In this article, you’ll learn some effective strategies to keep the said areas of your home animal-free by blocking them from entering and getting them out of your property for good.
Install Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are used to cover the tops of brick or stone chimneys. For manufactured or prefabricated chimneys, you’ll need a different type of cap. One of the best ways to block animals from entering your chimney is by installing a custom chimney cap, which can be installed both in masonry and prefabricated chimneys.
The wildlife creatures that commonly get stuck in residential chimneys include birds and squirrels. The most common intentional chimney occupants are raccoons. A homeowner can guess the animal in question depending on the type of noise it makes and any visible feces. Most models of modern chimney caps have mesh screening on the sides, and the holes in the mesh are small enough to keep out these animals, while keeping the heat and smoke out of your fireplace.
Check out these material options for chimney caps:
- ⬥ Galvanized Metal Chimney Cap: It’s the least expensive variant, as well as the least durable. A high-quality galvanized metal chimney cap will provide you at least five years of service, but is more prone to corrosion and rust than other materials.
- ⬥ Aluminum Chimney Cap: It weighs less and is inexpensive, but it is less durable than galvanized chimney caps.
- ⬥ Stainless Steel Chimney Cap: It has the best balance of cost and performance, and is slightly more expensive than galvanized and aluminum steel caps. Stainless steel is tough and corrosion-resistant or almost rust-proof that it can withstand harsh weather. Also, it requires no maintenance.
- ⬥ Copper Chimney Cap: Copper has been used for its durable and attractive qualities, from ancient armor to modern kitchenware. So, a copper chimney cap provides thorough protection of your chimney and a clean fire burning of your fireplace. This material has the best quality in terms of deterring animals away from your chimney.
Remove Food Sources
Make your attic and your overall house less inviting for unwanted animals, like squirrels, skunk, and birds, by removing food sources. So, how do you remove food sources off of your property so as not to attract these animals?
Here are some steps you can take:
- ⬥ Keep your garbage bins securely closed inside your garage or shed whenever possible because animals, like raccoons or skunks, have a habit of getting into places they shouldn’t be, such as a poorly secured garbage bin.
- ⬥ Whenever you feed your pets outdoors, always bring their bowls inside once they’re finished eating.
- ⬥ Never leave any compost exposed by using a heavy-duty lid to keep unwanted animals from going inside compost containers.
- ⬥ Collect dropped nuts and fruits around your yard so as not to invite raccoons, skunks, and other unwanted wildlife creatures in your property.
Fix Roof Problems
Any breach in your roof, like holes and cracks, can potentially invite birds, bats, and other wildlife creatures into your attic. Remember that squirrels can enter even through holes as little as 1.5 inches or 3.8 centimeters in diameter. On the other hand, bats can get through small gaps or spaces as little as 0.38 inch or 0.95 centimeter. So, it’s essentially important to fix any holes or cracks in your roof as soon as possible.
Here are ways you can achieve that:
- ⬥ Check any holes between the brick or siding and your roof.
- ⬥ Lift damage shingles and remove nails using a pry bar to slide damaged shingles out.
- ⬥ Replace the shingles after you patch the hole with new ones.
- ⬥ Hammer the nails and cover the nail heads with roof cement to secure everything.
Note: If the number of birds residing in your property is already out of control, you should contact bird removal services to implement bird control measures.
Use Wildlife Exclusion One-Way Doors
Animals in attics exit and re-enter several times each day to get food and water. But, you can isolate their primary entrypoint by mounting a one-way door. This wildlife inclusion door allows animals to exit, but not get back in.
Conclusion
You can keep animals out of your chimney and attic by applying the tips shared above. Installing chimney caps is a great solution to shoo away unwanted wildlife creatures from your chimney. Furthermore, removing food sources, installing special one-way inclusion doors, and fixing holes in your roof can help deter birds, squirrels, and bats from residing in your attic.
About Author:
Jeremy Weaver is an interior designer who helps homeowners design their properties and make the most out of their investments. Most of Jeremy’s clients are first-time homeowners who see themselves stuck on how to improve their home’s appeal.
When Jeremy is not busy working with homeowners personally, he spends time reading articles on interior design and producing content on different online platforms.
