Summer Wildlife Problems in Your Attic: What Homeowners Need to Know

Summer may be a time for relaxing and enjoying plenty of sunshine, but it is also an important time to watch for any uninvited guests that may move into your attic. Hot attics make a surprisingly ideal summer home for roof rats, squirrels, raccoons, snakes, and various other critters because they provide a safe space for breeding and nesting with minimal interference from humans and other potential predators. Unfortunately, this can lead to more significant concerns than the typical problems you might experience during the rest of the year.

More Significant Damage

Extreme temperatures have a tendency to make damage that would be considered minor or moderate in cooler weather more serious, which can lead to more urgent and more expensive repairs.

High heat and humidity are naturally hard on your home's materials, and excessive expanding can dry and weaken them and make them more likely to warp, leak, or break. This extra wear on your roof and the walls of your attic can make them more susceptible to critter damage that would be less noticeable (and less likely to happen at all) during months when materials are not under constant heat-related stress. 

Increased Health Risks

Hot and humid weather can increase the health risks associated with wildlife activity in and around the home. Heat creates an ideal environment for bacteria, parasites, and other disease-carrying organisms left behind by animals to grow and spread more rapidly. Wildlife damage can also impact air quality and ventilation, making it harder to maintain a safe and comfortable indoor temperature. These conditions can increase risks for older individuals and people with respiratory issues or other underlying health concerns.

HVAC System Stress

Damage caused by critters can make it difficult for your home's cooling system to function as efficiently as it should. Minor leaks, blockages, and other issues may go largely unnoticed in moderate spring temperatures when you are only occasionally running your air conditioner on a lower setting. However, they can become exponentially more problematic when your HVAC system must work harder than it was designed to in order to move enough cool air throughout your home. This extra stress may also cause your HVAC system to wear out more quickly than it should or even break down altogether on an especially hot day. 

Choose Critter Guard to Protect Your Attic Throughout the Year

Keeping critters out of your attic in the first place is much easier than mitigating any damage they might cause, especially during the summer months. At Critter Guard, our Line Guard and Pole Guard systems are designed to help prevent various animals from reaching your roof and attic from nearby power lines and trees. To learn more about our wildlife control solutions and how they can help protect your attic this summer, contact us today!