Living Harmoniously
with Wildlife

by William McIntosh

Well, the fall winds have descended, and the cool weather reminds us of another year coming to a close. So, in keeping with the weather changes, we also reflect on the year we’ve had, what that all entails, then our focus shifts to a new year. What I have on my mind, as a wildlife removal professional, as we head into 2026 is this: what areas of your home, cottage or property are most at risk of animal invasion?  Let’s discuss some of these risks here.

Let’s start with, venting areas on your roof. They are always a high-risk location. Considering that the vents are covering open holes in your roof, these are critical places to safeguard. Roof vents, peak vents, and louvres are all at extreme risk of damage leading to entry by animals such as squirrels and raccoons. Additionally, animals like bats and mice can take advantage of these areas once they are damaged, allowing easy entry for themselves to make your home theirs. For places without full basements, the foundation vents can also be used as a point to gain entrance and then they will shelter in your home.

The next area to look at are wall vents which are at great risk of damage and then entry by critters. This is a preferred favourite of starlings, as well as squirrels, as these vents from your kitchen, bathroom fans, and/or as dryer venting all can fall victim to animal entry. Squirrels, once inside, can chew through the flex pipe, furthering their access to your ceiling or walls.

Now, the number one entry point for raccoons is what we in the business call ‘roof soffit intersections’. These are located where the soffit ends and the meeting of the shingles. Often the soffit can be forced up or down causing it to loosen, or even tear, allowing the raccoon entry. Sometimes the raccoon may work the soffit, creating a gap, but fails to actually enter. This is where a squirrel can, and will, take advantage of that larger gap that was made for them to successfully enter your home.

Where else? The roof fascia board gap. What’s a fascia board? A fascia board is what your eavestrough is attached to. Above that, the plywood underneath the shingles meets that board. If there’s a big enough gap in that location a squirrel, and occasionally even a raccoon, can get their teeth in there and make a big enough hole to invade your attic.

Any other areas? Unfortunately, yes! For smaller animals like mice and bats, the gaps between your soffit and your exterior wall on substrates like brick and stone, are sufficient to enter into your wall space, allowing further access into the building.

Now, a common misconception is that once an animal gains entry into areas like your soffit, they’re held to that locale. This is absolutely NOT the case. The majority, if not all, of house construction is an open concept once the animal gets past the outside. They may get into your house from the front, but you hear them in the back and vice versa. It’s inaccessible to us, but not so to creatures much smaller than ourselves. Once an animal gains access to the soffit, they can access anywhere. I personally like to call it ‘the Animal Highway’ as they can go all the way around a structure uninhibited.

One place that animals invade a home without doing damage is through an attached garage. Why?  Open garage doors. Many animals have gained access through unfinished garages due to the door being left open and or just left unattended. Then, they gain access to the soffit, and they are now in your attic!  Always shut the garage door if you’re not in the garage!

Where else? Doorframes, window frames, skylights, siding gaps, below grade foundation gaps, beneath aluminum valleys, peak edges, and more. These are just a handful of areas wildlife professionals have to look and inspect to verify safety of your home, cottage and property. Then there are areas, such as sheds, decks, garages and tents, which fall under an entirely different approach for even more critter species.

This new year of 2026, let’s make sure our homes are safe and secure from animals, allowing the wild animals and ourselves to live harmoniously where and how we all should!

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Will Mcintosh is the part owner of Exit Wildlife and Pest Control, and you can reach him here.