Keep your home critter-free this winter with these tips!
Winter is quickly approaching, and that means pretty soon all sorts of critters are going to try and make their way into your home. Garages, basements, and attics are appealing to animals like mice, rats, and squirrels. This is because they are warm environments and are an escape from the cold winter weather. Here are some things you can do to make sure you don’t have any unwanted guests in your home this winter!
Continuous Inspections
To ensure that there are no hidden entrances for unwanted critters into your home, you need to inspect your home on a consistent basis. Any sorts of gaps or openings can serve as a means for an animal to gain access. Be sure that the crawl space of your home is secure and that windows and doors do not have any gaps around the frames. You will also want to do the same for your home’s roof. If you do not feel comfortable going up there, you may want to consider hiring someone to do so.
Don’t Give Them A Reason
There are all sorts of ways an animal can find its way into your home. It is essential that you consider your property and be mindful of all possible access points. Do you have any trees or bushes near the side of your home? If you have a squirrel problem in your attic, it is possible that these furry creatures are using branches as a bridge to get onto your roof. A common mistake that many homeowners make is leaving their trash cans near their home. This is a problem because the smell of food will entice animals to come check it out. You are much better off keeping all trash bins a safe distance away from your home.
Make Any Necessary Repairs
If you do come across any gaps or holes in your home, you will want to fill/repair them as quickly as possible. As we move closer to winter, it will start becoming a more significant issue, so your best interest to fix any problems immediately.
Top 5 Animals That Move Indoors in Winter
1) Mice
Top 5 Animals That Move Indoors in Winter
Mice are among the most common animals to enter homes in colder months. They are small enough to squeeze through tiny gaps in walls, vents, or foundations. Once inside, they search for food and nesting materials, often staying in attics, basements, or behind appliances.
2) Rats
Rats seek warmth and steady food sources when temperatures drop. They prefer quiet areas such as garages, crawl spaces, or inside walls. Unlike mice, they are larger and more destructive, often gnawing through wires, insulation, or wood. Their presence can quickly grow into an infestation if left unchecked.
3) Squirrels
Squirrels typically live outdoors but may move into attics when the weather turns cold. They use insulation and stored materials to build nests. Squirrels can cause significant damage by chewing through roofing, wood, or electrical wiring while trying to create space for themselves.
4) Raccoons
Raccoons are strong and resourceful animals that sometimes enter homes in winter. They look for sheltered areas such as attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces. Raccoons can tear through roofing or vents to get inside. Once in, they may create large nesting sites and leave behind waste that poses health concerns.
5) Bats
Bats often enter buildings through small openings in roofs, vents, or chimneys. They use attics as roosting spots during the cold months. While bats help control insect populations outdoors, indoors they create messes and health risks through droppings. Their presence usually requires safe removal methods due to legal protections in many regions.
Keeping doors, vents, and openings sealed is the most effective way to reduce the risk of these animals moving indoors during winter. Regular inspections and prompt action at the first sign of activity can prevent costly damage and health concerns.
Have an Animal Problem In Your Home? Give Us a Call!
Shumaker’s Animal Control has over 25 years of experience in the animal and pest control field. Whatever your problem, we can help remedy the situation and restore your home (or yard) back to normal. Give us a call at (443) 854-8072 or contact us online today to see how we can help you! For more information on household and neighborhood pests and how to protect your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
