Fall is in full swing and with it, the usual animal activity around your home.
Depending on the locale you reside, you may start to notice the different signs of such critters in and about your yard.
Seemingly harmless at first, these could-be furry critters can actually cause a lot more damage to your property than you expect.
Here are some ways to protect your home from the damage that small creatures can cause.
Gutter Maintenance One of the most important things that a homeowner can do to protect their home is to be wary of gutter maintenance.
Birds and other animals could take to nesting in unkempt gutters and the debris they leave behind prevents them from working, as they should.
A good rule of thumb is to visually inspect your gutters at least twice a month, year round.
Clean out any leaves and debris that may have accumulated and test them before the rainy season.
Fully functioning gutters are essential to preventing roof damage and foundation water damage.
Make sure to also visually inspect the gutters while it's raining to ensure the downspouts are directing water well away from your home's foundation and that water isn't pooling excessively in single areas.
Landscaping Another important factor in the upkeep of your home investment is to take keen observation of the landscaping surrounding your property.
Though shrubberies, greenery and well placed trees help to add to the value of your home, these same trees and shrubberies, when left unkempt, can house small pests such as squirrels and rodents.
Make sure not to let the grass overgrow and take care to trim bushes and branches regularly.
A kept lawn is the best deterrent to keeping these small animals from building homes in your yard.
Though it may seem a harmless idea to share your space with woodland creatures, squirrels can actually wreak havoc to your home by shorting electrical circuits, gnawing on wires and even stockpiling food in crawlspaces.
They also carry other pests such as fleas and ticks that could become a real nuisance for your pets and spread disease.
Yard Treatments Even with the most cautious measures, your yard and home may still become prone to other pests such as bugs and spiders, as well as fleas and ticks.
Take care to treat your home and your yard as soon as you notice the problem.
A lot of the times, the best cure is preventive maintenance and being proactive.
Several do-it-yourself kits are available for homeowners at your local home improvement store, however, if you notice that the problem may be getting out of hand, always call a professional.
Pest control, while sometimes simple enough to do yourself, can be dangerous and involves the use of harsh chemicals.
Always read the instructions and follow safety directions before use.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure As with most things in life, preventative measures are usually the best defense against any unwanted damage.
Taking care of your home and your lawn and protecting it against small animals, pests and other critters will help to ensure the best quality of life and keep your property value from decreasing.
Depending on the locale you reside, you may start to notice the different signs of such critters in and about your yard.
Seemingly harmless at first, these could-be furry critters can actually cause a lot more damage to your property than you expect.
Here are some ways to protect your home from the damage that small creatures can cause.
Gutter Maintenance One of the most important things that a homeowner can do to protect their home is to be wary of gutter maintenance.
Birds and other animals could take to nesting in unkempt gutters and the debris they leave behind prevents them from working, as they should.
A good rule of thumb is to visually inspect your gutters at least twice a month, year round.
Clean out any leaves and debris that may have accumulated and test them before the rainy season.
Fully functioning gutters are essential to preventing roof damage and foundation water damage.
Make sure to also visually inspect the gutters while it's raining to ensure the downspouts are directing water well away from your home's foundation and that water isn't pooling excessively in single areas.
Landscaping Another important factor in the upkeep of your home investment is to take keen observation of the landscaping surrounding your property.
Though shrubberies, greenery and well placed trees help to add to the value of your home, these same trees and shrubberies, when left unkempt, can house small pests such as squirrels and rodents.
Make sure not to let the grass overgrow and take care to trim bushes and branches regularly.
A kept lawn is the best deterrent to keeping these small animals from building homes in your yard.
Though it may seem a harmless idea to share your space with woodland creatures, squirrels can actually wreak havoc to your home by shorting electrical circuits, gnawing on wires and even stockpiling food in crawlspaces.
They also carry other pests such as fleas and ticks that could become a real nuisance for your pets and spread disease.
Yard Treatments Even with the most cautious measures, your yard and home may still become prone to other pests such as bugs and spiders, as well as fleas and ticks.
Take care to treat your home and your yard as soon as you notice the problem.
A lot of the times, the best cure is preventive maintenance and being proactive.
Several do-it-yourself kits are available for homeowners at your local home improvement store, however, if you notice that the problem may be getting out of hand, always call a professional.
Pest control, while sometimes simple enough to do yourself, can be dangerous and involves the use of harsh chemicals.
Always read the instructions and follow safety directions before use.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure As with most things in life, preventative measures are usually the best defense against any unwanted damage.
Taking care of your home and your lawn and protecting it against small animals, pests and other critters will help to ensure the best quality of life and keep your property value from decreasing.
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