How to keep wildlife out of your home and vehicles during the winter

Just like people like to find somewhere warm to camp out for the winter, many animals do the same. You may deal with rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, or other pests if you don’t take the proper precautions. Your home or car may end up becoming their target if it’s easy enough for them to get into. If pests get into your home or vehicles, they can do damage and potentially carry diseases. So, how do you keep them out?

The most important thing to do is to find any entry points. Check vents, windows, crawl space areas, chimneys, your roof, the foundation, and the basement. If you discover any places that a pest could enter, seal them up. Since you can’t just cover up a chimney, consider using a chimney cap or a wire mesh to keep pests out. Depending on the type of entryway you’re sealing, you may want to use wire mesh, plastic, wood, or rubber. Rodents can gnaw right through most sealants.

It’s also a good idea to use repellants and deterrents to keep pests from entering or staying on your property. At Predator Guard, we have a variety of products on our website you can browse. Peppermint oil is another good deterrent for a variety of pests, including squirrels and mice.

Keep in mind that trees or bushes around your home can make it easier for pests to enter. If you have limbs that are within ten feet of a window, roof, or ledge a squirrel could make the leap into your home. Avoid this type of situation by trimming your trees and shrubs regularly.

Now, let’s take a look at your car. Many animals decide to take up residence briefly or indefinitely in parked vehicles. Obviously, you should keep windows shut, and (if possible) your car in a garage (with closed doors). But what else can you do? Consider puttting peppermint oil in the interior. You could even install rodent deterrent tape to prevent them from chewing on wires and other electronics. Use your car regularly, so animals won’t be tempted to nest in it. To protect your car, always knock on the roof of your vehicle before you turn the motor on. It’s also a good idea to check all four tires in case an animal is sitting near one or on it.

Now that winter is here, make sure to protect your property by taking some of these precautions.