Winter Wildlife Woes: Battling Nuisance Animals and Keeping Your Home Cozy!

As the cold months approach, nuisance animals often seek refuge and sustenance in and around our homes. From raccoons rummaging through trash to squirrels gnawing on electrical wires, various critters can become a major headache for homeowners. In this article, we will explore the common nuisance animals during the winter months, detail their activities, and provide practical suggestions for preventing them from accessing your property. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits of hiring a nuisance animal control company to manage these pesky invaders.

1. Raccoons

Raccoons are notorious for causing trouble during the colder seasons. These masked bandits are often found rummaging through trash cans in search of food, creating messes and spreading debris.

Activities in Cold Months:

- Foraging for food in trash cans, creating a mess and spreading debris.

- Seeking refuge in attics or crawl spaces, leading to potential damage and health risks.

Prevention:

- Secure trash cans with bungee cords or locking lids.

- Seal any potential entry points to your home, such as vents or gaps in the roof.

- Trim trees near your home to prevent raccoons from accessing your roof.

2. Squirrels

Squirrels can be quite active during the winter, searching for shelter and food. They are known to chew on electrical wires, causing costly damage and posing a fire hazard.

Activities in Cold Months:

- Searching for shelter and food, often chewing on electrical wires.

- Nesting in attics and wall voids, leaving behind a mess of droppings and debris.

Prevention:

- Seal entry points, such as gaps in your home's exterior or damaged vent covers.

- Trim tree branches that provide easy access to your roof.

- Install mesh wire or other deterrents around vulnerable areas.

3. Skunks

Skunks are known for their distinctive odor, but they can also be a significant nuisance in the cold months. Seeking warmth and food, skunks may dig holes in your yard in search of grubs or take up residence under your porch or deck.

Activities in Cold Months:

- Digging holes in your yard to find grubs and insects.

- Seeking shelter under porches and decks, which can create a lingering odor.

Prevention:

- Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter skunks.

- Keep pet food indoors to avoid attracting them.

- Seal openings under structures that might serve as shelter.

4. Mice and Rats

Mice and rats are year-round pests, but they tend to seek shelter indoors during the winter. They can squeeze through small cracks and gaps in your home's foundation, walls, or roof, causing damage and contaminating your living space with their droppings.

Activities in Cold Months:

- Seeking warmth and shelter indoors, potentially causing damage.

- Contaminating living spaces with their droppings and nesting materials.

Prevention:

- Seal any holes or gaps with caulk, steel wool, or foam insulation.

- Store food in airtight containers and regularly clean up crumbs and spills.

- Set traps or use rodent bait stations if infestations occur.

5. Groundhogs

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, hibernate during the winter months, but they can still be a nuisance before their long slumber begins.

Activities in Cold Months:

- Digging burrows that may weaken foundations and create tripping hazards.

- Foraging for food, primarily plants and fruits in your garden.

Prevention:

- Install a sturdy fence around your garden to deter groundhogs.

- Close off any openings or gaps that could serve as potential burrow sites.

- Place wire mesh at the base of fences to prevent burrowing.

6. Opossums

Opossums, often referred to as "possums," are more likely to be active year-round, including in the winter.

Activities in Cold Months:

- Scavenging for food, often creating messes in trash cans.

- Seeking shelter in warm, enclosed spaces around your property.

Prevention:

- Use tightly sealed trash cans to deter opossums from scavenging.

- Remove potential food sources, such as fallen fruit or pet food.

- Block access to potential nesting sites with barriers or fencing.

By addressing the specific activities of each nuisance animal in the cold months, you'll be better prepared to take preventive measures and seek professional assistance when necessary to ensure a peaceful and pest-free winter season.

7. Nuisance Animal Control Companies

If you find yourself overwhelmed by nuisance animals in the cold months, it's essential to consider professional help from a nuisance animal control company. These experts have the experience, tools, and knowledge to safely and effectively remove unwanted wildlife from your property.

Advantages of Hiring a Nuisance Animal Control Company:

- Trained professionals who can safely handle and relocate animals.

- Expertise in identifying entry points and implementing preventive measures.

- Compliance with local and state regulations regarding animal removal.

- Protecting your property and family from potential health risks associated with wildlife infestations.

Conclusion

Dealing with nuisance animals in the cold months can be a challenging task, but taking preventive measures can save you time, money, and stress. By securing your property and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure a peaceful and pest-free winter season. Remember that a nuisance animal control company can be your best ally in managing and preventing unwanted critters from causing damage and disruption in your home.

If you're having nuisance animal problems, call us today at 248-729-6437.