Wildlife Entry Points: Roof and Fascia

Common entry points for wildlife are your home’s roof and fascia. Learn how to properly seal and prevent any wildlife from entering these areas.

As much as we try to keep our home clean and our rooms tidy, sometimes, a wake-up call in the form of an unwanted house guest can threaten even the most immaculate of settings. But don’t stress out too much. Keeping wildlife out can be hassle-free if you know the right steps to take to prevent those seemingly cute and cuddly creatures from entering your home. It all starts with prevention.

Assessing your home and surrounding areas is the first step in wildlife-proofing. Common entry points include intersections in your roof and soffits, and spaces or cracks in the fascia. Animals can gain access through these points and make their way into your attic. This area is where a portion of the overhang meets the lower section of the roof – for instance between the garage roof and the main roof of the house. Raccoons are the most common wildlife culprit that enters this area of the home.

Repair any cracks or rotted or broken areas in the fascia or roof using a 16 to 19 gauge welded wire mesh (1 inch x 1 inch or half inch by half inch). This is available in most hardware stores. Mid-October is the best time to work on roof repairs as most wildlife babies are already moving about and are easier to move out of temporary dens they may have made in your home. But do be aware that winter may also be migration time for some animals that might choose to seek shelter your home to escape the winter cold. Before starting your repairs, make sure there are no existing occupants in your attic. Closing up this entry point before removing wildlife from your attic may lead to even more issues.

Consult a professional if you’re not sure of how to go about wildlife-proofing your home. This will ensure it is done properly and can prevent further damage from happening.