There are three main categories of animals that may need to be removed during colder months, and they tend to be the most commonly found in the United States.
With winter in full-swing, you’re probably curious as to which pests cause the biggest problems. Bugs are more common in the spring and summer, but what happens in the winter? There are three main categories of animals that may need to be removed during colder months, and they tend to be the most commonly found in the United States. Read on to discover what they are.
Mice
These rodents love to huddle where it’s warm. During the winter, they’re also scavenging for scarce food; this can often mean the groceries in your pantry! Mice are well-known for transferring diseases to humans, such as salmonella. This will be easy once they have access to your food stores. If you suspect you may have mice, it’s not enough to set out a trap and be done with it–you’ll need to call in a professional like Shumaker’s in order to get rid of them for good.
Raccoons
Just like mice, raccoons have a hard time searching for edible morsels when it’s cold outside. The most common place for raccoons to enter a home is through the chimney; no doubt, your chimney vent is open during the winter due to frequent use of the fireplace. Be sure that when it’s not in use, you’re closing the vent! And never try to smoke out a raccoon by closing the vent with it still inside; Shumaker’s prefers humane removal. We’ll come do that for you, so the animal doesn’t have to suffer for its mistakes.
Rats
Do you use your basement for storage? Undisturbed piles of rubbish are perfect homes for rats during the winter. They will chew through just about anything in search of food and a warm bed. Not only can they cause destruction to your home, they can also lead to disease, just like mice.
Why Winter Drives Animals Indoors
Why Winter Drives Animals Indoors
Cold weather changes animal behavior in predictable ways. As temperatures drop, many animals that normally live outdoors begin searching for environments that offer three basic necessities: warmth, food, and shelter. Residential structures often meet all three at once, which is why winter is a peak season for indoor wildlife and rodent activity.
One of the biggest drivers is temperature regulation. Small mammals such as mice and rats lose body heat quickly in cold conditions. When outdoor temperatures fall, survival becomes harder, especially overnight. Wall cavities, basements, attics, and crawl spaces maintain more stable temperatures, making them far safer than exposed outdoor nests.
Food scarcity also plays a major role. In winter, natural food sources become limited or inaccessible. Snow cover, frozen ground, and reduced plant growth push animals to seek alternatives. Pantries, garbage areas, pet food, bird feeders, and even stored items in garages can become reliable food sources when options outside disappear.
There is also a common misunderstanding about hibernation. While some animals slow their activity during winter, many do not truly hibernate. Raccoons, for example, remain active during cold months and may travel significant distances to find shelter. If an animal finds a quiet, enclosed space that protects it from wind and predators, it may stay for the entire season.
Homes unintentionally create ideal entry points during winter. Small cracks expand as materials contract in cold weather. Chimneys, vents, rooflines, and utility openings are frequently left unprotected. Once an animal gains access, it may build nests, store food, or raise young, turning a temporary shelter into a long-term problem.
Understanding these winter patterns helps explain why infestations often appear suddenly and why early intervention matters.
Shumaker’s Animal Control can help with your winter animal removal!
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, Pinterest, and Google+.
