A home presents a number of entry points for animals. Examining potential entrances and closing them up is the key to keeping animals out.

Chimney

A professionally installed chimney cap or a mesh hardware cloth can keep animals out of the chimney, which is a common entry place as well as a channel for two potential hazards—animal droppings and the blocking of the release of smoke. A securely fitting cap or mesh covering can keep animals outdoors. Do not use window-screening material as it will clog with soot and other debris causing a fire hazard.

Attic exhaust fan opening

Many attics are equipped with an exhaust fan to vent hot air from under the roof. Animals can scurry through the opening of the exhaust pipe and into the attic itself. Attics are very attractive to animals because they tend to be warm and infrequently visited — a perfect place for a nest. Again, use a wire mesh hardware cloth securely fastened over the venting can keep animals out.

Roof and soffits

Over time weather and water can soften wood and create places where animals can gnaw or dig through. Routinely inspect the roof and wood areas of the home to check for weak areas that may need repair. Pay close attention to areas where gables or dormers meet the roof line.

Drainage pipes

Homeowners with a sump pump or other drainage system may have pipes extending from a basement to the outdoors. Burrowing animals may find the exposed end of the pipe and enter the home through the drain. Wire mesh coverings secured to the end of the pipe will allow water to drain out, but not let an animal in.

Window wells

Basement window wells offer areas where animals can spend time unnoticed gnawing away at loose trim or caulking to sneak past. A plastic covering or commercial grate can usually do the trick of securing the window well area.

Fences and decking

Animals can dig under fences and take up roost in the yard, or they may live under decks. While not exactly inside of the home, they’re certainly sharing close proximity with homeowners and can be a nuisance. Dig a trench at least 10 to 12 inches deep and place wire mesh inside. Attach the mesh to the bottom of the fence or deck. This may help keep some burrowing animals out.

One police officer from Altoona and one from Eau Claire Animal Control crawled down through the sewer system to fish out the baby ducks. They had a crowd of young spectators watching eagerly from the side. Luckily, all five ducklings got out of the sewer safely.

Look at these poor babies! They must have suffered a desperate and sad time.

 The second case is somewhat sad as well as funny.

A family of cute baby ducks had to be rescued after getting their mother in a flap when they fell down a drain in Shrewsbury. The eight ducklings, less than a week old, were pulled from the sewers in Hexham Way, near to the Rea Brook, by RSPCA officers yesterday.

Elaine Williams, the animal collection officer called to the scene, said the mother had apparently walked across the slatted drain cover but when her babies had followed they dropped through the gaps.

Oh, come on, you thoughtless mother, just be more concentrated on you little babies!

The last story was just inspiring because many people pitched in.

George Jessup was on duty, driving his plumbing company’s truck. But when he saw a duck sitting on a storm drain on a busy road in Shaler, he didn’t think twice about stopping.

The duck wouldn’t move, and it was in a dangerous position on Anderson Road. It piqued Mr. Jessup’s curiosity. When he approached the duck he heard “peep peep peeping” and realized there were ducklings in the storm drain. He just had to help.

When he couldn’t budge the heavy grate, he called Shaler police and volunteer firefighters. The ducklings “were flipping out,” he said, and the mother duck, a mallard, was agitated.

The firemen took the grate off, which might have weighed 300 pounds. Then a police officer reached in and picked up the ducklings. There were six or seven. Mr. Jessup thought hey were the cutest things he ever saw — brownish with some white and yellow.

To make sure they got every duckling, Mr. Jessup sent Mr. Rooter’s video inspection camera down the pipe. There were no more.

After their three-hour ordeal, mamma and her ducklings ‘just waddled off’.