UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The approach of fall often sends animals looking for winter homes, and an extension wildlife specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences says a simple addition to your home can keep those inquisitive creatures outside where they belong.

Chimneys can attract animals in search of a den, says Gary San Julian, professor of wildlife resources in the School of Forest Resources, but that's not the only reason for animals to consider your home as their next cave or hollow tree.

"At this time of the year and throughout the year, we find raccoons and squirrels getting into our chimneys," San Julian says. "They can cause damage if they nest in the firebox of a chimney -- sometimes a hole has to be torn through the firewall. It can cost homeowners more than $1,000 to repair damage that could have been prevented by a $50 chimney cap.

"If they're in the firebox when you start a fire for the first time it could be dangerous for both the animal and you," he says. San Julian points out that chimney construction -- with smooth interior sleeves made of metal or terra cotta -- makes it easy for animals to get trapped.

San Julian says caps, which are wire mesh devices that can be installed by chimney cleaners, also keep large pieces of debris from escaping the chimney when the fireplace is in use.

"It's a very cheap insurance policy when you consider the damage animals can do," San Julian says. "It's also good for them. You won't have animals getting in there and possibly dying, causing odors and health hazards. During the summer, chimney swifts and other birds may build nests that can ignite, causing chimney fires. If you didn't have a cap on your chimney, you should have it cleaned as a safety precaution before using your fireplace."

There's no special time for installing a chimney cap. As soon as you're sure there are no animals in your chimney, have the cap put on. Late fall -- after bats enter caves to hibernate -- also is a good time to bat-proof your attic, San Julian says. "By sealing holes in your attic now, you can prevent bats from re-entering your house next spring. At this time of year, you don't have to worry as much about sealing bats inside."

Bats enter through spaces where joined materials have pulled away, often through louvered vents with loose screening, roof peaks, dormer windows or areas where flashing has pulled away from the roof or siding. To cover louvered vents or large gaps and cracks, use window screening or hardware cloth. Fill smaller cracks with expanding foam insulation or caulking compound.

If an animal does decide to move in with you, you'll need to know that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has several guidelines on taking action to control nuisance wildlife:

--Wildlife must be taken in a safe, humane, expeditious and lawful manner and must be buried on the site where taken, destroyed by incineration or other proper disposal, or submitted for laboratory analysis. They can't be retained alive, sold or given away.

--Obviously sick or diseased animals and animals posing a threat to humans, farm animals or pets are not protected (except migratory birds, big game and threatened or endangered species).

--Wildlife (except migratory birds, big game and threatened or endangered species) isn't protected when personal property, other than an agricultural crop, is being destroyed or damaged.

For advice on managing intrusive wildlife, contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county.

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EDITORS: Contact Gary San Julian at 814-863-0401.

Writer/Editor: Gary Abdullah Office 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877