Fall Critter Invasion

This time of year is known for cooler weather, trees shedding leaves, and the fall critter invasion. Animals of all kinds are eating more to store up fat for the lean and cold time coming. They also are looking for a warm and dry place to live.

And guess what? That warm and dry place may be your house!

Getting ready for the fall critter invasion is important. Rodents like mice, squirrels, and rats in your house can lead to chewed up wires, animal urine and scat on and around places you use to prepare food, and disappearing food.

You can stop rodents from entering your house by buying an all natural repellent made of organic oils said to be aggravating to their senses. Vapors from these oils disorients rodents’ nervous systems. But the smell is pleasant to humans.

Other small animals join in the fall critter invasion, too. Woodchucks and skunks are also eating more to gain body weight that will help them endure cold weather. If you have a garden, it becomes very attractive to these animals. And not just for the vegetables you may grow, but also for the insects gardens attract.

What can you do? First, make sure you harvest your vegetables completely and get rid of any of them may be over ripe. This will keep down the numbers of bugs that come to those gardens. Clean up your garden space to keep down likely hiding places for this fall critter invasion.

There are also places around your house that need attention to keep critters out. Be sure you have a cap or screen over your chimney to prevent animals from entering there. Any droppings from animals that nest in your chimney may become hazardous to the health of your family. Animal nests also can block smoke from going up the chimney, not to mention the possibility of the nests catching on fire.

Not many people consider the attic fan exhaust openings from their attic. Covering these openings can also be a good way to block access from the fall critter invasion.

Animals can gnaw through soffits and soft spots in your roof. Check these areas frequently for signs of this happening and replace areas as needed.

If you have drainage pipes from a sump pump, you may have an entry for the fall critter invasion. Placing wire mesh coverings over the ends of these pipes will allow water to flow out, but keep critters from getting in.

Sometimes, a professional is needed to check all of the above entry points for the fall critter invasion. If you have concerns about this issue, you may want to consider hiring a professional to take care of the problem for you. Heath’s Wildlife Service provides 24 hour emergency and long-term nuisance wildlife solutions for your home or business with a focus on customer service, mutual trust, and ongoing support and information. Chris Heath will give you a no-obligation, free estimate for removing pests from your home. Call 855-422-0434 or 603-664-0513.