As the colder months creep in and winter officially begins, homeowners turn to their heating systems and fireplaces to stay warm. The winter season also signals to local wildlife that it’s time to locate a warm, dry shelter. Even though wildlife may not officially be on your winter guest list, keep reading for tips to prevent critters from entering your home.

HVAC Systems Make Ideal Shelters

Heating systems, which have most likely remained dormant for months, can become cozy shelters for wildlife. In some cases, wildlife could have caused damage to the system. Small wildlife such as rodents and squirrels can find their way inside through openings or by damaging the exterior of the unit.

Signs of Wildlife in Heating Systems and Fireplaces

• Foul odors when the system is running
• Hearing noises outside, in the chimney or in the ductwork
• Holes in or near the system foundation or adjacent home/structure
• Nests inside the condenser unit

Once you have inspected the HVAC system, attention should be given to storage areas such as attics, basements and crawl spaces.

Signs of Rodents in Storage Areas

• Evidence of gnawing wires, insulation or walls
• Droppings covering the surface of these areas

Tips To Prevent Wildlife from Entering HVAC and Storage Areas

• Prune vegetation and trees from around your home to limit habitats and easy access to the roof, chimney, condenser unit or crawl spaces.
• Ensure windows, doors and vents are tightly sealed.
• Finally, inspect these areas of your home to make sure vents and ducts are clean and free from any nesting materials.

If it is too late, and rodents have already invaded these areas, don’t wait – call Go Pro Wildlife Removal. The Go Pro Wildlife Removal team is committed to offering the highest quality wildlife expertise and remediation services such as attic decontamination, insulation replacement and professional sanitation services.