How Animals Get In The Attic

Animals gain access to the attic through poorly sealed areas of the house. These areas include: the soffit, gable or roof vents, roof or fascia board openings, and even the return air conditioning chase. There are a variety of critters that can end up in your home’s attic. Rats, squirrels, mice, raccoons, opossums, bats, snakes, and iguanas are among these animals.

Read what damage animals can cause Animal Damage In The Attic

Common Entry Points For Animals Into The Attic

Roof vents are a common way for animals to get access to a home’s attic. These vents generally come with a factory-installed screen, but weather will deteriorate it over time. Depending on the animal, they may even chew their way through the factory screening. They get right into the attic once they’ve passed this point.

Soffit gaps are another popular entry point. Contractors will only complete work that is water resistant. They frequently leave gaps between the soffit and the roof. When an animal decides to cross this gap, it will end up in the attic.

Air Conditioning Return Chase is another way. There is no manufacturer screening on these. Animals will follow the air conditioner’s tubing and hoses all the way up into the soffit. They have full access to the attic from there.

Gable vents are another area. These normally have a factory screening on them, but weather will damage them over time, just like the other vents. Animals will be able to enter the attic after the screening is removed.

How To Seal These Problem Areas

The majority of the animals listed above are capable of chewing through a wide range of materials. It is critical to use metal material to seal these areas. Stainless steel is the best option. Spray foam will not be effective in any of these areas since the animals will gnaw straight through it.

For this type of work, it is suggested that you hire a professional. Attempting to do so without the necessary experience could result in roof leaks or a failed animal removal.