Wildlife and Homes

Can animals get into my chimney?
For a bird, squirrel or raccoon looking for a nest or den site, an open chimney is an open door. But most birds and animals can’t get out of a chimney once they get in. Animals that can come and go, like raccoons, may not be welcome lodgers. The best way to prevent wildlife from coming in through chimneys is with a sturdy chimney cap.

Can I keep animals out of my overhangs?
Roof overhangs are favorite places for squirrels or even raccoons to get in and set up house. Keeping soffits and fascia in good repair will usually keep animals out. Also, look at ways they are reaching the roof, such as trees. Wrapping a couple of feet of sheet metal all the way around the tree’s trunk about six feet off the ground makes it very difficult for a squirrel to climb. Metal sheeting should not be applied during the squirrel nesting season, which runs April through September, because a mother squirrel might not be able to return to her babies.

Can bats get into my attic through the attic vents?
Bats can get in through the narrow slats of most attic vents. To prevent bats from getting into your attic, cover the attic vents with mesh hardware cloth. If you do find a bat in your home, contact your local health department for advice.

How can I keep animals from living under my porch?
The space under raised porches and decks is a very appealing place for animals to live. The best way to keep animals out is to cover any openings with heavy wooden slats or mesh hardware cloth. Burying these barriers a foot into the ground will make it difficult for animals to dig under them.

Could animals be living in my home’s foundation?
If your foundation is free of cracks, it’s an unlikely place for animals to live. But if there are any holes near ground level, they may attract mice, snakes or chipmunks. Maintaining a sound perimeter of the house at the foundation, the porch and the basement windows should keep animals out.

Are my window wells hazardous to wildlife?
Uncovered window wells can be deadly when animals get inside and can’t get back out. You can protect animals by covering window wells either with commercial plastic window well covers or with homemade mesh covers or grates. Any openings should be no larger than about ½ inch.

What if animals are getting into my garbage?
Animals like raccoons and squirrels are often attracted to garbage. Garbage should always be bagged to reduce the smells that attract animals and then stored inside sturdy trash containers. Because raccoons can open most containers, strapping an elastic cord over the lid offers extra protection.

Where should I watch for baby rabbit nests?
It’s surprising, but nests of baby rabbits are frequently in the middle of the yard, so they’re in danger of being mowed over. It’s best to check your yard before mowing to prevent injuries. A nest usually is a shallow scoop in the soil, lined with rabbit fur and covered with dried grass blades. Babies will usually be alone in the nest. This does not mean they’re abandoned; mom rabbits return at night to feed them.

Do animals ever climb into dryer vents?
Dryer vents are small, but so are chipmunks. They sometimes climb into vents and become trapped or even killed. This can be prevented by covering the opening the vent with a plastic vent cover.

Do animals live in my woodpile?
Woodpiles are very attractive homes for chipmunks, mice, opossums and even skunks. If you prefer not to have animals making your woodpile their home, you will want to raise the pile several inches off the ground. Commercial log racks will do this, or you can experiment with your own constructs.