There is nothing quite as unsettling as hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet above your head at 2:00 AM. For homeowners in Pennsylvania, the changing seasons bring more than just different weather; they bring waves of wildlife seeking shelter. From squirrels nesting in insulation to raccoons exploring chimneys, local wildlife is constantly looking for a way to turn your residence into their new habitat.

As we look toward 2026, proactive home maintenance is the best strategy to keep nature outdoors where it belongs. Waiting until you hear scratching in the walls often means the damage has already begun. A preventive approach not only saves you money on costly repairs but also protects your family from the health risks associated with wild animals.

At Patriot Pest Solutions, we believe protecting your home is a duty we take seriously. With over 50 years of combined experience serving Berks, Chester, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, we have seen exactly how resourceful these animals can be. By taking specific steps now to fortify your property, you can ensure a peaceful, pest-free year ahead.

Why Your Home Attracts Wildlife

To keep animals out, you first need to understand what draws them in. Your home offers the “survival triad” that every wild animal seeks: food, water, and shelter.

During the colder months, warm air escaping from vents or cracks acts as a beacon for raccoons and mice. In the spring, attics offer a safe, predator-free environment for mothers to raise their young. By viewing your property through the eyes of a pest, you can identify vulnerabilities you might otherwise overlook.

Fortify Your Roof and Chimney

The roof is often the primary entry point for wildlife, particularly for climbing animals like squirrels and raccoons. It is also the area homeowners inspect the least often.

Inspecting Shingles and Fascia

Loose or rotting fascia boards provide an easy doorway for squirrels. They can chew through weak wood in a matter of hours to gain access to your attic. Once inside, they ruin insulation and chew electrical wires, creating a significant fire hazard. Inspect your roofline annually for any signs of water damage or rot and repair these areas immediately.

Capping the Chimney

An uncapped chimney is essentially an open invitation for raccoons, birds, and even bats. Raccoons, in particular, view chimneys as hollow trees perfect for nesting. Installing a heavy-duty, stainless steel chimney cap is one of the most effective investments you can make for wildlife prevention.

Seal the Foundation and Vents

While climbers take the high road, mice, rats, and skunks work from the ground up. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, meaning even small cracks in your foundation can become a highway for rodents.

The Exclusion Method

Walk the perimeter of your home with a critical eye. Look for gaps where pipes enter the foundation, cracks in the masonry, or loose basement windows. Seal these openings with steel wool and high-quality caulk. Unlike spray foam, which rodents can chew through, steel wool creates an impassable barrier.

Securing Dryer and Attic Vents

Vents are necessary for your home to breathe, but they are also weak points in your home’s armor. Standard plastic vent covers are no match for a determined animal. We recommend installing heavy-gauge metal screens or cages over all exterior vents. This allows air to flow freely while stopping birds and rodents from nesting inside the ductwork.

Manage Your Yard and Waste

If you provide a buffet in your backyard, guests will eventually try to move into the dining room. Landscaping and waste management play a massive role in whether animals choose to investigate your property.

Secure Your Trash

Trash cans are the primary attractant for raccoons and opossums. If your bins are stored outside, ensure they have tight-fitting, animal-proof lids. If possible, store trash cans in a garage or shed until pick-up day to minimize the scent trails that lure hungry wildlife.

Rethink Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are wonderful for birdwatching, but they are notorious for attracting squirrels, mice, and even bears. The spilled seed on the ground supports a population of rodents, which in turn attracts predators like foxes and snakes. If you must use feeders, place them far away from the house and clean up spilled seeds daily.

Maintain Your Landscaping

Overhanging tree branches act as bridges, allowing animals to bypass your ground-level defenses and jump straight onto your roof. Trim branches so they are at least six to eight feet away from your roofline. Additionally, keep firewood piles elevated and at a distance from your home’s foundation, as these are favorite hiding spots for mice and insects.

The Danger of DIY Removal

When homeowners discover an intruder, the instinct is often to handle it themselves. However, DIY wildlife control rarely solves the root issue and can be dangerous.

Trapping an animal without sealing the entry points simply leaves a vacancy sign for the next animal to move in. Furthermore, handling wildlife puts you at risk of bites, scratches, and exposure to diseases such as rabies. There are also legal considerations; Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife to ensure it is done humanely.

As members of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association and certified by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association, we prioritize humane and safe removal. We don’t just remove the animal; we identify how it got in and fix the problem so it doesn’t return.

Make 2026 a Wildlife-Free Year

Your home is your largest investment, and protecting it requires vigilance. By sealing entry points, managing food sources, and maintaining your exterior, you can drastically reduce the risk of a wildlife invasion.

However, if you suspect you already have unauthorized tenants, or if you want a professional assessment of your home’s vulnerabilities, professional help is the safest route.

At Patriot Pest Solutions, we are veteran-owned and family-operated. We take pride in offering customized, environmentally friendly approaches to wildlife management. Whether you are in Philadelphia, Exton, or West Chester, our team is ready to help you reclaim your home.

Let’s make 2026 the year your home remains secure, comfortable, and exclusively yours.