As silly as it sounds, it is effective. Animal proofing is fast becoming the preferred method of wildlife “control”, even among exterminator companies. Why? Because it works!  Unlike trapping and the use of poisons, animal proofing is a safe and effective solution to human/wildlife conflicts. By eliminating the attractions that bring animals to your home, and by erecting physical barriers, you can condition animals to stay away.

To effectively animal proof your home, you need to think like an animal. Begin by taking a tour of your property to determine what aspects of it would be attractive to a fox, raccoon, skunk, or whatever animal it is you are trying to deter. Are there any places an animal could enter and set up camp?
 
Spend an afternoon and take a good look at your home from top to bottom: Get down on all fours and look for holes leading into crawl spaces, look for any tree limbs allowing easy access to your roof, locate any possible holes in your attic, etc.  Take steps to seal these spots with strong, durable materials such as wire mesh, silicone caulk is great space filler, and ammonia soaked rags or steel wool shoved inside holes and crevices are harmless but effective deterrents as well.  Remember, Mice and bats can enter a home from a crack as small as 1/4 of an inch wide so it’s important to make sure your house is sealed up tight. 

A Note of Caution: Before you begin sealing up cracks and crevices, be sure no animals will be trapped inside your home. When you are closing a hole, a good way to ensure that the premises are empty before sealing it is to sprinkle a layer of flour on the area outside the opening. Once you see a set of footprints in the flour that face away from the opening, you know your tenant is out and about, and it is safe to proceed. 

Beware: You should avoid sealing holes during the spring and summer when animals are raising their offspring, unless you are absolutely certain that there are no babies inside. If you cannot be certain, wait to take action until any possible youngsters are grown, and have struck out on their own.

If you are having issues with wildlife, the following links are filled with a few tips on how to keep the critters away.

No Food Means No Critters

Scaring them with Scarecrows

Guarding the Garden