Winter is a great time of year to settle in and slow down. Cooler weather keeps us indoors more often and after all the preparations we made in the fall, our outdoor chores are minimal. However, if your winter prep didn’t include protecting your home against winter wildlife, you might end up with some unwanted visitors this winter.
Why Winter is the Busiest Time of Year for Wildlife Infestations
While we may consider winter to be the best time to slow down, it’s the busiest time of year when it comes to wildlife infestations. Animals such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, and opossums need several things to survive the colder months, and they won’t be shy about making sure they get their needs met.
First, they need warm shelter. Sometimes they can find a secluded place to nest outdoors, or they may get into a shed or garage, but a house is warmer and therefore much more attractive.
Second, they need water. This need can often be fulfilled outdoors since the temperature rarely gets below freezing, but wildlife will look for the easiest option.
Finally, they need food. After a bountiful summer and fall, food sources become much harder to find in winter. This is often the most pressing reason for wildlife to make their way into your Greenville home. Most houses have a steady food supply available.
Mistakes You Might Be Making to Attract Wildlife
If you don’t want wildlife to get into your home, you must be aware of what will attract them to it in the first place. Even if you didn’t do anything during your winter preparations to avoid winter wildlife, it’s not too late to take some precautions now.
- Keep your lawn free of hiding places. Yard debris such as leaves, branches, and grass clippings, woodpiles, tall grass, rock walls, and overgrown shrubbery all provide shelter for wildlife as they scout out your house
- Keep your yard free of food. Wildlife will first be attracted to your home if you leave food sources out for them.
- Accessible garbage bins, bird feeders, and pet food left outside all tell wildlife that your home will give them the food they need.
- Keep your yard free of water. Standing water on your lawn, birdbaths, and pet water dishes are all attractive to wildlife.
- Remove all entry points into your house. Wildlife may not be able to fit through the tiny cracks that an insect could, but they are quite crafty at breaking in. Make sure you have no gaps around your windows or doors. Check for damaged siding and damaged shingles, as both can end up being entry points. Cap your chimney and cover all vents, including downspouts, with wildlife-resistant materials. Trim all vegetation around your home so none of it touches your house.
The Best Way to Protect Your Home Against Winter Wildlife
If all of our suggestions sound like a lot of work, the truth is, they can be. Especially when it comes to blocking off entry points, it is time-consuming and requires you to think like the wildlife creatures you are trying to prevent. If you’re not used to doing that, it can be easy to miss something
By getting a professional wildlife inspection from Spencer Pest Services, you can rest easy knowing that a wildlife expert has ensured your home is protected against winter wildlife.
Similarly, if you already have a wildlife problem inside, Spencer Pest Services can remove the problem in a way that will keep your family safe and keep your home protected from future infestations.
For more information about our wildlife control services, give us a call. We’re happy to help!
