Now that the weather has gotten colder and it’s no longer comfortable for animals to find spots to create a den outside, your home becomes a much larger target for the neighbourhood pests. Squirrels, possums, bats, owls, raccoons and insects all start to look for somewhere warm to hole up for the winter, and your basement and attic are the most likely targets.

Why are pests targeting my home?

If pests have already entered your home this fall and you live in the Hamilton-Burlington-Oakville-Milton areas, then contact Halton Wildlife Services today for a fast quote!

It’s not a shock that your warm home is a target for pests to wait out the winter months, but having an easy-to-enter home definitely puts you higher on the list of great places to live. If your attic or basement features any cracks or holes that might be large enough for a small rodent to squeeze through, it’s a safe bet that they’re going to at least try.

During fall and the beginning of winter pests are on the lookout for a space that is easy to enter, dark, warm and quiet to call home, even if just for a few months. While early to mid winter typically isn’t baby season for most animals, they will be on the lookout for the perfect nesting place for their spring litter. Bonus points if they find a safe space to spend the winter, first!

What animals should I look for?

In colder weather, it isn’t uncommon to find a wide variety of pests in your home. While you likely won’t find more than one species in your home at once, it’s a good idea to be watchful for all of them.

Some animals you might find in your home include:

  • Squirrels
    • Possums
    • Raccoons
    • Skunks
    • Bats
    • Mice
    • Birds
    • Insects

 

Signs of a pest infestation

If you have pests in your home there are a few telltale signs. With larger animals and those taking up residence in your attic, you’ll most likely hear sounds of scurrying feet in the walls or ceiling. It’s also possible that you’ll hear scratching or chewing noises, if they’re the kind of pest that likes to chew on wood.

Many pests also tend to leave a trail of urine or feces as they move around your home, so be on the lookout for this telltale sign through the winter months.

How to defend your home

There are many ways you can protect your home from a pest seeking an opportunity, and most of them are things you can easily do yourself.

  • Ensure all cracks around windows and basement foundations are sealed up
  • Look for holes around the base of your roof and patch them up
  • Install screens on vents and chimney openings
  • Keep outdoor garbage bins sealed and covered tightly
  • Check your attic and crawlspaces for any light coming in. This can show holes in the siding where pests could come in

Time to remove the pests

Once you’ve figured out which pest it is that has taken up residence in your home, you can take steps to get rid of them. Smaller pests can be dealt with by using traps, but larger ones might need the assistance of a professional. If you’re not sure what pest you are dealing with and the best way to deal with them, contacting a professional pest removal company is usually the best way to go. They can ensure that your infestation gets removed with the least issues, and that you are knowledgeable in preventing their re-entry.

Dealing with pests in your home is never a fun situation, and it’s even worse when the weather is cold, the ground is icy and all you want to do is relax inside in the warmth!