When Critters Make Themselves at Home

Angie's List offers tips for keeping pests away; advice on when to call a pro.

With the weather starting to cool, many animals  are on the lookout for a new place to crash– your house! While they may seem cute, what they leave behind is anything but adorable.
 
“These animal intrusions vary from the nuisance of a mouse to a family of raccoons who destroyed an attic,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “No matter where you live, if your home is inviting to these creatures, they will find a way inside.”
 
Unwanted animals can bring a variety of problems into your safe haven. Raccoons and squirrels can chew up the insulation on wires, creating a potential fire hazard. They can also infest a home with fleas. Bats can take up residence in your attic and leave behind potentially disease-ridden guano
 
“Some people will try chasing the animal out,” said Hicks. “But a cornered animal can be dangerous or in some cases, rabid. In these situations, it’s probably better to call a professional. Ask what the company does to address the problem and get estimates. It’s also a good idea to ask about additional fees if a revisit is necessary.”

How do you know if a pest is living rent-free in your home? 
 
Angie suggests checking these areas:

Attic: Check the attic floor and insulation for animal feces. Look for any outside light leaking in, which will indicate holes. You can test if a hole is being used by an animal by placing flour in front of any holes and checking for footprints or stuff the hole loosely with a paper towel. If it gets pushed in or out, assume an animal is present. Even if the paper stays in place or you have no flour footprints – close the hole up.

Roof & siding: Look for loose vent screens, warped siding or holes. Make repairs once you have checked the attic and cleared out any critters.

Chimney: Check the chimney from the roof to see if any animals are inside. An easy way to keep animals out is to install a chimney cap. Keep your flue closed when not in use.

Pipes: Look inside your home behind appliances and anywhere else pipes enter. These are common entry points for mice.

Pet doors: While these can be a great convenience for you and your pet; they can also be an entryway for unwanted wildlife. Consider electronic pet doors instead of the traditional flaps.

Trash: Just like people, animals are drawn to the smell of food. Always secure trash containers. Put out trash the morning of collection instead of the night before.

Trees & landscape: Keep tree limbs trimmed and away from your house. Accessible branches give animals a gateway to your roof. Cover and secure compost piles.

Take a walk: Mice can get through a crack as small as a quarter of an inch big. Check the perimeter outside your home for holes, gaps and deteriorated weather stripping.

Get more information and consumer tips at www.angieslist.com.