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Hi, my name is Luis Gonzalez, and welcome to another episode of the What’s Bugging You? podcast, brought to you by Midway Pest Management. Today, we’re talking about something that affects homeowners across Kansas City every winter—wildlife invaders. As temperatures drop and food becomes harder to find, many animals seek warmth and shelter in the most accessible place they can find—your home. While this might seem harmless, these animals can cause significant damage and even pose health risks. Understanding how cold weather affects wildlife behavior and knowing how to prevent infestations can help protect your home this winter.
Common Winter Wildlife Invaders
During the cold months, various types of wildlife are drawn to human homes for warmth and shelter. Here are a few of the most common invaders in the Kansas City area:
- Squirrels: Squirrels are notorious for seeking out attics and walls as they search for a warm place to nest. Once inside, they can cause significant damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and even wooden beams. Their need to store food also makes attics a prime location for nesting.
- Raccoons: Raccoons are opportunistic animals and will use any opening they can find to enter your home. This could be through chimneys, vents, or cracks in the roof. Once inside, they often tear up insulation, gnaw on structural elements, and leave behind waste that can carry diseases such as rabies, posing a serious concern for homeowners.
- Opossums: Opossums are generally shy and non-aggressive creatures, but when they invade spaces like garages, basements, or sheds, they can cause problems. They might rummage through trash, spread waste, or create nests in hidden corners of your home.
Why Wildlife Invades Homes in Winter
As winter settles in, food becomes scarce, and temperatures plunge. Wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, and opossums, are looking for warmth, safety, and sources of food. Homes, especially attics, basements, and crawl spaces, provide the perfect shelter from the cold and a haven for nesting.
In addition to seeking warmth, some animals like squirrels and raccoons are looking for safe spaces to give birth and raise their young. The cozy, protected spaces inside homes become even more attractive under these conditions, increasing the likelihood of wildlife taking up residence in your attic, walls, or basement.
How to Prevent Wildlife Invasions
When it comes to protecting your home from wildlife invasions during winter, prevention is the key. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your home remains safe:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Wildlife can squeeze through even the smallest of openings, so it’s essential to be thorough. Use heavy-duty caulk, steel wool, or expandable foam to seal these areas. Pay particular attention to where utility lines enter the house.
- Trim Trees and Bushes: Overhanging tree branches give animals like squirrels and raccoons easy access to your roof and attic. Trim back branches that are close to your home and ensure that vines and bushes do not create pathways for wildlife.
- Secure Trash: If you leave food scraps or garbage outside, raccoons and opossums will be attracted to the scent. Ensure that trash is stored in tightly sealed containers and place these away from entry points like windows or doors.
- Close Chimneys and Vents: Install chimney caps and cover vents with sturdy mesh to prevent animals from entering your home through these openings. Animals like raccoons can easily climb into chimneys, and without proper caps, they can make their way into your attic.
What to Do If You Have a Wildlife Problem
If you find that wildlife has invaded your home, it’s crucial not to handle the situation yourself, especially if the animals have already established nests. Raccoons, squirrels, and opossums can be dangerous when they feel threatened, and handling them without proper training can lead to injuries or exposure to diseases like rabies.
The best course of action is to call a professional wildlife removal service. Trained experts can safely capture and relocate animals, ensuring that they’re removed without harm. Additionally, they can identify hidden entry points that you may have missed and seal them to prevent future invasions.
Why Professional Help Matters
While DIY solutions may offer temporary relief, professional pest management services provide a more thorough, long-term solution to wildlife problems. At Midway Pest Management, we specialize in humane wildlife removal, offering a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Inspection: Our experts conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify potential entry points and signs of infestation.
- Exclusion Services: After removal, we ensure that all points of entry are sealed to prevent future wildlife invasions.
- Restoration: If necessary, we provide attic and structural restoration services to address any damage caused by wildlife.
Winter in Kansas City can bring about unique challenges when it comes to wildlife behavior. As temperatures drop, animals like squirrels, raccoons, and opossums seek shelter inside homes, potentially causing significant damage and presenting health risks. By understanding these animals’ behavior during the colder months and taking proactive steps to prevent infestations, you can protect your home from costly damage and keep your family safe.
If you suspect you have a wildlife issue or want to take steps to prevent an invasion, don’t hesitate to reach out to Midway Pest Management. We’re here to help keep your home safe, secure, and wildlife-free this winter. Stay warm and safe!