding with caulk. It is important to use weather-resistant caulk in Central Florida, as it will not break down from high humidity easily. Applying caulk properly, such as by using even smooth beads along the seam, provides a professional look and provides a seal to keep intruding insects and small animals out. Caulk is available in varieties, with silicone or acrylic caulk being appropriate for sealing different kinds of areas.
2. Metal Flashing
Flashing is lightweight and chew resistant and can protect roof lines and other vulnerable parts of your home. It can be used to close large gaps, or to strengthen a weakening roofline or siding. Putting nails or screws in the flashing will help keep it in place and offer solid protection. A properly installed flashing keeps wild animals away as it strengthens the weak points of your home.
3. Mesh Screens
Wire mesh screens can be used to secure vents, windows and even chimneys. Mesh can be fine enough that it can keep out even small rodents and bats. It is very important to install the screen properly because if it is not installed well, animals may rip it out of place over time to gain access. If the right materials are used it can withstand storms and adverse weather. Consider getting aluminum or stainless-steel mesh as these resist corrosion and other types of wear and tear. Over time mesh can sustain damage which can compromise the screen’s ability to function properly. To avoid this, examine and clean the screen on a regular basis. If there is an area where you spot heavy chewing or clawing wear and tear, consider using reinforced mesh for durability.
4. Concrete
Use concrete to seal and fill large gaps, especially for foundations or areas under great compression. Concrete achieves a robust and long-lasting barrier for rodents, squirrels, and other wildlife. Use it to seal up cracks and large holes where animals could gain access. Large gaps needing repair may need professional application to ensure their durability and sealing.
These materials give your home protection from all sorts of animals. Now, let us review the process of how to seal your house correctly.
How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Season
Keep this how-to guide in mind as you prepare your house for winter wildlife.
1. Conduct a Home Inspection
Get a flashlight and check if there are any unintended entry points that wildlife can use to enter. Examine your roof, doors, windows, or utility lines that might serve as an entry point. Use a flashlight to check darker areas, such as around porches or attics, for hidden holes. Look for signs that animals have been around such as droppings or scratch marks around the gaps. Take note of areas that need to be repaired and come up with a plan to repair them.
2. Prioritize Repairs
Focus on the areas where the gap is the largest as wildlife is more likely to enter through there. After completing the repairs on the larger entry points transition into smaller ones. Fix areas where wildlife activity has been the most, for example chewed corners. When these entrance points are larger, repair stoppers can be placed tentatively and then fix them permanently when you are able to see a professional. Ensure that all repair points are left with adequate covering so that wildlife does not enter through them.
3. Apply Sealing Materials
After the larger gaps have been filled with steel or concrete, use caulk around the smaller gaps and cracks that you found in your inspection.
4. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
Mesh screens should be fitted over vents, chimneys, and any other place that is likely to be breached by wildlife. Installing metal flashing on rooflines and chimney edges will deter animals such as raccoons. The materials used for constructing the barriers should be strong enough to resist both the weather and animals trying to break through. It is recommended that reinforced regions be regularly checked to assess their condition so that over time, they do not lose their efficiency.
5. Perform Regular Maintenance
Seasonal inspections should be done to look for any new gaps or damage that may have occurred since the last inspection. New gaps or weak areas should be immediately repaired. These regular inspections safeguard against having vulnerabilities develop into serious problems. Create and keep a running list of the repairs completed each season to make the process efficient. Staying proactive minimizes the risk of wildlife entering your home and causing property damage.
Adhering to the above measures will help secure your home from wildlife intrusions throughout the year. Let’s proceed to the next section which is about the advantages of closing the gaps found in your house.
Benefits of Sealing Gaps in Your Home
Apart from preventing animals from entering, sealing gaps has its own advantages. This is how it can improve your home:
1. Cost Savings
Sealing gaps helps to insulate your home and makes your home more energy efficient which in turn saves on cooling and heating bills. Cracks and gaps allow heat to escape, causing your HVAC system to work hard in winter. A properly sealed home will retain heat in the winter. In the long term, the cost of energy adds up, meaning that sealing gaps is financially advantageous to homeowners.
2. Less Problems with Pests
When all the gaps are closed, animals and insects find it hard to invade a space. Putting barriers up against rodents, bats and other wildlife helps to lower contamination and infestation chances. It also inhibits breeding and nesting in walls or attics. Keeping the pests out of your home is essential for the preservation of the building and hygiene.
3. Increased Market Value
Responsible buyers are less likely to purchase homes that have pest issues, so such houses remain on the market for longer. Properly sealed homes are inviting for buyers as they get the feeling that such houses are well-maintained. Heavily sealed homes have increased chances of passing a home inspection which boosts the trust of buyers during the sale of a house.
When it comes to your home, sealing small holes and cracks is not only going to keep out rodents and other pests, but increase its value and energy efficiency. If you think, however, that it may appear a bit difficult you can always hire a professional for assistance.
When to Call a Professional
While sealing your home can be a manageable DIY task, professional assistance may be warranted. If you are dealing with large entry points or irregularly shaped gaps that are deep within the structure, you should call in specialists. Also, if wildlife has already made its way inside your home and needs to be removed, experts should be called in. Extensive damage that needs repair may also require the experience of a professional.
Wildlife professionals possess the ability and tools to effectively seal gaps in your home. They can assess your home and remove animals from it, in addition to sealing up entry points. Professionals provide sanitization as well. Sanitizing affected areas is vital to keep any pathogenic material, odors and contaminants from lingering.
Reasons for Hiring Wildout Animal and Pest Removal
Wildout Animal and Pest Removal specializes in protecting homes from wildlife. They provide:
1. Comprehensive Inspections
We analyze your structure for possible entry points and identify ways to secure it. Sealing gaps in your home is the best way to prevent future wildlife issues. Our company understands that every house in Central Florida is different and thus offers customized services to fit the needs of the homeowners.
2. Animal Control and Removal Services
In the event that animals are already present in the household, we use humane methods to remove them. We employ methods that comply with wildlife regulations and consider the well-being of your family and pets. Wildlife issues are handled with care to prevent damage to your home. Sanitization and restoration services are offered to return your home to its original state.
3. Expert Sealing Services
Our team understands that quality materials are necessary to seal gaps properly. Professional caulk, weatherproofing, wire mesh and metal flashing are used to make it difficult for animals to penetrate your home. Durable installation protects your home from all kinds of animals throughout the year.
4. Preventive Maintenance Plans
Monthly, bimonthly or quarterly control programs strategically help your property to stay wildlife-free in the long run. Regular checkups help to deal with new vulnerabilities as they come up, reducing the risk of wildlife problems in the future. These preventative maintenance plans allow for long-term protection.
Trust Wildout’s comprehensive services to keep your space secure from wildlife and give you peace of mind.
Protect Your Home this Winter with Wildout Animal and Pest Removal
By closing holes, you are able to keep the wildlife out of your Central Florida home during winter and beyond. While identifying and sealing gaps may seem like a small thing, it goes a long way to protecting your home. Whether you decide to tackle it on your own or hire professionals to do the job, don’t procrastinate. Secure your home and keep the wildlife out.
Wildout Animal and Pest Removal has the necessary skills to help you with all of your wildlife issues. Our team is available to help with inspections, sealing, wildlife removal and restoration of your home. Contact us to make an appointment and let us winterize your house.
Contact Us:
Wildout Animal and Pest Removal
Lakeland
863-315-WILD (315-9453)
Orlando
407-465-WILD (465-9453)
Tampa
813-WILDOUT (945-3688)
https;//wildremoval.com