Protecting Your Home From Wildlife & Insects

Protecting Your Home From Wildlife & Insects

Protecting Your Home From Wildlife & InsectsOwning a home can be a headache sometimes especially when you get unexpected guests and I am not talking about your in-laws. Keeping up with the maintenance of a home is an integral part in the defense against wildlife & insects. Our professional team at PCA Wildlife has compiled a list of solutions to help protect your home.

Gutters:

Protect your gutters by putting a cap or cover over them to keep leaves out of the gutters. The next best solution is to have the leaves cleaned out of the gutters on a regular basis. If gutters become clogged, they will cause water damage to the fascia boards. Over a period of time, the wood will begin to rot and create a perfect entry point for animals. Also, in the summertime many insects such as carpenter ants will live in the decomposing leaves and begin to make an appearance into your home.

Crawl Space:

It is best to check out the crawl space at least twice a year. Look to make sure there is no standing water and that air is flowing properly.  Look at all pipes for leaks to prevent sub-floor damage. If there is high moisture content, this can be a conducive condition for things like termites and mold. Also, look for any would to ground contact. This can draw termites towards your home. Any wooden construction debris needs to be removed or placed on plastic. A plastic vapor barrier is also key to keeping moisture levels down.

Drainage:

Make sure all of the water is draining away from the house. All gutter downspouts need to be positioned away from the house. In some cases the water might be collecting in low lying areas. In this situation, you might need to have a French drain installed to divert water away from these areas. Water that is ponding around a home will be a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the summer time.

Foundation:

The perimeter of the foundation is the most common entry point for insects and small rodents. All h-vac lines, gas lines, pipes, mortar gaps and any other gaps should be sealed with silicone or mortar cement.

Windows & Doors:

Check all doors to make sure that the weather stripping is functioning properly. Over time the rubber will crack and create opening for insects and rodents to enter. This will serve a dual purpose by helping maximize energy efficiency.  Windows need to be checked to make sure they have a tight seal. Spiders will commonly make their webs near windows and if they are not tightly sealed they will make their way into your home.

Garage:

Check the weather stripping on the garage door to make sure it is snug when it closes. Keep all food sources such as pet food, bird seed and grass seed out of the garage or make sure they are in an airtight container. Mice are common in the garage and love raiding the bag of bird seed.

Trees & Bushes:

All tree limbs need to be trimmed back from the house at least 10 feet. This is a common highway for squirrels to gain access. Also make sure all vegetation is cut back approximately 8 inches from the base of your home.

For your wildlife control and wildlife removal needs in North Carolina and South Carolina, call PCA Wildlife at (704) 387-5395.