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Hi, I’m Luis Gonzalez, and welcome to another episode of the What’s Bugging You? podcast, brought to you by Midway Pest Management. Today, we’re focusing on a topic that’s especially relevant for homeowners across Wichita and surrounding areas: how cold weather drives wildlife into your home and the steps you can take to keep them out this winter.
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are looking for warmth, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, this often leads them straight to your home. While these animals may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage and even present serious health risks. Let’s take a look at how cold weather affects their behavior and what you can do to prevent infestations this winter.
Common Winter Wildlife Invaders in the Wichita Area
When winter settles in, animals seek shelter in warmer environments. Wichita’s cold temperatures drive various types of wildlife to find refuge in human homes, particularly those with easy access to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Here are some of the most common invaders:
Squirrels:
Squirrels are notorious for seeking warmth in attics, walls, and even chimneys. Once inside, they can cause serious damage by chewing through insulation, wires, and structural beams. Their tendency to store food in hidden spaces, including attics, makes these areas an especially attractive location for nesting.
Raccoons:
Raccoons are opportunistic and clever animals. They can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps in roofs, chimneys, or vents. Once inside, they may tear up insulation, chew on wooden beams, and leave behind waste that can carry dangerous diseases like rabies.
Opossums:
While opossums are generally shy and non-aggressive, they can still become a problem when they invade your home. These animals may nest in garages, basements, or sheds, causing a mess and potentially spreading waste. They’re also attracted to trash, which can make your property an easy target.
Why Do Wildlife Animals Seek Shelter in Homes?
During winter, food becomes harder to find, and the harsh weather makes it difficult for many animals to survive outside. Squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are particularly resourceful and will look for warm, safe spaces to live. Your home offers a haven, with temperatures often far warmer than the outside environment and a steady supply of food, especially if there are easily accessible trash cans or bird feeders.
In addition to seeking warmth, many wildlife species, such as squirrels and raccoons, are looking for secure spaces to give birth and raise their young. The quiet, protected areas inside your attic or basement are ideal for this purpose, making your home an even more attractive target for these animals.
Steps to Prevent Winter Wildlife Invaders
The key to avoiding wildlife invasions during winter is prevention. Here are some essential steps you can take to protect your home:
Seal Entry Points:
Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps, especially around windows, doors, and vents. Wildlife can slip through surprisingly small openings, so be thorough when sealing them. Use heavy-duty caulk, steel wool, or expandable foam to close any gaps. Pay close attention to areas where utility lines enter the house.
Trim Trees and Shrubs:
Overhanging branches provide easy access to your roof and attic. Trim any tree limbs or vines that are close to your home, and clear away bushes that might give animals a pathway to your roofline.
Secure Trash and Food Sources:
Wildlife, particularly raccoons and opossums, are attracted to food scraps. Ensure that trash bins are tightly sealed and positioned away from entry points like windows and doors. Also, if you have bird feeders, consider taking them down during winter to avoid attracting animals to your property.
Install Chimney Caps and Cover Vents:
Chimneys are a prime entry point for animals like raccoons. Installing a chimney cap will prevent them from gaining access. Similarly, cover vents with sturdy mesh to block animals from entering your home through these openings.
What to Do If Wildlife Invades Your Home
If you discover that wildlife has made its way into your home, it’s important to act quickly. Handling the situation on your own can be risky—wildlife can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially when they feel threatened. For example, raccoons and squirrels can carry diseases like rabies, and opossums can become defensive when cornered.
The safest course of action is to call a professional wildlife removal service. Trained experts can handle the situation humanely and efficiently. They will safely remove the animals from your home, relocate them, and seal off entry points to prevent future infestations.
Why Professional Help Matters
While DIY methods might offer temporary relief, professional wildlife removal services ensure long-term solutions. At Midway Pest Management, we specialize in humane wildlife control and prevention. Our services include:
Inspection:
We conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify possible entry points and signs of infestations.
Exclusion Services:
Once the animals are removed, we seal any gaps or cracks that could allow future invasions.
Restoration Services:
If the wildlife has caused damage to your attic or other parts of your home, we offer restoration services to repair and secure your property.
Winter in the Wichita area presents unique challenges when it comes to wildlife behavior. As the weather turns colder, animals like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are more likely to seek shelter inside your home. By understanding how cold weather affects wildlife behavior and taking proactive steps to prevent infestations, you can protect your home from costly damage and health risks.
If you suspect that wildlife has invaded your home or you want to take steps to prevent an invasion, don’t hesitate to reach out to Midway Pest Management. Our team is ready to help you keep your home safe and secure this winter. Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t let wildlife ruin your winter comfort!