Keep Wildlife in the Wild This Holiday Season

The holiday season brings warmth, joy, and the delightful scent of festive treats. Unfortunately, it can also attract some uninvited guests of the furry variety. As temperatures drop, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife seek warmth and food, and your cozy home can look like the perfect winter retreat.

Preventing these creatures from turning your holiday gathering into a chaotic scene is crucial for a peaceful celebration. A little bit of proactive pest proofing can save you from the stress and potential damage caused by wildlife intruders. This guide will walk you through practical steps to secure your home and ensure your only holiday visitors are the ones you’ve invited.

Why Wildlife Seeks Shelter in Winter

Understanding why animals are drawn to your home is the first step in keeping them out. As the weather gets colder, the natural food sources that wildlife rely on become scarce. At the same time, their usual shelters in trees and burrows offer less protection from the harsh elements.

Your home provides everything a wild animal needs to survive the winter:

• Warmth: Attics, basements, and even the spaces behind walls offer a warm refuge from the cold.
• Food: Holiday cooking, unsecured trash cans, and even pet food left outside are irresistible feasts.
• Safety: Your house provides a secure location to hide from predators and raise young.

Common entry points like uncapped chimneys, gaps in the roofline, and damaged vents are open invitations for these animals.

Common Holiday Wildlife Intruders

While many critters might try to find their way inside, a few are particularly notorious for crashing holiday celebrations in the Southeast.

Squirrels

These agile climbers are experts at finding their way into attics and wall voids. They often gain access by chewing through weak spots in the roof or siding. Once inside, they can cause significant damage by gnawing on electrical wires, which creates a serious fire hazard.

Raccoons

Known for their intelligence and dexterity, raccoons can easily open unsecured trash cans and find their way into attics or crawlspaces. They are strong animals and can tear through shingles, fascia boards, and vents to create an entry point.

Rodents (Mice and Rats)

Mice and rats can squeeze through incredibly small openings—as small as a dime for a mouse. They are attracted to the crumbs and food scraps common during the holiday season. Once inside, they reproduce quickly, contaminate food, and can spread diseases.

How to Keep Wildlife Out This Holiday Season

Securing your home against wildlife is about creating a barrier and removing attractants. Here are some effective steps you can take to keep animals in the wild where they belong.

1. Inspect and Seal Your Home’s Exterior

Start by conducting a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Look for any potential entry points, no matter how small they may seem.

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use caulk or steel wool to seal any cracks or holes in your foundation, siding, and around utility pipes.
• Install a Chimney Cap: An uncapped chimney is like an open door for squirrels, raccoons, and birds. Installing a professional chimney cap is one of the most effective ways to prevent entry.
• Secure Vents: Cover attic, roof, and crawlspace vents with durable metal screening to keep pests out while maintaining airflow.
• Repair Roof and Siding: Replace any damaged roof shingles, fascia boards, or siding that could provide an easy entry point for determined animals.

2. Secure Your Trash and Food Sources

The smell of holiday leftovers can attract wildlife from far and wide. Proper food and waste management is essential.

• Use Secure Trash Cans: Invest in trash cans with tight-fitting, locking lids. Bungee cords can also help keep persistent raccoons out.
• Clean Up Spills: Promptly clean up any food or drink spills on your deck or patio.
• Store Pet Food Securely: Do not leave pet food bowls outside overnight. Store pet food in airtight containers inside your home or garage.

3. Maintain Your Yard

An unkempt yard can provide cover and access for wildlife looking to get closer to your home.

• Trim Tree Branches: Cut back any tree limbs that hang over or touch your roof. This eliminates a common “bridge” for squirrels and raccoons.
• Clear Debris: Remove piles of leaves, firewood, and other debris from your yard, as these can serve as hiding spots for rodents and other pests.
• Secure Compost Bins: If you have a compost pile, use a bin with a secure lid to prevent it from becoming a food source for wildlife.

4. Be Mindful of Holiday Decorations

Even your festive decorations can inadvertently attract pests.

• Inspect Live Greenery: Before bringing Christmas trees, wreaths, or garlands inside, inspect them carefully for any hidden pests like spiders or insects.
• Avoid Edible Decorations: Stringing popcorn or cranberries on your outdoor trees might look festive, but it’s an open invitation for wildlife to come right up to your home.

Your Partner in Pest-Free Holidays

Keeping wildlife out of your home is key to a safe and enjoyable holiday season. By taking these preventative steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of an unwelcome animal encounter.

If you suspect you already have a wildlife problem or want a professional inspection to ensure your home is secure, don’t hesitate to call the experts. At Bug Busters USA, we’ve been helping homeowners in Georgia and Tennessee enjoy pest-free living since 1984. Our experienced team can safely and humanely remove wildlife and help you implement long-term exclusion strategies.