Author: Anya Witmer

Winter is a time of year when wildlife behavior changes drastically, often leading to increased interactions between animals and humans. Unfortunately, misconceptions about these behaviors can result in ineffective or even harmful approaches to managing wildlife. Understanding the facts about winter wildlife habits is crucial, especially when it comes to nuisance wildlife removal.

Myth 1: All Wildlife Hibernates in Winter

One of the most common myths is that all animals hibernate during the winter. While some species, like bears and groundhogs, enter a state of hibernation, many others remain active throughout the season. For example, squirrels and raccoons continue to forage for food, often seeking shelter in human structures. This is where the need for effective exclusion techniques becomes essential. Ensuring that entry points are sealed and that potential nesting areas are secured can prevent these animals from taking up residence in your home.

Myth 2: Wildlife Won’t Invade Your Home in Winter

Another widespread misconception is that wildlife won’t enter homes during the colder months. In reality, the opposite is true. The warmth and shelter provided by human structures are highly attractive to animals like mice, bats, and even larger critters like raccoons. Ignoring this fact can lead to significant damage and health risks, making it crucial to address potential entry points before winter sets in.

Myth 3: Wildlife Won’t Cause Damage in Winter

Many people believe that wildlife activity slows down in winter, reducing the risk of property damage. However, animals like woodpeckers can continue to cause harm, even during the colder months. Woodpeckers, for instance, may still engage in drumming on homes, particularly if they find the structure suitable for nesting. Debunking this myth emphasizes the importance of ongoing wildlife management and the need for professional help to mitigate damage before it occurs.

Myth 4: DIY Solutions Are Effective for Winter Wildlife Problems

It’s tempting to rely on DIY solutions for winter wildlife issues, but these methods often fall short. Whether it’s using repellents or setting traps, these approaches can be ineffective and may even exacerbate the problem. For example, improperly set traps can lead to animals suffering or escaping, only to return later. Professional wildlife removal services offer more effective, humane solutions tailored to the specific needs of your property and the type of wildlife involved.

Myth 5: Animals in Winter Aren’t a Health Risk

Finally, there’s a dangerous myth that winter wildlife doesn’t pose a health risk. The truth is that many animals, even in winter, can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. Bats, for instance, can carry rabies, and rodents are known to spread hantavirus through their droppings. Proper removal and cleanup are vital to ensuring the safety of your household.

Conclusion

Understanding the realities of winter wildlife behavior is crucial for protecting your home and health. Debunking these common myths allows for more effective and humane management of nuisance wildlife. If you’re experiencing wildlife issues this winter, don’t rely on myths or DIY methods—contact us for a safe and effective solution!

Protecting Your Home from Wildlife During Winter Storms

Winter storms bring snow, ice, and often wildlife seeking shelter from the cold. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, mice, and birds may view your home as a safe haven when temperatures drop and food becomes scarce. While they seek survival, their presence can cause damage and create health risks. Here’s how to protect your home from wildlife during extreme winter weather with the help of professionals.

1. Hire Professionals to Seal Entry Points

Sealing entry points is crucial to keeping wildlife out. Animals find and squeeze through even the smallest gaps around windows, doors, vents, and roofs. A professional wildlife exclusion expert can inspect your home’s exterior for potential entry points. They will use materials like aluminum flashing, heavy-duty mesh, and durable caulking to seal gaps, ensuring your home is secure.

2. Professionally Secure Attics and Basements

Attics and basements are common entry points for wildlife. Instead of DIY solutions, hire a professional to install vent covers and repair roof damage. They can also inspect for less obvious vulnerabilities, like cracks in the foundation, providing a thorough solution to keep wildlife out.

3. Protect Your Chimney with Professional Help

Birds, bats, and small mammals may try to enter chimneys during winter storms. A professional can install a chimney cap with a mesh screen, allowing smoke to escape while keeping wildlife out. It’s also important to have regular inspections, especially after storms, to ensure the cap is secure.

4. Keep Your Garage and Sheds Closed and Inspected

Garages and sheds offer easy shelter for wildlife. Close doors, but also have a professional check for gaps or holes. Experts can add weatherstripping and suggest proper storage for pet food and garbage to minimize wildlife attraction.

5. Professional Tree and Shrub Maintenance

Overhanging branches and thick shrubs provide animals with access to roofs and windows. Hiring a professional to trim trees and maintain landscaping will reduce the chances of wildlife reaching your home, and help prevent damage from falling branches during a storm.

6. Manage Snow and Ice Build-Up with Expert Guidance

Snow and ice can create pathways for animals to access your home. A professional can advise on clearing snow buildup near your foundation to prevent wildlife from reaching entry points, as well as fix any vulnerabilities in the exterior exposed by winter conditions.

7. Plan for Wildlife Encounters with Professional Support

Even with precautions, wildlife may seek refuge around your home during a storm. Contact a licensed wildlife removal expert to handle the situation safely and humanely. Avoid handling wildlife yourself to reduce risks for both you and the animal.

Conclusion

Winter storms can push wildlife closer to homes, causing potential risks and damage. By working with professional wildlife removal and exclusion experts, you can secure your home and avoid unwelcome guests. Taking steps like sealing entry points and seeking expert guidance will help keep your home protected all winter. If you face a wildlife issue, remember that professional help is available to ensure the safety of both your family and the animals.

As the leaves begin to fall and autumn sets in, many homeowners see piles of leaves as a seasonal norm. Whether you leave them for composting, mulch, or simply because you haven’t had time to rake, these leaf piles can become an attractive home for wildlife. They create the perfect habitat for various types of wildlife, including snakes, rodents, and insects. Let’s dive into why wildlife is so attracted to leaf piles and what you can do to keep your yard safe.

Why Wildlife Loves Leaf Piles

1. Shelter from the Elements

As temperatures drop in the fall, many animals look for warm, insulated spaces to hide from the cold. Leaf piles offer protection from the wind, rain, and even snow, making them an ideal shelter for small mammals like mice and voles. They burrow into the piles, creating hidden nests that can go unnoticed by homeowners. Rodents that find shelter in leaf piles may eventually move into your home searching for warmer spots and food sources as winter progresses. Once inside, they can cause structural damage and spread diseases.

2. Perfect Hiding Spots for Snakes

Snakes are cold-blooded animals that seek warmth as the weather cools. Leaf piles offer an insulated environment in which they can hide from predators and maintain their body temperature. While most snakes are non-venomous, some snakes in Pennsylvania are venomous, making it important to reduce potential snake habitats near your home.

3. A Haven for Insects

Leaf piles are also a paradise for insects like spiders, ants, and ticks. As leaves decompose, they create an ideal environment that attracts bugs. Insects may not seem like a major concern, but some—like ticks—carry diseases such as Lyme disease, posing a risk to your family and pets.

4. Food Sources for Wildlife

The decomposition process in leaf piles attracts insects, which in turn attract animals like birds, skunks, and raccoons. These scavengers search for food hidden within the leaves, increasing the chances of encounters with wildlife. Some rodents will also use the leaf piles as food storage for the winter months.

The Realities of Ignoring Leaf Piles

While wildlife may seem like a minor nuisance, the hidden dangers can escalate if leaf piles are neglected.

How to Keep Your Yard Clear and Safe

Preventing wildlife from making a home in your yard during fall starts with proper yard maintenance. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your yard safe:

1. Rake and Remove Leaves Regularly

Regularly raking leaves and removing them from your property can prevent multiple issues. If you use a mulching mower, ensure the leaves are finely chopped, so they don’t create the same level of shelter as a full pile.

2. Compost with Care

If you prefer to compost leaves, do so in a contained and secure area away from your home. Use a proper compost bin with a secure lid to prevent rodents and other animals from accessing it.

3. Seal Entry Points to Your Home

Wildlife may use leaf piles near your home as a stepping stone to gain access indoors. Inspect your home for potential entry points, including gaps in your foundation, siding, and roof. Contact a wildlife professional to have sealing procedures completed.

4. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Leaf buildup in your gutters can attract wildlife, especially birds and insects. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves to prevent blockages and discourage animals from nesting in them. Additionally, have a professional install gutter guards to prevent debris from falling back into your gutters.

5. Trim Back Shrubs and Trees

Overhanging branches and large shrubs provide wildlife easy access to your home. Keep branches trimmed and shrubs well-maintained to minimize the risk of animals using them as a bridge to reach your home.

6. Store Firewood Properly

Firewood piles, much like leaf piles, offer an appealing hiding place for wildlife. Keep your firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it off the ground to deter rodents and snakes.

7. Call in a Professional

If you notice an increase in wildlife activity around your home or suspect animals are nesting in your yard, contact a professional wildlife removal service. We can assess the situation and provide humane removal and exclusion methods to protect your home.

Conclusion

Leaf piles may seem harmless, but they create an inviting habitat for wildlife, from rodents to snakes and insects. By keeping your yard clear of leaves, maintaining your property, and addressing any wildlife concerns early, you can enjoy a safer, pest-free fall season. If wildlife becomes an issue, don’t hesitate to contact us!

As the temperatures drop and leaves start to fall, it’s important to prepare your home to keep critters out. Follow these quick tips to ensure your home stays secure and critter-free this fall! 🍂

Tip #1: Seal the Gaps

With cooler weather approaching, critters of all kinds will be looking for a warm place to settle in. The first step to prevent unwanted guests is to inspect and seal any gaps or holes around your home. These tiny openings can be like welcome mats for rodents, raccoons, opossums, and other animals.

Steps to Seal the Gaps:

1. Inspect Your Home: Walk around the exterior of your home and look for any visible gaps or holes. Pay special attention to areas around windows, doors, and the foundation.

2. Don’t Forget the Roof: Check for any gaps around the roofline, chimneys, and vents. Critters are excellent climbers and will take advantage of any opening they find.

3. Contact a Wildlife Removal Professional for Help: For custom solutions including sealing, contact a professional to ensure effective sealing. Contact us for expert assistance!

4. Maintain Your Seals: Regularly check your seals throughout the season.

Tip #2: Clean Your Gutters 🍁

Fallen leaves can clog gutters, creating a perfect spot for pests to nest. Keep your gutters clean to avoid water damage and prevent critters from moving in.

Gutter Maintenance Tips:

1. Regular Cleaning: Clear out leaves and debris from your gutters regularly, especially during the fall.

2. Install Gutter Guards: Consider installing gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating in the first place.

If you need a hand, we’re here to help! We offer gutter services such as exclusion, cleaning and installation of gutter guards.

Tip #3: Inspect Attics and Basements

Critters love cozying up in attics and basements. Inspect these areas for signs of animals and ensure they’re sealed properly.

Inspection Tips:

1. Look for Signs: Check for droppings, nests, or gnawed materials that indicate the presence of pests.

2. Seal Entry Points: Ensure that windows, vents, and other potential entry points are securely sealed.

Need a thorough inspection? We’ve got you covered!

Tip #4: Check Your Chimneys

Make sure your chimney has a secure cap to prevent animals from entering. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons love making homes in chimneys.

Chimney Maintenance Tips:

1. Install a Chimney Cap: A stainless steel cap can effectively keep animals out and is durable enough to last a lifetime.

2. Regular Inspections: Have your chimney inspected regularly to ensure the cap is secure and there are no blockages.

We offer stainless steel chimney cap installations with a lifetime warranty. Contact us for more information!

Tip #5: Secure Your Trash Cans and Pet Food

Unsecured pet food and trash cans can attract unwanted animals to your home.

Securing Tips:

1. Store Pet Food Properly: Keep pet food indoors or in sealed containers.

2. Use Secure Trash Cans: Ensure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.

3. Clean Up Promptly: Clean up food scraps and spills immediately to avoid attracting pests.

By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your home and neighborhood safe from wildlife intrusions. Need help with an animal problem? Contact us for expert removal and prevention solutions!

Let’s enjoy the beauty of fall without the worry of uninvited guests!