4 Pests Who May Try To Move In for the Winter

As outside temperatures begin to fall, most people do not want to spend extended amounts of time outside. Unfortunately, the same is true for certain pests. While they are willing to spend the spring and summer living outdoors, the cooler weather makes them search for somewhere dry and warm to spend their winter. Knowing who to expect is one of the first steps to addressing these unwelcome guests. Here are a few pests who may try to move in during the next few months. 

1. Raccoons

These masked bandits are not as cute as they look on television when you see them up close inside your home. Your home has the main two things these pests search for: food and shelter. 

Unfortunately, raccoons are not picky about either one. As omnivores, they have a wide range of favorite foods, many of which they can locate in your trashcans, in your gardens, or around your yard. 

Raccoons are very smart. They can plan their movement and can often go for extended periods undetected. When they move in, they look for places they can hide during the day and move around at night.

Raccoons are good climbers and will enter your home through traditional and untraditional means. They may come through pet doors, open windows, roof eaves, and more. Raccoons are often found in your attic, basement, and chimneys.

2. Mice

Another squatter who may try to move in is mice. As the weather gets cooler, they will attempt to enter your home looking for a warm place to spend the winter.

Mice do not arrive alone and quickly multiply once they do. Once in your home, they will spend their time foraging for food and looking for places to build their nest. It is estimated that mice only consume about three grams of food per day but will contaminate much more with their droppings, urine, and hair.

Mice in your home can cause considerable damage. Not only will they chew into and contaminate food sources in your cabinets and pantry, but they will also gnaw on almost anything in their immediate surroundings. 

Mice will chew on paper, wood, fabric, plastics, electrical wiring, and more. Nothing is safe. In looking for places to build and hide their nests, they will even chew into and burrow into your upholstered furniture, luggage, and other belongings. 

3. Squirrels

You may see these cute little guys hanging out in your trees during the summer, but they may be up there scouting out your home for their winter hangout. It is common for squirrels to enter your attic and chimney looking for a warm place to build their nest where they will be undisturbed. 

Unfortunately, squirrels will also gnaw on anything and everything in their immediate surroundings. Their gnawing not only causes a considerable amount of damage but also gnawed wires can put your home at risk of fire. While in your attic, squirrels can also chew on components of your HVAC system, putting you at risk of not having heat at inopportune times. 

4. Bats

Not everyone attempting to move in will climb or crawl in. Other unwanted guests may fly in. One of these is bats. Bats also look for dry, warm spaces where they can avoid their predators. Your attic or chimney may be the perfect place for them to hide.

Bats are very agile and can enter into tiny gaps and holes. Bats may also enter through your vents and even through your chimney. If bats are in your attic, their urine and guano can pose a health risk to you and your family living below.

Each of these pests poses unique challenges when you try to remove them from your home. American Pest Professionals know how to remove each one of them safely. Give us a call today so we can remove your unwelcome guests.