How to Identify and Seal Wildlife Entry Points in Your Home
Southern Ontario’s natural beauty comes with its wild neighbours—raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and more. While sharing space with wildlife is part of the charm, it becomes a problem when animals find a large enough opening to get into your home. Early detection is key. In this guide, a Pest Protection Plus Wildlife Specialist explains how to identify and secure common wildlife entry points before they turn into costly infestations.
Why Identifying Wildlife Entry Points Matters
Wild animals seek shelter, warmth, and food—your home offers all three. Regular inspections for large gaps or damage help prevent infestations, property damage, and health hazards. Don’t just inspect ground level—wildlife entry points can be above, below, and all around your property.
Roof & Eavestrough Wildlife Entry Points
Eavestroughs: Loose or damaged gutters are prime raccoon, squirrel, and bird access routes. Ensure they’re clean and secure.
Soffits: Holes, cracks, or loose panels are frequent squirrel and raccoon points of entry.
Shingles: Missing or damaged shingles create gaps bats and birds can exploit.
Roof Gaps: Where your roof meets your walls is a hotspot for wildlife entry points. Check chimney caps too.
Ground-Level and Below Entry Points
Shed Foundations: Rodents dig beneath and slip through gaps in doors and windows.
Under Decks: Popular for nesting. Block with wire mesh to prevent skunk and groundhog entry.
Home Foundations: Cracks and holes let in mice and rats. Seal all foundation-level entry points.
Around the Yard: Trees, Utilities, and Vents
Overhanging Trees: Trim branches touching your home—these are natural bridges for wildlife.
Fences: Broken or bent fencing makes for easy access to your yard.
Utility Line Gaps: Where cables enter walls are often overlooked access points.
Garages & Outbuildings: Check for unsealed vents or wall gaps.
Dryer & Attic Vents: Always install screens. Unprotected vents are open invitations.
Signs of Wildlife Entry Points and Activity
If you see any of the following signs, it’s likely you already have an active entry point:
Droppings: Each species leaves a unique trail.
Tracks: Mud or snow around the foundation tells you where they enter.
Nesting Material: Shredded insulation, paper, or leaves = nesting zone.
Gnaw Marks: Common on wood, siding, or wires.
Noises: Scratching or chirping at night? Time to inspect those wildlife entry points.
Protect Your Home from Wildlife Intrusions
Routine inspections for gaps & holes should be part of every Southern Ontario homeowner’s checklist. Sealing these areas early keeps pests out, protects your structure, and saves money. If you’re unsure where to start, contact Pest Protection Plus. We specialize in humane wildlife removal, exclusion, and prevention—protecting your home before animals make it theirs.
