Fall and Winter Wildlife Control Tips for Homeowners
As the temperatures begin to drop, wildlife starts preparing for the colder months ahead. For many animals, this means seeking food and shelter—often in places you’d rather they avoid, like your home. Fall and winter are prime times for critters such as rodents, squirrels, bats, and raccoons to seek out warm, cozy spots to hibernate or nest. Here are some helpful hints and advice to protect your home from unwanted wildlife visitors this season.
1. Seal Entry Points
One of the most effective ways to prevent wildlife from entering your home is by sealing any potential entry points. Animals like mice, rats, and squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small holes, so take the time to inspect your home thoroughly.
Check for Cracks and Gaps: Examine the exterior of your home, including the roof, foundation, and around windows and doors. Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes you find with materials such as caulk, steel wool, or hardware cloth.
Inspect Your Roof: Animals like squirrels and raccoons are excellent climbers and may access your attic through vents, chimneys, or gaps in roofing materials. Install chimney caps and cover attic vents with mesh to keep wildlife out.
2. Clean Up Food Sources
Many animals are driven into homes by the promise of easy food. Reducing available food sources around your property will make it less attractive to wildlife.
Keep Trash Secure: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a secure area, such as a garage or shed. Raccoons and other animals can easily get into unsecured trash, especially if food is readily available.
Don’t Leave Pet Food Outside: If you feed your pets outdoors, bring any leftover food inside as soon as they’re done eating. Pet food can attract rodents and larger animals like raccoons and opossums.
Clean Up Bird Feeders: While bird feeders can be enjoyable to maintain, they can also attract squirrels, rodents, and even larger wildlife like raccoons. Clean up any spilled birdseed, or consider removing feeders altogether during the colder months.
3. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Overgrown trees, shrubs, and bushes can act as bridges for wildlife to access your roof, attic, or walls. Trimming branches that hang over or near your home will reduce the risk of animals climbing onto your roof in search of entry points.
Keep Landscaping Neat: Well-maintained landscaping not only reduces the chance of wildlife entering your home but also deters animals from nesting in close proximity. Clear away fallen leaves and other debris where animals could hide or burrow.
4. Store Firewood Away from Your Home
Firewood stacks are a popular spot for rodents, snakes, and other wildlife to nest. To avoid providing a cozy hiding spot for these animals, store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and at least a few inches off the ground.
5. Inspect Your Attic and Basement
As temperatures drop, attics and basements can become attractive refuges for wildlife. Conduct an inspection of these areas before the weather turns too cold to ensure they are wildlife-free.
Check for Signs of Animals: Look for droppings, nesting materials, or chewed wires or insulation, which can all be signs that animals have taken up residence.
Add Insulation and Seal Gaps: Insulating and sealing your attic or basement not only keeps wildlife out but can also improve your home’s energy efficiency.
6. Be Mindful of Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats are notorious for finding their way into homes during the fall and winter months. Once inside, they can cause significant damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and even structural components of your home.
Set Traps Early: If you suspect rodents may try to enter your home, consider setting traps in areas where they’re likely to travel, such as along walls or in the attic. This can help catch any early invaders before they become a bigger problem.
Keep Food in Airtight Containers: Store pantry items like cereal, pasta, and pet food in airtight containers to prevent rodents from accessing them.
7. Call a Professional
If you suspect wildlife has already made its way into your home, it’s important to address the issue quickly and safely. DIY removal can often lead to injury, incomplete removal, or damage to your home. Professional wildlife control services, like 10-Eleven Nuisance Wildlife Control, are trained to handle wildlife issues humanely and effectively.
Safe Wildlife Removal: A professional can safely remove animals from your home, using exclusion methods to ensure they don’t return.
Wildlife Exclusion: Professionals can inspect your home for vulnerable entry points and install exclusion devices or seal gaps to prevent future wildlife intrusions.
Conclusion
As you prepare your home for the fall and winter months, taking steps to keep wildlife out is essential. From sealing up entry points to eliminating food sources, these preventative measures will help protect your home and avoid unwanted encounters with wildlife. If you encounter any issues or want expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to 10-Eleven Nuisance Wildlife Control. Our team is here to help you keep your home safe and wildlife-free all year long!
