Wildlife proofing advice for your home:

Fireplace Chimney

It must be sufficiently covered on outside so that animals or birds cannot enter. Suggest use of commercial chimney cap that MUST be secured to the chimney or ½" wire hardware cloth secured to the sides of the chimney.

Furnace Chimney

Commercial chimney cap of ½" wire hardware cloth secured to chimney on outside.

Soil Stack

Cover outside with ½" wire hardware cloth.

Dryer Vent

Cover outside with ½" wire hardware cloth, BUT do not cover entirely. Leave about ½" on bottom. Check monthly to insure that screening is not blocked completely.

Bathroom/Kitchen Exhaust Fan

Cover outside with ½" wire hardware cloth.

Attic Exhaust Fan

Cover bottom of fan from inside attic with ½" wire hardware cloth stapled to rafter - usually 18" square piece.

End Louvres of Attic

Cover inside with ½" wire hardware cloth.

Soffit Vents

Cover exterior with ½" wire hardware cloth.

Window Wells

Cover top with commercial covers and place screening over drainage vent on bottom.

Garage Doors

Keep closed at all times, especially after dark.

Cement Stoops

Bury ½" wire hardware cloth. 8" x 8", "L" shaped below ground to deter animals from burrowing.

Decks

Cover opening from ground to outside joists with "L" shaped hardware cloth burying, at least, 3" underground and stapled to joists to deter animals from living under deck.

Cement Slabs for Air Conditioner

Use same method used for Cement Stoops

Car Windows

Keep closed, especially during dusk and evening hours.

Wood Piles

Wood should be stacked at least 2 feet above ground.

Rubbish Piles

Remove from property.

Stored Autos or Vehicles

Remove from property.

Bird Feeders

Place as far away from house as possible.

Food

DO NOT leave food out for animals.

Garbage

Keep all refuse in locked garage or home until night before pick-up. Before placing refuse on curb or placing outside, spray containers with ammonia or pinesol to keep animals away. Wrap all chicken in foil and plastic bags to keep aroma from attracting animals.

WARNING!!!

Make sure that all animals have left the area that you intend to cover. To avoid accidently trapping the animal, place flour on the ground or inside the area you intend to close in the early evening hours. Check the flour early in the morning to help you determine if there is an animal in that area.

If you have any questions please call the Columbus Animal Control Department at 376-2505.