If you’re a homeowner in Lakewood, you may have had run-ins or suspicions about wildlife making their way into your attic. From raccoons to squirrels and bats, these animals often find attics to be the perfect getaway for nesting or staying warm. The question is—how do they enter? Understanding the most common entry points wildlife use to access attics can help you protect your home and address potential problems before they escalate.

Roof Vents and Gaps

Roof vents are a practical necessity for your home, ensuring proper ventilation and helping prevent moisture buildup. Unfortunately, they can also serve as an open invitation for curious animals, particularly squirrels and bats. These vents create easy access points because they are often covered by lightweight materials or poorly secured coverings that wildlife can break through without much effort. 

We frequently discover damaged plastic or aluminum vent covers chewed or torn away by animals looking for shelter. The secure housing your attic offers makes these vents all the more appealing, particularly during colder months when animals seek warmth and safety from predators. Even small openings in roof vents are enough for bats to squeeze through due to their ability to enter tight spots.

Another overlooked roof feature is the gap often found between fascia boards and shingles. Whether due to natural wear and tear, aging materials, or improper installation, these small spaces become entryways for agile animals like squirrels. Once inside the attic, they can create nesting spots and gnaw on insulation or wiring, leading to significant damage.

Securing roof vents with heavy-duty covers or wire mesh is a key preventative measure. For gaps between roof structures, proper sealing using weather-resistant materials can prevent wildlife from exploiting these weak points.

Chimneys and Fireplace Openings

Chimneys are another common route for wildlife to gain access to attics. Both raccoons and squirrels are particularly drawn to chimneys for their narrow, enclosed structure, which mimics the hollow of a tree they might typically live in. Since Lakewood’s residential areas often feature chimneys, it’s a hotspot for these intrusions.

A raccoon, for example, has the dexterity to climb up the exterior walls of a house and enter through the unprotected top of a chimney. From there, it’s only a short trip to the attic, where they can quickly set up camp. Similarly, squirrels can scale walls and squeeze through small chimney openings to access warm interior spaces.

Fireplace openings cause another problem, allowing bats to enter unseen and roost higher up in the structure. This is especially true for chimneys that are left uncovered or have deteriorating covers. Once inside, animals can damage the flue and create a safety risk for homeowners attempting to use the fireplace.

To prevent wildlife from entering through chimneys, installing chimney caps and screens is essential. Durable materials that can withstand the strength of a raccoon and the agility of squirrels create a strong barrier. Regular inspections to ensure the integrity of these caps are crucial, especially after storms or extended periods of disuse.

Eaves and Overhangs

One of the most common access points into attics that we deal with is the eaves or overhanging edges of roofs where they meet walls. These areas create sheltered spaces that are inviting to wildlife, particularly if the construction materials have started to pull away or deteriorate.

Raccoons, squirrels, and even bats are known to exploit this weak point. Raccoons, with their strong paws and sharp claws, can create larger openings by prying at loose soffit panels or pushing through deteriorated materials around the edges. Squirrels, on the other hand, can gnaw through wooden fascia boards to enlarge an existing hole or gap.

Most importantly, overhangs often remain out of sight for homeowners, allowing significant entry and damage to go unnoticed for weeks or months. We often find nesting materials in the corners of attics, bundled close to these overlooked openings. Chewed wiring, droppings, and insulation damage are also common symptoms of animals gaining repeated access along eaves and overhangs.

To address these vulnerabilities, repair any loose panels or rotted wood along the roofline. Metal flashing installed along overhangs can further deter wildlife by creating a material they are unable to chew through.

Ventilation Openings

Beyond roof vents, homes have additional ventilation openings, like soffit vents and gable vents, which are essential for airflow. However, these structures are often not made with wildlife in mind, offering an easy access point for bats, raccoons, and squirrels.

Bats, in particular, are drawn to gable vents, which are typically located high up on exterior walls and provide a direct pathway into the attic. Squirrels can crawl under soffit vents where screens may have been damaged or where gaps exist due to aging installations. Raccoons can rip through these openings when desperate for shelter or a nesting place for their young.

Unchecked, these ventilation openings can lead to severe consequences. Wildlife can cause insulation damage, introduce unsanitary conditions due to droppings, and even create persistent accessibility issues if left unaddressed.

A long-term solution includes installing durable metal grates or covers over all ventilation openings, ensuring they are secured tightly to the home’s structure. Routine inspections for signs of damage or weak points are also key in maintaining proper ventilation without leaving your attic susceptible to wildlife.

Damaged or Missing Roof Shingles

Roof integrity plays a significant role in preventing wildlife entry, and damaged or missing shingles are one of the easiest pathways for entry into attics. We’ve observed this as a top access point for animals like squirrels, who can slip beneath broken shingles and chew through to enlarge the space. Once a small gap exists, the inner structure of the attic becomes accessible, especially for smaller animals.

Rain and snow in Lakewood exacerbate roof damage over time, loosening shingles and creating opportunities for entry. Animals often take advantage of these weak spots during seasonal changes in weather, when they actively seek shelter. Nesting behaviors can worsen the damage further, as animals push insulation out of the way or chew through wooden beams.

If unattended, shingle damage can go far beyond providing entry points. It can allow moisture into the attic, leading to mold growth, which exacerbates existing wildlife issues and poses additional hazards for your family.

Repairing or replacing damaged shingles promptly can stop wildlife intrusion before it begins. For heavily compromised roofs, consulting a roofing professional may be necessary to ensure comprehensive repairs and long-term protection.

The Skedaddle Team has Decades of Experience with Wildlife Removal

While every homeowner in Lakewood stands to benefit from a proactive approach to wildlife prevention, there are situations requiring expertise and precision that only professionals can provide. Skedaddle has decades of experience helping homeowners address wildlife intrusions, combining humane practices with long-term solutions.

Our team is trained to identify even the smallest vulnerabilities that animals use to enter homes. With a focus on effective prevention, thorough removal, and detailed cleanup, we ensure that wildlife issues are not just addressed but fully resolved. Plus, our work emphasizes humane practices, keeping both you and local wildlife safe.

From raccoons to squirrels and bats, we’ve seen it all. When it comes to protecting attics and ensuring proper wildlife removal, Skedaddle’s methods are unmatched in both expertise and results.

Protect your Lakewood Attic from Wildlife Intrusions

Wildlife intrusions in attics can quickly spiral into larger problems if left unresolved. By identifying and sealing the most common entry points—roof vents, chimneys, eaves, ventilation openings, and damaged shingles—you can safeguard your home from unwanted guests. 

However, if you’re dealing with an active wildlife issue or need a professional evaluation of your attic’s vulnerabilities, Skedaddle is here to help. Take the first step toward a secure, wildlife-free attic by contacting us today!