5 ways to keep wildlife out of your home this fall and winter

The weather is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and there are pumpkin spice variations of every food imaginable. As we say goodbye to hazy humidity and sweltering sunshine, some may unknowingly be welcoming uninvited guests to stay for the winter, with critters and pests searching for a warm place to hibernate before the first snowfall.

Homeowners tend to forgo the appropriate precautions required to keep pests away because they have a hard time imagining how animals can covertly find their way indoors without causing a ruckus; however, animals and insect can discretely set up habitats in nooks around your home and go completely unnoticed until it’s too late.  

Once critters find their way into your home, they can gnaw at wires, chew through insulation, trigger allergies, and even spread harmful diseases. Worst of all, if they’re in your attic, you will hear an unending symphony of scurries.

With critters and pests having a strong propensity for procreation, things can quickly go from bad to worse. Squirrels can have as many as six babies in one year, rats can have a litter of 12 in three weeks and six mice can easily become 60 in 90 short days.

So since you probably don’t want to shack up with any freeloading furry creatures this winter, here are five easy ways to keep wildlife out of your home:

1) Seal any cracks in your home

To start, examine the outside of your home for any foundation cracks and crevices that small animals can easily creep through. Once identified, promptly fill them in with silicone caulk. Don’t disregard the smaller cracks, as mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime and rats can fit into quarter-sized holes.

The same goes for screen doors, window covers, and window frames; the tiniest tear can make way for the biggest inconvenience. By tightly sealing all cracks, you can effectively keep pests out and keep extra heat in! One of the benefits of buying a new home is you most likely won’t have any openings for critters.

2) Secure your chimney

If your home has a chimney, be sure to inspect and secure the area before winter comes. Some of the most pesky animals are skilled climbers so the chimney can serve as an easy entryway to your home. The chimney cap should be tightly secured, leaving no room for tiny unwanted critters.

3) Prevent dampness

Be sure to rid every nook and cranny of wetness or dampness. Pests will flock to damp areas around your home, so ahead of winter, securely seal all leaky pipes and make sure that there is adequate air circulation to effectively dry those rooms out.

Places like your basement and attic are prone to condensation, so decking them out with a dehumidifier will drastically reduce the amount of moisture in the room and make the area less attractive to pests.

Keep water out of your home all season by checking and securing the downspouts, making sure that they are directing accumulated water away from your house.

4) Keep your distance

Small details can make your home more accessible to wildlife. Combat this by placing trash cans as far away from your home as possible. Look out for food as well. After any outdoor autumn gatherings, be sure to clear out all food, so as not to attract animals and give them an incentive to return for more.

5) Get your eavestroughs on point

Lastly, pay special attention to your eavestroughs (gutters) throughout the fall to make sure that fallen leaves and debris aren’t building up, as this can serve as the perfect habitat for critters and pests. Once they shack up in your eaves, they can eventually find their way into your home.

We hope that these tips help you keep wildlife out of your home this fall and winter!