Chicago, with its vibrant urban landscape interwoven with natural areas, provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife. While these creatures are a part of our ecosystem, they can become unwelcome guests when they invade our homes and businesses. You’ve tackled the immediate problem with professional wildlife removal, but what happens next? How do you ensure these unwanted visitors don’t return? The key lies in implementing effective long-term wildlife exclusion strategies.
Professional wildlife removal is crucial for safely and humanely removing existing infestations. However, it’s only half the battle. Without proper exclusion measures, you’re essentially leaving the door open for future invasions. Think of it like treating a symptom without addressing the underlying cause. You might feel relief temporarily, but the problem is likely to resurface.
This is where long-term wildlife exclusion comes in. It’s about making your property less attractive and accessible to wildlife, preventing them from entering in the first place. It’s a proactive approach that saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Identifying Vulnerable Areas:
The first step in effective exclusion is identifying the vulnerable areas of your property. Common entry points for wildlife include:
- Attics: Squirrels, raccoons, and bats often find their way into attics through gaps in roofing, soffits, or vents.
- Crawl Spaces: These areas can be easily accessed by rodents, skunks, and other small animals.
- Chimneys: Birds, bats, and even raccoons can nest in chimneys.
- Foundations: Cracks and openings in foundations provide entry points for rodents and other pests.
- Landscaping: Overhanging trees, shrubs, and dense vegetation can provide easy access to your home.
Effective Exclusion Techniques:
Once you’ve identified the vulnerable areas, you can implement appropriate exclusion techniques:
- Sealing Entry Points: This is the most crucial step. Use durable materials like galvanized steel mesh, caulk, and expanding foam to seal any gaps or openings that wildlife could use to enter. Pay close attention to areas around pipes, vents, and wiring.
- Installing Chimney Caps: A sturdy chimney cap prevents birds, bats, and other animals from entering your chimney.
- Clearing Vegetation: Trim overhanging trees and shrubs to prevent animals from accessing your roof or attic. Keep vegetation away from your foundation.
- Securing Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing food sources.
- Hardware Cloth: Bury hardware cloth around the perimeter of decks, sheds, and other structures to prevent animals from digging underneath.
- One-Way Doors: In some cases, one-way doors can be installed to allow animals to exit but prevent them from re-entering. This is particularly effective for bats and squirrels.
Professional vs. DIY:
While some exclusion measures can be done DIY, it’s often best to consult with a professional wildlife exclusion expert. They have the knowledge and experience to identify all potential entry points and recommend the most effective solutions. They also have access to specialized tools and materials.
Long-Term Maintenance:
Wildlife exclusion is not a one-time fix. It requires regular maintenance to ensure its effectiveness. Inspect your property regularly for any new openings or damage to existing exclusion measures. Trim vegetation and keep your yard clean and tidy.
Investing in long-term wildlife exclusion is an investment in the safety and integrity of your property. By taking proactive steps to prevent wildlife infestations, you can avoid costly repairs, protect your family’s health, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is secure. Don’t wait until you have another infestation – take action today to keep wildlife out for good.