| Chimney |
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Have it capped. Check the cap annually. |
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Check flashing around chimney. |
| Roof area |
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Inspect shingles to make sure they are in good repair and secure. |
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Inspect all roof vents to make sure they are in good repair and are secure. (Screen vents where necessary) |
| Eaves trough |
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Clean out regularly to prevent a build-up of debris. Birds may nest there. |
| Soffit |
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Inspect from ladder all around the house.
(Repair or replace any loose or rotten soffit) |
| House exterior |
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Inspect all siding and general exterior for weak, damaged or rotten areas. Make the necessary repairs. |
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Screen all exterior vents for clothes dryer, air, stove, bathroom, etc. |
| Windows |
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Check for any holes or openings in windows and seal them. |
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Window boxes should be filled with dirt or screened over. |
| Window wells |
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Clean out and secure screen over top. |
| Lighting fixtures |
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Keep in good repair and seal as birds will nest in and on them. |
| Ornamental fixtures and mailboxes |
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Clean and check regularly. |
| Garage |
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Keep closed up and sealed as described for house exterior. Never leave open overnight or for extended periods. |
| Decks and stairways |
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Enclose any areas that are open. Make repairs to enclosures when necessary. |
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Fill any holes under stairs with clay or concrete. |
| Shed |
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Follow the same steps for house and garage. |
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Enclose area beneath structure. |
| Pool |
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Unless raised or fenced around the exact perimeter, any animal may fall in. |
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Muskrats and ducks will use pools as ponds. |
| Yard |
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Clean up all debris in yard, including leaves, garbage, etc. |
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Avoid using woodpiles, if possible. Many animals, such as skunks, rats, opossums, snakes, etc., choose these as ideal nesting sites or hideouts. Try to keep woodpiles in an enclosed like as a garage or shed. |
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Cut down or remove any over-hanging branches or old TV antennas around the home. |
| Tree wells |
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Enclose and keep free of debris so animals do not fall in and become trapped. |
| Lawn |
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Begin a good treatment program to eliminate grub larvae. |
| Garbage |
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Keep in sealed containers at all times. Containers should be kept
in an enclosed area. Place at curb on day of pick-up. |
| Barbecue |
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Keep clean and free of grease. |
| Gardens, fruit trees, etc. |
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These are going to be obvious attractions as a food source for any wildlife. It makes sense that the more vines, trellises and clutter you have in the yard, the higher your risk of wildlife invasion. |
| Pets |
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The presence of a pet may deter wildlife, however, never use a pet to chase or scare wildlife. They could cause serious injury to a pet and/or the other animal.
A pet left outdoors unattended or allowed to roam free is always at risk of coming in contract with a wild animal, sick or healthy. |
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A pet that is fed outdoors may attract unwanted guests. |
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Have your pet vaccinated yearly for rabies, etc. |
| Feeding wildlife |
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Feeding birds is a nice way to attract them; however, it may also attract other wild animals. Never encourage wild animals with food. |
| "Biteproof" children |
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Just as you "streetproof" children, you should also teach wildlife safety to your children. Tell them that they should never approach or touch a wild animal. They should tell an adult they know if they seen a wild animal. |
| Apartment |
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The most common problem in an apartment is the balcony. It is a place for animals to nest or sleep. It is also a favorite roosting and nesting spot for pigeons. |
| Preventative tips |
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Clear balcony of all junk, debris and garbage. |
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Keep area free of food and droppings. |
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Repair broken windows and screens. |
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Close accesses to storage areas. |
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Use wire mesh, plastic netting, pull-down blinds or a commercial barrier. |
