Spring Wildlife Prevention: Preparing Your Home

Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing... and raccoons are looking for a nursery. Spring is "baby season" for wildlife, which means your warm, dry attic is prime real estate.

Why Spring is High-Risk

In late winter and early spring, female animals (raccoons, squirrels, skunks) are pregnant and desperate for a safe place to give birth. They are stronger and more determined than at any other time of year. If there is a weakness in your home's exterior, they will find it.

Your Prevention Checklist

1. Inspect the Roof Line

Winter storms may have loosened shingles or fascia boards. Use binoculars to check for gaps along the roof edge. Look for soffit vents that might be pushed up or missing.

2. Check the Chimney

Is your chimney cap intact? Raccoons love uncapped chimneys—they resemble hollow trees. Birds and squirrels can also fall in and get trapped.

3. Trim Trees

Overhanging branches are a highway to your roof for squirrels and raccoons. Keep branches trimmed at least 6-8 feet away from your roofline.

4. Secure Under Decks

Skunks and opossums love to den under low decks and sheds. Install a trench barrier (digging down and installing wire mesh) to prevent burrowing.