Nobody enjoys uninvited guests, especially the kind with fur, claws, or feathers. In Englewood, critters like squirrels, raccoons, and birds can turn your cozy home into their personal playground. The good news? You can stop them before they even get in.
Keeping these animals out isn’t just about avoiding the noise or mess. It’s about preventing bigger problems—like damaged insulation, chewed wires, and even health risks. The solution doesn’t have to be complicated, either.
Let’s go over these five simple, expert-backed steps to keep those pesky critters from invading your home. These tips will save you both time and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Tiny gaps in your home can let critters like squirrels inside, even if they seem too small to matter.
- Open vents and chimneys make it easy for wildlife to sneak in, so proper covers are a must.
- Food left outside, like trash or pet food, will attract animals, making your home a frequent stop.
- Overhanging branches give critters easy access to your roof, so keeping trees trimmed is crucial.
Step 1: Seal Up Every Little Crack and Gap (Yes, Even That Tiny One)
Ever wonder how a squirrel finds its way into your attic? They’ve got a knack for squeezing through the smallest cracks, ones you’d never think twice about. Those tiny gaps in your roofing, siding, or even around pipes can become a freeway for critters like squirrels and raccoons.
As homeowners in Florida, you often overlook these spots, assuming they’re too small to matter—but they do.
Why Sealing Gaps Works
Believe it or not, some animals can squeeze through openings as small as ¼ inch. That’s all it takes for them to set up camp in your attic.
Here’s a quick list of expert-recommended materials to seal entry points:
- Steel wool: Difficult for animals to chew through, great for small gaps.
- Caulk: Seals cracks and is easy to apply around windows, doors, and siding.
- Metal mesh: Ideal for larger openings and provides long-term protection.
How to Check Your Home for Gaps
Take a walk around your home’s perimeter, paying close attention to roof vents, eaves, chimneys, and any visible cracks. Don’t forget to check around your windows and doors, too.
If you’re unsure or feel like you’ve missed something, don’t hesitate to call a professional roofer in Englewood. They’ll ensure every gap is sealed, even the ones you can’t see.
Step 2: Install Critter-Proof Vent Covers (Because They’re Craftier Than You Think)
Critters are natural problem-solvers. Why make it easy for them? Open vents and chimneys might as well be rolling out the welcome mat for raccoons, birds, and squirrels. These openings are often overlooked, but they’re some of the easiest ways for animals to sneak in.
Not all vent covers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in keeping critters out. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for different parts of your home in Englewood:
| Vent/Chimney Type | Recommended Cover | Benefits |
| Roof Vents | Metal Vent Covers | Durable, weather-resistant, critter-proof |
| Chimneys | Chimney Caps | Prevents animal entry, long-lasting |
| Eaves/Attic Openings | Galvanized Mesh | Resists rust and prevents gnawing |
Step 3: Keep Food Sources at Bay (Because Critters Don’t Knock Before Dinner)
Food is a powerful motivator—just ask any raccoon. If you’ve got bird feeders, open trash cans, or pet food lying around, you’re basically rolling out a critter buffet. Hungry animals are drawn to easy meals, and once they know where to find food, they’ll keep coming back.
Here’s how you can cut off their food supply:
- Secure Trash Lids: Use bungee cords or durable critter-proof cans with locking mechanisms.
- Bring Pet Food Indoors: Don’t leave it outside overnight—especially if your pet’s a messy eater.
- Clean Up Birdseed: Fallen seed attracts more than just birds. Regularly sweep up to avoid feeding other wildlife.
Expert insight: The goal is simple—make your Florida property less appetizing for wildlife.
Step 4: Trim Trees and Shrubs (No Need to Invite a Squirrel to Your Roof Party)
Critters love to use branches as their personal bridge to your home. Overhanging branches and dense shrubs provide easy access to your roof, windows, and even vents.
To avoid creating a critter highway:
- Trim branches 6–8 feet away from your roofline to make it harder for them to jump.
- Keep shrubs trimmed to reduce hiding spots near your foundation.
Tools and Safety Tips
For safe trimming, use long-handled pruning shears for branches. If you’re dealing with taller trees, call in a professional in Englewood. It’s safer—and you’ll get better results.
Step 5: Set Up Motion-Activated Deterrents (Because Critters Hate Surprises Too)
If you’ve ever been startled by a sprinkler, you’ll know how effective surprises can be. Critters feel the same way. Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, and sound devices can scare off animals before they make themselves too comfortable in your yard or home.
Here are your top options in Florida:
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Sudden bursts of water deter animals like raccoons and deer.
- Motion-Activated Lights: Bright lights can scare off nocturnal critters like raccoons and opossums.
- Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds only animals can hear, annoying them enough to leave.
Where to Place Them
Setting these up in the right spots will keep critters from getting too cozy around your home in Englewood. For best results, place deterrents near:
- Known entry points: Attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces where animals are likely to sneak in.
- High-activity areas: Places where critters frequently visit, like gardens, trash bins, or pet feeding zones.
Look for signs such as visible tracks, droppings, chewed materials, or frequent sightings of animals. Identifying these spots ensures that the deterrents are placed where they’ll have the most impact.
When to Call Galloway Roofing for Professional Critter Protection
While these steps can help keep critters out, sometimes, you need a pro to make sure your Englewood home is fully protected. Galloway Roofing brings years of expertise in roofing and home protection, ensuring your home is critter-proof from top to bottom.
Don’t wait until critters cause expensive damage—get ahead of the problem. Call us at (941) 697-3737 for a free estimate, an assessment, or a quick quote, and protect your home the right way.
