Fall is one of the busiest times of the year for wildlife. Cooler temperatures trigger these animals to prepare for winter by finding a warm place to shelter and stocking up their food supplies to last them through the cold months ahead. Some common wildlife nuisances in the fall season include rodents, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and bats. All of these critters will seek shelter in your home, commonly in attics or crawlspaces, in search of a warm place to overwinter with an abundant food supply. While each pest is unique, there are some common steps you can take to prevent wildlife from invading your home this winter.

• Inspect the exterior of your home and seal up any holes and other points of entry
• Store food in plastic or metal containers with locking lids
• Clean up any spilled food and crumbs immediately
• Don’t leave pet food and water out overnight
• Keep pet food in sealed containers, as well
• Rake up and dispose of any seeds or leaves that fall from trees
• Take down bird feeders in the fall
• Keep compost bins as far away from the house as possible
• Trim back any limbs or branches that extend within 10 feet of your home
• Install chimney caps or screens
• Use window screens and draft guards on doors and windows that go into the attic

If you suspect you have a wildlife control problem, contact a professional wildlife removal company who can identify the type of animal you have and use the appropriate wildlife removal and exclusion techniques to eliminate them while also establishing a prevention plan for the future.