Common Entry Points In Homes For Raccoons, Feral Cats, And Squirrels

There are several common entry points in homes that can be used by raccoons, feral cats, and squirrels. It’s important to identify and secure these entry points to prevent wildlife from entering your home. Here are some common entry points for each animal:

1. Common Entry Points For Raccoons:
   • Roof vents and chimneys: 
   • Raccoons can enlarge existing holes or create new ones in soffits or eaves to enter attics or crawl spaces.
   •  Attic openings: Raccoons can squeeze through small openings or gaps in the roofline or fascia boards to gain access to attics.
   •  Holes in soffits or eaves:
   •  Damaged or missing roof shingles: Raccoons can pry up or push aside damaged or missing shingles to find entry points.
   •  Openings around plumbing or utility lines: Raccoons can exploit gaps or holes around plumbing pipes or utility lines to enter homes
   • Raccoons can climb onto the roof and access your home through open or damaged vents, chimneys, or uncapped flues.
2. Feral Cats:
   • Unsecured pet doors: Feral cats can squeeze through pet doors, so it’s important to secure them or install electronic pet doors that only open for your pet wearing a specific collar.
   • Open windows or window screens: Feral cats can enter through open windows or damaged window screens if they are not properly secured.
   • Holes or gaps in exterior walls: Feral cats can find or create openings in exterior walls, especially if there are gaps around pipes or other structures.
3. Squirrels:
   • Attic vents or louvers: Squirrels can chew through or push aside attic vents or louvers to enter attics.
   • Soffits and fascia boards: Squirrels can gnaw on or create openings in soffits and fascia boards.
   • Gaps around roof edges: Squirrels can access attics by squeezing through gaps between the roof edge and the eaves or soffits.
   • Tree branches near the home: Squirrels can jump from overhanging tree branches onto the roof, facilitating entry to the attic.

To prevent wildlife from entering your home, it is important to inspect your property regularly,  make sure to seal any openings, repair damaged areas, and ensure that all potential entry points are properly secured. 

If you live in the Oklahoma City metro area and you have a need for wildlife control services, the Association of Oklahoma Wildlife Control Operators has a list of Licensed Wildlife Control Operators In Oklahoma that can help you with your nuisance wildlife issues.

Many of these Wildlife Control Operators can help you with repairs like sealing entry and exit points, adding replacement soffit vents, and securing your home.

4. In Conclusion:

To prevent these animals from entering your home, it’s important to conduct regular inspections and take necessary preventive measures, such as:

• Seal all openings, gaps, or cracks in the roof, walls, foundation, and attic.
• Install secure vent covers and chimney caps to prevent wildlife access.
• Repair or replace damaged screens on windows and doors.
• Trim tree branches away from the roof and remove overhanging branches that can serve as access points.
• Ensure pet doors are secure or use electronic pet doors that only allow access to your own pets.
• Keep garbage cans securely covered.
• Do not leave food or pet bowls outside that may attract wildlife.

By addressing these common entry points and taking preventative measures, you can greatly reduce the chances of raccoons, feral cats, and squirrels gaining access to your home.