Vent covers usually have a thin veneer of meshing to exclude critters/debris from accessing the underside of a home. Over time wear and tear begins to take a toll on these panels. Screens begin to deteriorate, frames become flimsy and the seal protecting the crawl space from wildlife breaks down. Crawlspaces offer shelter from the elements and make ideal denning and nesting areas.
The foundations of most homes are constructed with concrete masonry or poured cement. Most homes that have crawl spaces have access panels located around their perimeter to allow for ventilation and maintenance access. Vent panels can be found on homes 100 years old and on new construction. When critters seeking shelter encounter vent panels they see potential opportunity.
Faulty vent panels offer easy access to a crawl space. A variety of critters from rats to skunks find the living conditions of a crawl space suitable. In most cases when the vent cover is failing the critters go through the meshing in the center or around the frame. In order to prevent a critter infestation proactivity is key.
As part of a homes routine exterior maintenance vent panels should be inspected for functionality. Vent panels should be replaced when they fail to securely protect the crawlspace. It’s important to note that vent panels should not be sealed with a non ventilated material. Vent panels are strategically installed to allow the home to breath and ventilate properly.
The elements will take a toll on the exterior of all homes. From roofs to foundations maintenance will be required. Vent panels not only offer ventilation but protection. Faulty vent panels offer critters effortless access to a homes crawlspace. Repairing or replacing failing vent panels will help exclude critters from denning under a home. For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors.