Restoravet Wildlife & Property Response

Spring is busy season—for wildlife and for your property. As animals search for nesting spots and plants come back to life, your home becomes more attractive to both. A short spring checklist can help you prevent wildlife problems and keep your exterior looking sharp.

Here’s a simple, Central Texas‑focused checklist you can work through in a weekend.

### 1. Walk your exterior and look up

Do a slow walk around your home and look for:
– Gaps around rooflines, soffits, and vents
– Chewed or damaged fascia boards
– Loose or missing vent covers

Make note of anything that looks like a possible opening larger than a quarter. These are prime targets for raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife.

### 2. Check your attic entry (from inside)

From inside your home or garage:
– Look at the attic access door or hatch
– Check for:
– Scratching sounds
– Droppings near the access point
– Insulation or debris falling through gaps

If you suspect current wildlife activity, **don’t** go exploring—call a professional first.

### 3. Trim trees and vegetation away from the roof

Tree branches and overgrown shrubs can:
– Provide easy access routes for wildlife to your roof
– Trap moisture and debris against siding or gutters

If safe to do so:
– Trim branches 5–10 feet back from your roofline
– Clear shrubs away from foundation vents and siding

### 4. Clean up attractants around the yard

Wildlife and pests are drawn to:
– Open trash cans or loose bags
– Pet food left outside
– Bird feeders that spill excess seed

Spring is a great time to:
– Secure trash with tight‑fitting lids
– Feed pets indoors when possible
– Move bird feeders farther from the house if activity is heavy

### 5. Inspect driveways, walk paths, and entranceways

Look for:
– Slippery green or black patches (algae/mildew)
– Deep stains from vehicles or rust
– Cracked or uneven spots that collect water

This is the perfect moment to:
– Schedule a **pressure wash** for driveways, walk paths, and entranceways
– Address trip hazards or drainage issues

### 6. Gutters and downspouts

When safe and appropriate:
– Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris
– Confirm downspouts are directing water away from the foundation

Clogged gutters can lead to:
– Rotting wood near roof edges (which wildlife exploit)
– Water pooling near your foundation or walkways

### 7. When to call in a professional

Reach out for help if you:
– Hear scratching, thumping, or scurrying in walls or attic
– Notice strong odors or staining on ceilings/walls
– See signs of nests, droppings, or animal damage
– Want a combined **wildlife inspection + exterior cleaning** to start the season fresh

**If you’d like a hand with wildlife inspection, cleanup, or a spring curb appeal refresh, we serve Killeen and surrounding Central Texas communities with humane removal and professional exterior cleaning.**