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Michele Buckman has put together some videos discussing the current DC market and what the future may hold for the real estate market in the Washington DC area.
DC Homes are selling...
Longtime DC Resident...
A Good Time To Buy A DC House...
Your House and Critter Control
Prevention
Fall is finally here. Fall weather means cooler temperatures. Cooler temperatures mean wildlife will be looking for warmer shelter and extra food. Deer, raccoons, chipmunk, squirrels, and rodents can be a problem for neighborhoods like Chevy Chase, Forest Hills, American University Park, Capitol Hill and other neighborhoods in the metropolitan Washington area.
Prevention is the best way to stop small animals from entering homes. Cut back tree branches and shrubs that touch the roof and sides of the house. A small animal will use branches and shrubs that touch the house as a ladder to the roof. It does not take much of an opening along an eave, soffit, wires or pipes that enter a house. Mice can flatten out to the depth of a dime to enter a house. Chipmunks and rats can flatten to the depth of a quarter. Raccoons have strong jaws and will chew on a tiny opening until it is large enough to enter.
A chimney is another common entry point into a property. A cap on a chimney is very important and will prevent access. Squirrels like to enter chimneys for its warmth. Birds sit on top of chimneys to keep warm and can fall in.
If you are lucky enough to have a garage, make sure there is no way for an animal to enter.
Seal the opening around the drain pipe under the sink. Move the stove and seal the opening where the range cord comes through the wall with liquid foam.
What if an animal enters the house?
If an animal enters the house, the home owner should call their local Animal Control or a trapping service
- Critter Control: (202) 429-5699; (703) 709-8272;(301)434-0567
- DC Animal Control: (202) 576-6664
- VA Animal Control: (703) 255-6377
- MD Animal Control Website: www.aaanimalcontrol.com
- College Park Animal Control: (301) 864-8877
- PG County Animal Control: (301) 499-8300
- Adocks Trapping Service: (301) 681-3965
Do Not Feed the Animals
Do not leave pet food out doors. This only invites animals to your house. Once animals hang around your house, it is hard to get them to leave.
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