Keep Wildlife Out: Homeproofing Tips Before Nesting Season

As nesting season approaches, homeowners in Langley, Aldergrove, Clayton Heights, and surrounding areas often notice an uptick in wildlife activity around their properties. Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, and even bats will soon be on the lookout for safe, sheltered spaces to build their nests or dens. Left unchecked, these visits can turn into full-blown infestations, bringing potential health risks, property damage, and unwanted stress. Protecting your home from wildlife is essential, not only for your peace of mind but also for the safety of your loved ones. At Armoured Pest Control, we believe prevention is the best defense. Here’s your comprehensive guide to homeproofing before wildlife nesting season begins.

Why Is Wildlife Homeproofing Important?

Wildlife may seem harmless from a distance, but once inside your home or garage, these animals can create significant problems. Raccoons and squirrels, for example, are strong enough to tear through roofing and attic vents to gain entry, while birds and bats often nest in chimneys and soffits. Wildlife can carry parasites, bring in disease, and cause property damage that can be expensive to repair. Homeproofing is a proactive approach to keep animals outside, where they belong.

Inspect Your Home’s Exterior

The first step in any effective homeproofing strategy is a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Take a slow walk around your property and look for any gaps, cracks, or holes larger than a dime. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes or wires enter the home, as these are popular entry points for rodents and small mammals.

Inspect your roofline, eaves, soffits, and attic vents for weak spots or visible damage. Birds and bats often exploit these access points, especially during nesting season. Don’t forget to check chimneys and vents. Installing chimney caps and screens over vents is an excellent preventive measure.

Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve identified potential entry points, it’s time to seal them. Use heavy-gauge wire mesh, caulk, steel wool, or hardware cloth to block holes and reinforce vulnerable areas. Expanding spray foam can fill small gaps around wires or pipes, but for larger holes, opt for material that wildlife cannot chew through.

If you’re dealing with persistent wildlife visitors, such as squirrels or raccoons, reinforce attic vents, roof edges, and soffit intersections with sheet metal or sturdy mesh. Make sure all foundation vents are intact and securely fastened. Consider upgrading old or damaged doors and windows, as gaps can provide easy access for critters on the move.

Remove Attractants from Your Property

Wildlife are opportunistic—if your property offers easy access to food or water, it’s an open invitation. Store garbage in secure bins with tight-fitting lids and keep compost piles covered. Feed pets indoors, and never leave dishes outside overnight. Birdseed, fallen fruit, and unharvested garden vegetables are also magnets for wildlife, so keep outdoor areas clean during nesting season.

Standing water is attractive to all sorts of pests, from birds to rodents to insects. Remove or regularly change water in birdbaths, repair leaky faucets, and make sure gutters drain properly. If you have a backyard pond, consider installing netting to deter animals from drinking or bathing there.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown trees or shrubs act as natural bridges for wildlife to access your roof or attic. Trim back limbs at least a few feet from your roofline. Remove ivy and climbing vines from exterior walls, as they offer cover and easy access to higher points on your home. Regular landscaping not only reduces hiding spots but also makes it harder for animals to reach entry points.

Install Motion-Activated Lights and Deterrents

Nocturnal animals like raccoons and skunks are less likely to visit well-lit areas. Installing motion-activated lights around your property can help deter their nighttime activities. For persistent wildlife problems, consider ultrasonic repellents or motion-activated sprinklers to create an environment that’s unwelcoming to unwanted guests.

When to Call the Experts

If you notice signs of wildlife activity such as droppings, strange noises, or visible damage, or if you simply want peace of mind that your home is secure before nesting season, don’t hesitate to call the professionals. Armoured Pest Control specializes in humane wildlife removal and prevention, offering eco-friendly solutions tailored to the needs of Langley, Aldergrove, Clayton Heights, and nearby communities.

Stay Safe and Wildlife-Free with Armoured Pest Control

Nesting season is a critical time for home and business owners to act. Don’t leave your property vulnerable to animal intruders. Contact Armoured Pest Control today for a detailed inspection and personalized wildlife prevention plan. Protect your loved ones, preserve your property, and enjoy a season free of unwanted wildlife guests. Call, book online, or email our friendly team now to schedule your consultation—your peace of mind is just a call away!