As a homeowner or property manager, you likely have a seasonal checklist for maintaining your property. You might clean the gutters in the fall and check the air conditioning in the spring. But what about checking for unwanted guests? Wildlife tampering is a common, and often overlooked, issue that can lead to significant property damage and health concerns.

Seasonal inspections are essential for protecting your investment from nuisance wildlife. Animals seeking food or shelter can cause extensive problems, from chewing through electrical wires to compromising your home’s structural integrity. This guide will walk you through the importance of regular wildlife control inspections and provide actionable steps to safeguard your property.

Understanding Seasonal Wildlife Behavior in Tennessee

Wildlife activity changes with the seasons, and understanding these patterns is the first step toward effective prevention. In Tennessee and surrounding regions, different times of the year bring different threats to your property.

Spring

As temperatures rise, many animals begin their nesting and breeding seasons. This is when you’re most likely to find birds building nests in your gutters or vents. Squirrels and raccoons will also be searching for safe, secluded spots like attics and crawl spaces to raise their young.

Summer

With abundant food sources available, wildlife is highly active. Raccoons might rummage through gardens and trash cans, while other animals continue to seek out cool, sheltered areas within your home to escape the heat.

Fall

As the weather cools, animals start preparing for winter. They actively search for warm, secure places to wait out the colder months. This is a critical time for animal-proofing your home, as rodents, squirrels, and bats may try to gain entry into your attic, basement, or walls.

Winter

During the cold months, animals that don’t hibernate will seek warmth and shelter inside buildings. Rodents are a common problem, as they can squeeze through tiny openings to nest in your insulation. This is often when homeowners discover infestations that began in the fall.

Common nuisance wildlife in the Tennessee area includes squirrels, raccoons, birds, bats, and various rodents. Each poses unique risks to your property.

Why Seasonal Inspections Are Crucial

Regular, seasonal inspections are your first line of defense against animal damage. Catching signs of wildlife tampering early can save you from costly repairs and potential health hazards. Ignoring the issue allows minor problems to escalate quickly.

Potential damages from nuisance wildlife include:

• Electrical Hazards: Squirrels and rodents often chew on electrical wiring, creating a serious fire risk.
• Water Damage: Birds nesting in gutters can cause blockages, leading to water overflow that damages your roof, siding, and foundation.
• Structural Issues: Rodents and other animals can burrow under foundations, weakening the structural integrity of your property over time.
• Insulation Damage: Animals nesting in attics and walls will often shred insulation, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and leading to higher utility bills.
• Health Risks: Wildlife can carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria. Droppings from bats and birds can create unsanitary conditions and lead to respiratory illnesses like histoplasmosis.

A proactive approach through a seasonal wildlife control inspection is far more effective and less expensive than dealing with a full-blown infestation and the resulting property damage.

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What to Look For During Inspections

Knowing what signs to look for is key to identifying a potential wildlife problem. When conducting an inspection, pay close attention to these common indicators of animal activity.

Common Signs of Wildlife Activity

• Droppings or Urine Stains: These are often the most obvious signs of an infestation. Check attics, basements, and along walls for evidence.
• Nests: Look for nests made of twigs, leaves, shredded paper, or insulation in quiet, hidden areas like attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and vents.
• Gnaw or Scratch Marks: Examine wooden beams, pipes, and electrical wires for marks. Rodents need to gnaw continuously to keep their teeth filed down.
• Disturbed Insulation: Check for tunnels or flattened areas in your attic insulation.
• Unusual Noises: Listen for scratching, scurrying, or chirping sounds coming from walls, ceilings, or the attic, especially at night.
• Damaged Entry Points: Look for torn screens, chewed holes in siding, or damaged roof shingles where animals might be getting in.
• Tracks or Footprints: Check dusty areas or soft soil around your property for animal tracks.

Key Areas to Inspect

• Attic and Crawl Spaces: These are prime locations for squirrels, raccoons, and bats.
• Roof and Chimney: Inspect for damaged shingles, flashing, and ensure your chimney cap is secure.
• Vents: Dryer vents, gable vents, and attic fans are common entry points for birds and small rodents.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Keep them clean to prevent birds from nesting and to ensure proper water drainage.
• Foundation and Siding: Seal any cracks or holes to prevent rodents from burrowing or squeezing through.

DIY vs. Professional Wildlife Inspections

You might be tempted to conduct home inspections yourself, which can be a good starting point for regular monitoring. However, there are situations where calling a professional wildlife removal service is the safer and more effective option.

DIY Inspections

• Pros: It’s cost-effective and helps you stay familiar with your property’s condition. You can perform visual checks of accessible areas monthly or seasonally.
• Cons: You may not recognize subtle signs of an infestation or be able to safely access high-risk areas like the roof or a cramped attic. You also risk encountering a defensive animal.

Professional Inspections

• Pros: Professionals have the training and equipment to conduct a thorough inspection of your entire property. They can identify entry points you might miss, assess the extent of any animal damage, and safely handle hazardous situations.
• Cons: There is a cost associated with professional wildlife control services, but it is often a worthwhile investment to prevent larger expenses later.

You should always call a professional if you suspect the presence of a dangerous animal like a raccoon, find extensive damage, or are uncomfortable accessing certain areas of your property.

Preventative Measures for Animal-Proofing

Prevention is the most effective strategy for wildlife control. By making your property less attractive to animals, you can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation.

• Seal Entry Points: Use caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh to seal any cracks and holes in your foundation, siding, and around utility pipes.
• Secure Vents and Chimneys: Install sturdy vent covers and a chimney cap to block access.
• Remove Food Sources: Keep trash cans tightly sealed, bring pet food indoors at night, and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed from your yard.
• Maintain Your Landscaping: Trim tree branches that hang over your roof and keep shrubs away from the foundation to eliminate easy access routes for wildlife.
• Keep Your Property Clean: Store firewood away from the house and keep your yard free of debris that could provide shelter for animals.

Protect Your Property Today

Seasonal inspections are not just another item on your home maintenance list; they are a vital practice for protecting the value, safety, and integrity of your property. By understanding wildlife behavior, knowing what to look for, and taking proactive animal-proofing measures, you can prevent nuisance wildlife from causing serious problems.

Don’t wait until you hear scratching in the walls. Taking action now can save you stress and significant expense down the road. If you’re concerned about potential wildlife tampering, it’s always best to consult with experts.

Schedule a professional wildlife control inspection today to ensure your property is secure and give yourself peace of mind. Contact us now to book your inspection and get personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.

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