How to Stop Pests From Wreaking Havoc on Your Exterior in Minnesota
As winter weather moves in, animals everywhere seek warm places to sleep away the season or otherwise weather the cold. If your home isn't adequately protected by its exterior, you could likely end up with unwanted roommates very soon!
All kinds of critters can take up residence in the walls or the attic, and all they need is easy access. These roommates are worse than those who skimp on rent because they tear up insulation to make their nest and toilet wherever they please. They can spread disease, cause fire hazards, and even skyrocket your home's energy bills.
But you needn't accept these freeloaders into your Minnesota home! With the right exterior maintenance and protective products, your family can stay safe, and your energy bills can stay low this season.
Tony's Lifetime Exteriors, your Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, siding contractor and roofing company, has a few tips and how-tos below.
Tree Maintenance Is Paramount
It's a lot easier for any creature to climb up and across a grippy material than to scale a vertical wall of siding.
In other words, if your tree branches extend too close to your home, you've made it easy for wildlife to get to your roof and exploit any holes found there for easy access to your attic.
Raccoons, opossums, and squirrels will thank you! They are all more than happy to chew on wood, plastic, and even electrical wires, potentially causing electrical fires, water damage, and destruction in your home.
Aside from securing trash bins and closing off entry points, you need a hearty bout of tree trimming! Trimming branches from the sides of your home anywhere from 15 to 20 feet is recommended – if you can do so without damaging the tree. Seek out the help of an arborist or professional tree trimming company with questions.
As a side note, trimming back trees doesn't just deter critters. Keeping wayward branches away from your roof and siding prevents them from scratching against one another in a storm.
It also helps keep your roof exposed to sunlight, which helps prevent mold growth, a topic we covered in Mold on Your Roof: Causes and Solutions.
Ensure Your Roof Is in Tip-Top Shape Before Winter Starts
In 4 Exterior Upgrades That Will Keep Your Home Toasty This Winter, we touched on the importance of roof repair and similar work to energy bills.
A watertight roof is better for more than keeping you warm; It also prevents animals from taking up residence there. Yet, it sounds almost contradictory. Wouldn't wildlife be more attracted to a warm and cozy space than one that's wet and moldy?
The fact is that a well-ventilated and well-kept asphalt roof has the physical means to hinder wildlife from getting into your attic and walls. In contrast, a soggy one does not, and when you're a chilled critter looking to get out of the incoming snow, nearly anything goes.
Aside from four-legged critters, you are also up against woodpeckers and insects, which can leave a wake of damage behind them. Woodpeckers are more prone to pecking holes in wooden siding, trim, or eaves, leading to structural damage and unsightly holes.
Installing a bird feeder or reflective tape are two options to keep woodpeckers at bay and out of your roof. Insects like ants, termites, and carpenter bees may not be as easily swayed and will infest homes by feeding on wood and fabric, deteriorating the structure.
Sealing all cracks and applying insecticide and repellents around the perimeter can keep them at bay.
Extra Steps to Keep Your Roof Protected
At the end of the day, the best way to ensure animals stay out is to stay on top of roof maintenance and call a pro when things go awry, especially regarding the following.
Mind Your Roof Ventilation
We discuss this topic in detail in The Basics of Proper Roofing Ventilation, so if you want a more comprehensive overview, check it out.
Regarding wildlife prevention, a poorly ventilated roof can be vulnerable to water damage and mold, making it weaker and easier for animals to tear through.
The tricky thing about ventilation and the insulation that affects it is that every roof is built differently. Some, for example, require very little ventilation, while others need quite a few roof vents to manage their hot, humid air intake from the home below.
If you're concerned about your roof's ability to "breathe," contact a licensed pro for an inspection.
Don't Let Storm Damage Get the Better of You
Even if your room is in perfectly good health from the inside, the slightest damage can become the perfect entry point for animals. Isolated issues can come from general wear and tear, sure. But it's much more likely to show up after a storm rolls through the area, bringing hail and harsh winds.
To prevent animal issues in winter, we always recommend a roofing checkup after strong weather, and so does the National Roofing Contractors Association. Don't try to shimmy up there yourself, as slick post-rain conditions and a lack of expertise don't mix.
Tony's Lifetime Exteriors would be happy to inspect your roof and help with any insurance claims you must file after bad weather hits. With over 50 years of experience, we'll get the job done right.
Tony's Lifetime Exteriors: Your MN Partners in Roof Repair
Dedicated to top-quality craftsmanship and five-star service, our Sauk Rapids roofing company team is always there for all your roofing needs.
Since 1973, we have been serving our community with meticulous repairs and restorations of everything from siding to door and window installation. Plus, we only use premium brand products for long-lasting durability you can depend on.
Our clients are our top priority, and we are excited to get started on your next project! Call us today at 320-252-9086 or reach out online, and our team will get back to you shortly.