Taking a proactive approach to protecting your property from pests

Abell Pest Control

Animals such as raccoons and opossums are troublesome visitors to your property. Not only can they cause issues around the yard, but sometimes they're able to infest your home, creating a much more serious problem.

Keeping wildlife at bay is essential for avoiding any dangerous run-ins or the possibility of property damage. Here are a few key steps for keeping animals out of your home:

Repairs, screens and upkeep

There are dozens of different animals that will use your garage, attic or other parts of your property as shelter if given the chance. Bats and birds may take advantage of small openings to make nests or raise young. Small rodents can slip under doors or chew their way into your walls. And even larger animals can sneak through surprisingly small openings to get indoors.

Stopping the possibility of an animal invasion starts with the effective upkeep of your home. Make sure you're proactive about repairs to siding or roofing that otherwise leave your house exposed. Likewise, use screens to cover windows or vents that represent an easy passageway for opportunistic animals. The Humane Society of the United States reported this is a safe way to keep animals out of your home.

After taking a few steps to keep animals away, make sure to keep a close eye on your home throughout the year. Bad weather and prodding animals can undermine these exclusion efforts and leave your house vulnerable.

Tidy landscaping

Another key step for stopping animals from entering your home is to try and keep them away from your property entirely. For example, if you have a family of raccoons happily living in your yard, it's more likely that they'll uncover an opening to your house.

If your yard provides shelter, animals are likely to settle in. Smaller creatures like rodents and rabbits can hide in leaf litter, grass trimmings and other debris, while raccoons and opossums may turn a dying tree or old burrow into a home.

By eliminating areas for animals to hide, you can reduce the odds they later colonize your home. Every few weeks, spend time removing yard waste from your property. Likewise, keep your garage, shed or any other area clean too.

Eliminating free food

It may be the case that would-be pests have found a home elsewhere in your neighborhood, but if your yard offers an opportunity for an easy meal, they could still end up colonizing your property. Usually this means making sure your garbage bins are secure, and even double-bagging food waste.

To really reduce pest problems, talk to your family about keeping outdoor areas clean. Your children could leave behind snacks and other items that later entice a hungry animal. Even your pet food can make for an easy meal for a number of different creatures.

Working with a pest control specialist

Bringing in a professional to manage a possible pest problem is key. Many of the steps that homeowners take by themselves are either ineffective or even dangerous. Your best bet is to work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best, most sustainable solutions. In that way you can safely protect your property and home.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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