Squirrels, raccoons, skunksand mice are doing what comes naturally this time of year -- looking for awarm, dry and food-filled spot to settle for a long winter's nap. And that spotcould very well be your attic, crawl space, or under your porch or deck.
The bad news! While the critters are not napping, they will beburrowing, eating, gnawing on wires, and, yes, pooping and peeing in their newhome -- er, your home.
They are not typically makingopenings, they exploit what's there. That means any obscured or unnoticedopening in siding, fascia boards, window frames and foundations are open doorsto wildlife.
Squirrels and raccoons "typically like high-altitude entry.A chimney is virtually a perfect 'in' for them -- like a hollow in a tree. Skunksare more likely to go low, especially under decks and porches. Mice? Well,that's a tough one. Mice can squeeze through teeny-tiny spaces.
The key to keeping critters out of your home is prevention, Thinklike a raccoon or squirrel and ask “Where would they go?"
Bats
Bats can live in attics, chimneys and basements. They arenocturnal and emerge at dusk. Some bats have a wingspan of 13 inches and liveup to 19 years in the wild. They mate in October, before winter hibernation.They give birth in early June. They feast on flying insects, primarily mothsand beetles. There would be an odor associated with their droppings (guano). Afew bats might not be much of a problem, but if you get a colony, well, that'snoisy and dirty.
Raccoons
If they get into a house, they live primarily in attics and chimneys. They areadept when outdoors at knocking over garbage cans and stealing pet food andbird seed. Raccoons carry some very dangerous diseases, including rabies,canine distemper and roundworm. They are excellent climbers, have nimble pawsand live up to more than 12 years in the wild. Some raccoons weigh as much as40 pounds, and they mate in the winter, around December (happy holidays!).Their young are born in the spring. Raccoons are nocturnal and eat just aboutanything and everything.
Squirrels
Scratch, scratch, scratch . . . sccrraaattch. That noise comingfrom the ceiling is probably the first clue many homeowners have that they arenow cohabitating with squirrels. The critters are mostly active in the morningsand evenings and eat nuts and seeds. They establish "hometerritories" and communicate with scent, chattering and flicking theirfluffy tale. Squirrels can carry parasites and leave a lot of excrement, whichcan pose health risks.
Rats and mice
They live everywhere: attics, walls, pantries, basements,closets . . . you name it. They have excellent hearing and sense of smell butpoor eyesight. They often travel along the same paths that they've alreadymarked with urine. They can crawl through the tiniest of holes, so in this case,prevention is the best cure. Plug up all your holes and gaps.
Skunks
Yes, they love the spaces under decks or porches. They will livethere peacefully unless disturbed or scared by humans and pets, especiallydogs. Skunks -- which generally weigh 4 to 10 pounds and are 24 to 30 incheslong -- dig holes in yards and can accidentally get into homes. The best methodfor elimination is trapping the critter; you should consider a local processionalfor this task. Remember Skunks carry rabies, so do not handle them. The bestway to get rid of skunk smell is to shampoo with a combination of hydrogenperoxide, baking soda and liquid dish soap.
If prevention fails you canalways contact us, we will be happy to investigate any problems you might have.