Preventing critters from infiltrating your attic (or any other part of your home) may not be an issue that comes to mind when building or remodeling, but if you’ve ever dealt with this problem, you know it’s worth considering. If you haven’t, take my word for it, it’s no fun.
Nuisance wildlife like raccoons, mice, rats, and squirrels can carry disease, chew through well….. you name it, and damage duct work; not to mention the contamination and odor caused by their excrement. Lovely thought isn’t it?
To give you an example of wildlife damage, the county took their good old time addressing raccoons living in the attic of a local fire station – a very costly mistake. The damage and filth was so bad that a contractor had to be called in to remove the ceiling, replace all the duct work, install a new ceiling, and add new insulation after Animal Control removed 15 raccoons!
Installation of exclusion barriers during the construction process is the most important form of prevention. Animals can gain access through soffit; spaces under the 
porch, crawlspace, and deck; attic vents; gable vents; or any unsealed openings in the building envelope. Many exclusion barriers consist of installing steel mesh to block the opening.
One of the most common access areas is through the metal soffit in the corner where the gable meets the roof, as shown in the picture to the right. It is very easy for a raccoon to use his body to push the soffit up and simple climb in.
The preventative measure entails sealing off this vulnerable corner with steel mesh and sealant and covering with flashing. It is also important for the soffit to be tightly installed in the first place making it more difficult for animals to break in.
The photos were provided by AAAnimal Control (www.AAAnimalControl.com). This site offers several very informative photos and is worth a look. In addition to removal services, sites such as this one provide a ton of information on prevention. For a nationwide list of nuisance animal removal services Click Here.
Some builders, particularly those who have experienced a wildlife problem inside their own home, have incorporated preventative measures as part of their standard building practices. Ask your builder how he/she handles this issue.
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