Wildlife Protection: How to Keep Critters Out of Your Home This Winter

As the winter chill sets in across Delaware and Maryland, many homeowners are focused on staying warm and cozy inside. Unfortunately, local wildlife has the same idea! Animals like squirrels, raccoons, rodents, and bats often seek shelter in homes as they try to escape the cold, turning your attic, basement, or crawl spaces into their winter retreat. At Bay Area Wildlife Solutions, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife control to keep your home critter-free during the cold months.

Common Winter Wildlife Intruders

As temperatures drop, these animals are more likely to make their way into homes:

Squirrels: These clever climbers often look for a warm place to nest and will chew through your roof or soffits to get into your attic.
Raccoons: Known for their resourcefulness, raccoons may target chimneys, attics, or even crawl spaces in search of shelter.
Rodents (Mice & Rats): These small creatures can squeeze through tiny cracks and holes in your walls or foundation, quickly turning into a major infestation.
Bats: Bats may settle in attics or eaves for warmth. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, they don’t belong in your home!

Signs of a Wildlife Infestation

Winter is the time to be on the lookout for signs of wildlife activity inside your home. Here’s what you should watch for:

Strange Noises: Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds in your attic or walls, especially at night, can indicate the presence of squirrels, raccoons, or rodents.
Droppings: Finding droppings in your attic, basement, or other areas of your home is a telltale sign of wildlife activity.
Chewed Wires or Insulation: Rodents and squirrels can cause significant damage by chewing through insulation, wires, and even wooden beams, posing a fire hazard.
Bad Odors: Wildlife nests and droppings can produce foul smells, especially if animals have been living in your home for an extended period.

Winter Wildlife Prevention Tips

Prevention is the best way to avoid a winter wildlife infestation. Here are some tips to keep animals out of your home this season:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, or holes in the roof, siding, and foundation. Use caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh to seal these openings.
Secure Your Chimney: Install a chimney cap to prevent raccoons, birds, and other critters from entering your home through the chimney.
Store Firewood Away from Your Home: Rodents and insects often hide in woodpiles. Keeping firewood away from your house reduces the risk of animals making the jump from your yard to your walls.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Squirrels and raccoons can easily access your roof from nearby tree branches. Trim back any limbs that are too close to your home.
Keep Garbage Cans Sealed: Raccoons and rodents are attracted to food scraps in trash cans. Make sure your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids and are stored securely.

Why Wildlife Control is Essential in Winter

Ignoring wildlife issues in the winter can lead to more serious problems. Animals can cause significant damage to your home, from chewing through insulation and wires to spreading diseases through droppings and urine. Even worse, if these animals create nests inside your home, it may lead to infestations that are difficult to control. The sooner you address the issue, the easier it will be to remove wildlife and prevent further damage.

How Bay Area Wildlife Solutions Can Help

At Bay Area Wildlife Solutions, we offer comprehensive wildlife control services to keep your home protected during the winter months. Our services include:

Wildlife inspections to identify signs of activity and entry points.
Humane trapping and removal of squirrels, raccoons, bats, and other wildlife.
Exclusion services to seal off potential entry points and prevent future infestations.
Damage repair and cleanup, including removal of nests and contaminated materials.

Stay Warm and Critter-Free This Winter

Don’t let wildlife turn your cozy winter into a nightmare. If you notice any signs of wildlife activity in your home, contact Bay Area Wildlife Solutions for fast, effective, and humane removal. We proudly serve Sussex County, Kent County, Talbot County, and surrounding areas, keeping homes safe and secure all winter long. Call us today for a free consultation and ensure your home stays critter-free throughout the season!