When the spring and summer months finally arrive, several species of wild animals come out of hibernation or hiding for the season. This is when home owners start to notice signs of pest problems and wild animal presence on their properties. Although warmer weather brings on a whole new arena of wild animal invasion and pest control problems, winter time is also a season to consider when it comes to home and property protection.
The truth is, there are various species of wildlife that can still pose a threat to our properties in the fall and winter months. It is recommended to learn how to animal-proof your property and inspect your home for animal invasion; such as bats, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, and even snakes. Continue reading to catch up on some helpful winter pest control tips for home and property protection from wildlife.
Animal-Proofing for Winter
One of the best approaches to home protection from wild animals is preventative maintenance. There are so many things that attract raccoons, bats, and other pests to a home or backyard. For example, food and shelter are the number one reasons wild animals invade our areas. They need a place to feed, breed, and hibernate that is far away from harsh weather or cold temperatures.
Our attics, crawl spaces, garages, outdoor sheds, roofs, basements, and patios are perfect hideaways for wildlife. Thousands of dollars in home damages and endless stress can be a result of animal infestations such as these. In order to thwart these types of pests from coming to your property, certain preventative measures must be considered and implemented. This includes:
- Do Not Leave Dog or Cat Food Outside
- Remove or Lock Up Garbage Cans
- Take Out Trash Morning of Trash Day
- Make Sure Home is Sealed Tight (i.e. loose roof shingles, cracks in siding, etc.)
- Remove Bird Feeders and Squirrel Feeders
- Lock Doggie Doors at Night
- Call a Professional Animal Control Company for an Interior Inspection
Winter pest control can be manageable if these strategies and preventative maintenance are implemented regularly. It is especially important for home owners that live near wooded areas to take these preventative maintenance tips seriously. Raccoons, bats, and other wildlife are smarter than we think when it comes to finding clever ways into our homes and properties. They can cause an extreme amount of mess and damage that may or may not be covered in your home owner’s insurance policy.
It is vital to stop animal intrusions before they begin. As soon as you are aware wild animals are visiting your property, call an animal control specialist for advice and possible service. If you believe there may already be raccoons or bats in the attic, have a licensed animal control company facilitate an inspection and map out an extraction plan that is safe and will not harm wildlife.