Most people know that termites can cause damage to your home. But have you thought much about bees, woodpeckers, and squirrels?
Carpenter bees can burrow into the wood of your home and make nests. They love raw, untreated wood, so you can reduce their attacks by painting the wood with stains, or even better, paint. If you have an infestation, there are chemical treatments you can use to kill them.
Woodpeckers are very fun to watch, except when they are making holes in your home. There are visual deterrents such as windsocks or windmills that can be used to help deter them. Bird netting may also be useful. If you find holes, cover them with sheet metal or hardware cloth, or fill them with wood putty.
Other creatures that may try to chew their way into your home are squirrels. It’s recommended to cut tree limbs back at least six feet from your home so they can’t have easy access. Block any openings to your attic or roof with hardware cloth. There are humane traps you can set to catch squirrels, or you can contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
