As temperatures drop in Indiana, wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and mice start searching for warm, safe places to escape the cold. Unfortunately, your home might look like the perfect winter retreat. Wildlife infestations can lead to property damage, health risks, and unwanted stress for homeowners.

The good news? By understanding common entry points and taking proactive measures, you can keep these critters outside where they belong. Here’s what you need to know:

Common Entry Points for Wildlife in Your Home

1. Attic Vents and Roof Gaps
   Animals like bats, squirrels, and raccoons are excellent climbers and often access homes through roof vents, gaps in shingles, or soffits. These openings provide easy access to the warm, enclosed spaces of your attic.
2. Chimneys
   Chimneys are a favorite spot for birds, bats, and even raccoons. Without proper caps, they can become a direct entry point for wildlife looking for shelter.
3. Gable Vents
   Gable vents are essential for attic ventilation but can also serve as entry points for birds and bats if not properly screened.
4. Foundation Cracks and Crawl Spaces
   Mice, rats, and other small critters can squeeze through cracks as small as a dime. Gaps around crawl spaces and basements are also common entryways.
5. Garage Doors and Gaps Around Doors/Windows
   Worn weather stripping or gaps around doors and windows can let rodents and small animals sneak in.

Why Wildlife Infestations Are a Problem

• Health Risks: Wildlife droppings can carry diseases like hantavirus, histoplasmosis, and leptospirosis.
• Structural Damage: Animals can chew through insulation, wiring, and wood, leading to costly repairs.
• Unwanted Noise: Scratching, squeaking, and scampering noises can disrupt your peace.

How Wildlife Removal Can Help

At Critter Removal, we specialize in wildlife exclusion services to protect your home. Our process ensures humane removal and prevents future infestations.

1. Thorough Inspection
   We identify all potential entry points, assess damage, and determine which wildlife species are present.
2. Customized Exclusion Solutions
   • Roof Vent Covers: We install steel mesh barriers over roof vents to keep out bats and squirrels.
   • Chimney Caps: Secure metal caps prevent wildlife from entering while still allowing proper ventilation.
   • Foundation and Crawl Space Barriers: We seal cracks and gaps to block entry for rodents and small animals.
   • Garage and Door Seals: Weather stripping is replaced to eliminate gaps.
   • Deck and Shed Barriers: Mesh or dig-stop barriers prevent animals from burrowing under structures.
3. Preventative Measures
   After sealing entry points, we offer long-term solutions like drip edges, ridge guards, and regular inspections to ensure your home remains critter-free.
4. Humane Removal
   If animals are already inside, we use humane trapping and exclusion techniques to safely remove them.

Proactive Tips to Keep Wildlife Out

• Regularly inspect your home for gaps or cracks and seal them promptly.
• Keep firewood and debris at least 20 feet away from your home to avoid attracting pests.
• Trim tree branches away from your roof to reduce access points for climbing animals.
• Ensure all vents are properly screened.
• Replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows.

Protect Your Home This Winter

Don’t let wildlife turn your home into their winter getaway! With Critter Removal LLC’s expert exclusion services, you can enjoy a peaceful, critter-free season. We are permitted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to remove and control bats and a other wild animal nuisances protected by state law.

📞 Contact us today at 317-514-0898 to schedule an inspection and keep your home protected this winter.