Keep Wildlife in the Wild This Winter

Winter arrived in full force this year sending most of us inside to escape the freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, just as we enjoy the cozy indoors during the winter months so do local wildlife like roof rats, squirrels, raccoons and bats. We strongly encourage you to become familiar with the telltale signs of a wildlife infestation because once inside these furry intruders can cause significant damage and can also transmit diseases.  Unusual noises in your attic or droppings found in the pantry, along the baseboards or in the attic could indicate that unwanted guests may have moved in for the winter ahead.

Hopefully you will find the following information on the most common wildlife intruders useful and educational so that you can keep these furry intruders where they belong this winter - OUTSIDE!

Roof rats weren't even found in our area 20 years ago but now they are at the top of our list for most frequent fall intruders. Roof rats are typically tree dwellers and have adapted to upper parts of buildings and structures including attics and soffits to survive the cooler months. They reproduce very quickly, making them almost impossible to control.

As temperatures drop, both gray and flying squirrels will look for shelter in attics, exteriors walls and even between floors using insulation as nesting material. Squirrels can also carry fleas, ticks and mites that can infest your home once inside.

Mostly nocturnal in nature, raccoons live in a constant quest for shelter and food. These masked bandits use their adept hands to open garbage cans, remove siding and even tear off shingles. Notorious for being a dangerous and destructive pest, raccoons can cause structural damage to your home and infest living spaces with fleas and parasites. They are also known to carry rabies.

Last but certainly not least, you should keep an eye out for evidence of bats in your attic. Since bats can fit through spaces as small as half an inch, they often find their way inside through rooflines, chimneys, gables or vents - making your attic a prime location to take up residence and nest.

Here are some tips from our experts on how prevent these pests from entering your home:

• Use plastic boxes and containers with seal-tight lids for storage, keep off the floor and organize items to prevent wildlife from residing in undisturbed areas;
• Seal all cracks and holes, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home;
• Keep outside cooking areas and grills clean;
• Keep bird feeders away from the house and use squirrel guards to limit access to the feeder;
• Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight; and

• Use a thick plastic or metal garbage can with a tight lid - and keep it sealed at all times.

Winter is a time to keep warm indoors, but you don't want to be cuddling up with pests as well. Now that you know what to be on the look for, we hope that you will put the above tips to good use.  And, remember, if one of these fury intruders manages to find their way into your home, be sure to contact a licensed pest professional immediately.