Homeowners who find a hole gnawed or scratched open on the side of their home will understandably want it sealed. Before repairing the hole there are a couple considerations to think about. What happens if I seal something in there? What happens if I separated a mother from her offspring? Before repairing a cavity from a critter one must first ensure the hole is clear and inactive. There are a few ways to do this.
The first method uses a “temporary plug” or loose fitting material. A temporary plug can be a piece of newspaper, or a couple lines of masking tape placed over the hole. The goal here is to monitor the plug to see if anything pushes the newspaper out or tears the tape. If the temporary plug opens over the course of 72hrs that hole is active.
With the evolution of technology video monitoring can also be implemented to check for activity. Wifi cameras and trail cams can provide video footage of the area. If the cameras do not pick up any activity for three days the hole is probably inactive.
Plugging a critter hole without first checking for activity can cause more problems and more holes! When a critter is trapped inside they start to look for alternative ways out. In some cases they are able to tear a new hole causing more damage. In other cases the critter becomes trapped and dies. The decomposing critter carcass will emit an unpleasant smell of methane, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia.
Before sealing a hole first ensure the hole is inactive with either a temporary plug or video confirmation. Critters need food and water and typically will exit to get those resources over the course of 72hrs. If the hole has been monitored for 72hrs and nothing has come in or out a repair can be placed.
For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors!