How to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Home This Winter

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Raccoon on the roof

Living in the North Carolina Triad region is awesome--we’ve got some growing cities in the area, a short drive to the mountains, and endless things to do outdoors. We share our beautiful region with birds, squirrels, and other animals native to North Carolina. While we can appreciate wildlife from afar, it’s a whole other story when they make their way inside your sacred space. Just like humans, they get cold during the winter and are seeking refuge -- often in homes and properties just like yours. So, how can you prevent this from happening as the temperatures start to drop and wildlife seek warmth and food? We’ll tell you all of that and more.

The Most Common Wildlife in NC

First things first, let’s talk about the kind of wildlife that is present here in the North Carolina Triad region. The most common invaders in our area include:

  • Raccoons
  • Skunks
  • Bats
  • Opossums
  • Snakes
  • Rats
  • Squirrels
  • Birds

Signs of a Wildlife Infestation

Most homeowners assume they’d know if they had a wildlife problem because they’d see it with their own eyes. But the truth is, some people don’t even realize they have a problem because many of these animals are nocturnal creatures that are only active during the night. As a pest control company in Greensboro, we know that there are a few telltale signs of a wildlife problem, the most common being:

  • Scratching sounds coming from your attic or walls
  • Chirping or squeaking noises coming from attic, walls, or vents
  • Garbage cans and bags that have been broken into
  • Chewing and gnawing marks around attic, basement, or electrical wiring
  • Foul smell lingering around your home -- this could be urine or droppings

If any of these signs sound familiar, contact us today and we can provide a wildlife inspection to determine the culprit and create a customized solution to get rid of them.

Prevent Wildlife Infestations With These Tips

You know the saying -- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the case of wildlife infestations, this statement rings truer than ever. The best way to avoid this headache is to prevent this problem altogether. Many homeowners don’t even realize the things they’re doing to invite animals into their home. Let’s discuss the best ways you can prevent an infestation in your home this winter!

1. Secure trash containers: Many animals are omnivores--meaning they will eat just about anything. Household trash containers offer a multitude of food options for these animals. Deter unwanted pests by tightly securing trash can lids, avoiding overfilling containers, and washing bins regularly to dislodge errant food waste.

2. Close up access points to your home: Wildlife can enter your home through even the smallest of openings. Make sure your home’s attic, vents, windows, chimney, and crawl space are secure by sealing gaps and holes that can serve as entry points. Minor repairs like caulking smaller openings, installing a chimney cap, and placing screens on vents can help avoid major damage from pests. They may also help reduce your heating bill--that’s a win-win!

3. Keep trees and shrubs away from the house: When too close, tree branches give squirrels, raccoons, and other pests a natural bridge to your home. Prune shrubs to keep them at least 12” from your house and trim branches that overhang your roof. Doing so will not only keep animals away but will also protect your property from damage caused by the plants themselves.

4. Don’t leave food near your home: Food left outdoors is an invitation for wildlife to approach. Avoid placing pet food outside or tossing scraps into the yard. Pick up fallen fruit and protect gardens with fences designed to keep out animals. The harder you make it for pests to find food, the less likely they are to bother you.

Need help protecting your home this winter? We can help! 

Learn more about our wildlife control services today!

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