Spring is a active period for wildlife in Ontario. As temperatures rise, female raccoons, squirrels, and skunks search for secure nesting locations to raise their young. Spring rains can also expose structural vulnerabilities in foundation flashing, rooflines, and brickwork.
Use this exterior checklist every spring to identify entry points and protect your home structure.
1. Foundation & Brick Mortar Inspection
- [ ] Inspect Mortar Lines: Check brick veneer for cracked or missing mortar joints near ground level.
- [ ] Examine Weep Holes: Brick weep holes allow moisture to escape, but they also serve as primary entry points for mice. Install stainless steel weep hole covers that permit airflow while blocking pests.
- [ ] Check Foundation Flashing: Ensure metal z-flashing along the bottom edge of siding is flush against the foundation with no sagging or gaps.
2. Roofline, Soffits, and Fascia
- [ ] Inspect Soffit Vents: Heavy winds and winter storms can dislodge plastic soffit panels. Check for loose seams where rooflines meet wall intersections.
- [ ] Check Fascia and Gutters: Look for water-rotted wood along the roof edge. Soft, damp fascia allows squirrels and raccoons to chew through into the attic space.
- [ ] Roof Ridge Caps and Plumbing Stacks: Look from ground level (or safely from a ladder) for lifted shingles, damaged ridge vents, or cracked rubber boots around plumbing vent pipes.
3. Ground-Level Structures & Utilities
- [ ] Utility Lines & HVAC Penetrations: Inspect areas where copper AC lines, gas pipes, or electrical conduits enter your home. Fill small gaps with copper mesh and seal with high-grade exterior silicone or expanding foam.
- [ ] Dryer Vents and Exhaust Fans: Verify that exterior vent dampers open and close freely and are fitted with protective wire cages.
- [ ] Deck and Porch Perimeter: Inspect soil lines along unsealed decks for fresh digging or burrows. For a permanent fix, follow our trench exclusion mesh installation guide or learn how to handle skunks beneath structures.
4. Doors and Low-Level Windows
- [ ] Garage Door Bottom Seals: Check the rubber sweep on garage doors. If light shows beneath when closed, replace the rubber seal to deter rodents.
- [ ] Window Wells: Clear debris from basement window wells and cover them with fitted, durable plastic or mesh covers.
Take Action Early
Identifying gaps early saves money on repairs and pest remediation. If your spring inspection reveals active nests, droppings, or damaged structural vents, schedule a professional inspection with Pestward’s wildlife removal specialists. For broader pest issues like rodents or insects, check out our comprehensive residential pest control options.