The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing warm meals, and enjoying the comfort of a cozy home. But as the temperatures drop and the festive lights go up, you’re not the only one looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Local wildlife—from squirrels and raccoons to mice and bats—are also on the hunt for shelter, and your attic or basement might look like the perfect 5-star resort.

While seeing a deer in the snow might feel magical, hearing the scratching of claws inside your walls is anything but. Wildlife intrusions can cause significant property damage, introduce health risks, and add unnecessary stress to what should be a joyful season. Fortunately, with a few preventative measures and professional support from Patriot Pest Solutions, you can ensure the only guests in your home this holiday season are the ones you invited.

Why Wildlife Seeks Shelter in Winter

As winter approaches in Pennsylvania, natural food sources become scarce, and temperatures plummet. Animals that don’t hibernate need a reliable source of warmth and protection from the elements. Your home provides everything they need: consistent heat, insulation for nesting, and often, easy access to food scraps.

Attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys are prime real estate for critters. They mimic the hollow trees and burrows animals would naturally seek out in the wild, but with added protection from predators. Unfortunately, once they move in, they rarely leave on their own.

Common Winter Wildlife Intruders

Knowing what you’re up against is the first step in defense. Here are the most common uninvited houseguests in our area during the colder months:

Raccoons

Raccoons are incredibly adaptable and dexterous. They can tear through shingles, uncap chimneys, and pry open vents to gain access to an attic. Once inside, they can cause extensive damage to insulation and wiring, not to mention the noise they make.

Squirrels

Don’t let their cute appearance fool you. Squirrels are notorious chewers. They need to gnaw constantly to keep their teeth sharp, and they often target electrical wires, wood framing, and PVC pipes. A squirrel nest in the attic is also a significant fire hazard due to the combination of dried nesting materials and exposed wiring.

Mice and Rats

Rodents can squeeze through impossibly small openings—a mouse needs a hole only the size of a dime. They are relentless scavengers that contaminate food sources and spread bacteria. In winter, they often nest in wall voids or near appliances that generate heat.

Bats

While many bats hibernate in caves, some, like the Big Brown Bat, may choose your attic if the temperature remains stable enough. While they are less destructive structurally than rodents, their droppings (guano) can accumulate and pose serious respiratory health risks.

6 Steps to Wildlife-Proof Your Home

Prevention is always better than removal. Before the snow settles, take these steps to secure your home’s perimeter.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Attic

Use binoculars to scan your roof for missing shingles, damaged fascia boards, or gaps around the chimney. Inside the attic, look for signs of daylight peeking through the eaves. If light can get in, so can a bat or a mouse.

2. Seal Entry Points

Seal small gaps and cracks in your foundation with silicone caulk or steel wool (which rodents cannot chew through). For larger openings around vents or pipes, use hardware cloth or heavy-gauge wire mesh.

3. Manage Your Chimney

An uncapped chimney is an open door for raccoons, squirrels, and birds. Install a chimney cap that allows smoke to escape but keeps animals out. This is a simple, one-time investment that prevents major headaches down the road.

4. Secure Your Trash

Food is the primary motivator for wildlife. Ensure your outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids. If possible, store them in a garage or shed until trash day. Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight, as this is a major attractant for raccoons and skunks.

5. Trim Tree Branches

Overhanging tree limbs act as bridges for squirrels and raccoons, allowing them easy access to your roof. Trim branches back at least six to eight feet from your home’s exterior to cut off this “highway.”

6. Keep Firewood at a Distance

Piles of firewood are perfect hiding spots for mice and insects. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground to discourage nesting near your foundation.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, animals find a way in. If you hear thumping in the ceiling at night, notice droppings, or smell strange odors, it is crucial not to attempt removal yourself. Cornered wildlife can be aggressive, and many carry diseases such as rabies or distemper.

At Patriot Pest Solutions, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife control. Our process goes beyond just trapping the animal.

The Inspection

We start with a thorough inspection of your property to identify the species involved, how they entered, and the extent of the infestation.

Humane Removal

As Certified Wildlife Professionals by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association and members of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association, we prioritize humane methods. We use efficient, environmentally friendly techniques to remove animals safely.

Exclusion and Repair

Removing the animal is only half the battle. We also provide exclusion services to seal the entry points they used, ensuring they—and their friends—cannot return. This is the key to long-term peace of mind.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Holiday

You have enough to worry about this season—from shopping lists to cooking timers—without adding “chase squirrel out of the living room” to your to-do list. By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your home and your family.

If you suspect you already have an intruder, don’t wait until the damage is done. Reach out to the experts at Patriot Pest Solutions. As a veteran-owned, family-operated business serving Berks, Chester, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, we treat your home with the respect it deserves.

Visit us at www.patriotpestsolutions.net or give us a call to schedule your inspection. Let us handle the wild guests so you can focus on the welcome ones.