Wildlife Entry Points Most Homeowners Never Notice

Do you have a problem with wildlife in your home? Many homeowners think they have dealt with all potential entry points, but the truth is there are some you likely missed. Keep reading to discover a few wildlife entry points most homeowners never notice.

Gable Vents

Gable vents are used to improve airflow in your attic, and are placed in the highest peaks of your home. They're designed to release the moist air that would otherwise become trapped in your attic and cause mold issues or damage to your roof. Unfortunately, any damage to a gable vent can let critters such as squirrels into your attic, where they then take up residence.

Roof Returns

This sounds fancy, but it's another term for your eaves - the place where the end of the roof meets your walls. There are a variety of types of eaves, including boxed eaves, open, and closed eaves.

Any gap in the roof return or eave-return also allows wildlife to access your attic and take up residence. This is a particular problem with older homes that have had their roof returns redone.

Ridge Vents

Ridge vents are another way to let hot, moist air out of your attic. They're basically installed by raising part of the roof peak, and they're designed to be nearly invisible from ground level. This means that damage to them often goes unnoticed until your roof is inspected, allowing for a safe entry point for wildlife.

Utility Penetrations

Mice, in particular, can get through very small openings alongside utilities such as water lines, electrical conduits, or HVAC components. These tiny gaps allow them to slip inside your home and move into wall cavities or the crawlspace, where they can nest and travel unnoticed.

Fascia Board Rot

Fascia is the flat board on the edge of the roof. It helps support your gutters as well as providing a barrier between the roof and walls. Worn fascia can start to rot, resulting in holes critters can easily get through.

At Critter Guard, our wildlife control products are designed to help keep wildlife away from your roof and home in the first place, preventing critters from finding and using the above entry points. To find out more and learn how our solutions can keep your home pest free, contact us today.