When the Outdoors Moves Indoors: Keeping Wildlife Out This Winter

When the temperatures drop, you might think most animals are hibernating or nesting in their natural habitats. But many types of winter wildlife don’t hibernate. Nuisance wildlife like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums stay active and seek warmth, sometimes inside your home. Without proper planning, these uninvited guests can cause serious damage to your property. Here’s how to keep wildlife out and protect your home this winter.

How Wildlife Wreck Havok in Winter

Nuisance wildlife are on the hunt for food, warmth, and shelter. The following areas of your home are prime targets:

• Attics: Warm, dry, and rarely disturbed by humans, attics are a perfect hiding place for small animals.
• Chimneys: Open chimneys provide a warm, enclosed space safe from predators, making them a popular nesting spot for birds, raccoons, and squirrels.
• Crawl spaces: While not as warm as attics, crawl spaces offer shelter from the cold and predators.
• Under porches or decks: These areas provide excellent cover, and once an animal settles in, it can be challenging to remove them.

Even if they seem harmless at first, invasive wildlife can cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, and even the structure of your home. Plus, they pose health risks to your family by spreading diseases and parasites.

How to Winterize Your Home from Wildlife

Preventing a wildlife invasion starts with proactive measures:

• Seal potential entry points: Inspect your home for gaps in vents, roofing, and foundation cracks. Even small openings can provide access to rodents and other animals.
• Eliminate all food sources: Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids and be mindful of bird feeders, as they can attract unwanted visitors.
• Remove hiding places: Clear yard clutter, like leaf piles and fallen branches, and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home
• Install a chimney cap: A simple cap prevents animals from using your chimney as a nesting site.
• Trim tree branches: Cut back branches that hang over your roof, as they provide easy access to your attic and gutters.

What To Do if Wildlife Gets Inside Your Home

If you hear scratching in your walls, notice droppings, or smell strange odors, it's essential to act fast before they do damage to your home. Professional wildlife removal ensures that animals are safely and humanely relocated while also addressing the root causes of the invasion. It’s important to remember there are laws on wildlife trapping and removal, so it’s always best to consult a professional, preferably a licensed Problem Animal Control (PAC) agent.