WASHINGTON (November 16, 2005) - Temperatures are quickly dropping and,according to The Humane Society of the United States, homeowners can take a few minutes this weekend to prevent conflicts this winter withwildlife. These simple steps can help people avoid unwanted visitors like raccoons, birds, skunks, and squirrels who may seek shelter inchimneys, attics, garages and sheds during the cold weather.  

According to wildlife expert Dr. John Hadidian, director of urbanwildlife programs for The HSUS, "People do not usually do a pre-winterinspection of their home and don't tend to think about it until after araccoon or squirrel has already made a warm home in the attic orchimney." 

Safely removing the animals once they are present is more complicatedthan taking a few simple, preventative steps that can keep them out. Thelast weekends in November are optimal for people to do a quick checkinside and outside the home to avoid wildlife conflicts this winter.  

"If homeowners are pro-active now, they will not have to be reactive andhave an animal removed later," Hadidian said.   "We encourage people tobut this on their bi-annual to-do list along with changing the batteriesin their smoke detectors."  

QUICK TIPS from The HSUS on keeping wildlife from making your home, their home:

• Chimney cap:  check the chimney to make sure there are no birdsor other animals present and then install a chimney cap (Santa can still magically get through).

• Avoid climbers:  trim all branches away from your house to limitaccess for climbing wildlife.

• Clean sweep:  clean up any debris - especially leaf piles -around the house foundation.

• Attic alert: inspect your attic closely with a flashlight to see if any signs of animal presence are there. Then turn off the light andlook for any light leaking in from outside to show you potential entryspots that need to be treated.

• Roof check: look around for any loose vent screens, warped siding or holes on your roof and be sure to repair them.

• Don't trash wildlife: secure trash containers with bungee cords,ropes, or weights.

• Compost attraction:  cover or secure compost piles. Nevercompost meat scraps.

• Inside appliances: look behind major appliances in the kitchen, laundry room, and anywhere that pipes enter your house. Spaces around these pipes are common entry points for animals. 

• Clog the holes:  If there is no sign of animals, caulk small holes, staple hardware cloth over larger holes or make a permanent repair. Fill holes around pipes with copper wire mesh and use expanding foam on cracks and along leaky windows and doors. This will also saveyou money on your next heating bill. 

 If after this inspection, animals are still finding their way inside your home, visit http://www.wildneighbors.org for additional tips and for information on humane methods to encourage animals to leave.