As the temperatures cool in Grand Rapids, many animals begin preparing for the long winter ahead. For some, that means seeking warmth and shelter inside homes, garages, and sheds. While wildlife may seem harmless outdoors, once inside, they can cause property damage, spread disease, and create serious headaches for homeowners.
Identifying Fall Wildlife in Your House
Here are the most common intruders in Grand Rapids and signs they've moved into your home:
- Squirrels: Scratching or scampering in the attic, chewed wires, and nesting materials like leaves or insulation.
- Raccoons: Loud thumping at night, overturned trash cans, and strong odors from urine or feces.
- Mice: Small droppings along baseboards, gnawed food packaging, and shredded paper or fabric nests.
- Bats: High-pitched squeaking noises, dark staining around entry points, and piles of guano near walls or attic spaces.
- Skunks: Strong, persistent odors, disturbed soil near foundations, and burrows under decks, porches, or sheds.
Prevention Steps to Protect Your Home
The best defense against unwanted wildlife is a proactive approach. Follow the following steps to make your home less inviting to critters.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps around vents, chimneys, windows, doors, and rooflines. Even small openings can allow mice or bats inside.
Secure Food Sources: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed, store pet food indoors, and clean up fallen fruit or bird seed around the yard.
Maintain Landscaping: Trim tree branches near your roofline, clear brush piles, and reduce clutter that can serve as cover for animals.
Reinforce Attics and Basements: Install chimney caps, vent covers, and durable screening to block common entry points.
When Professional Help is Needed
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, animals still find their way in. If you suspect a critter problem, it’s best to call wildlife control experts. DIY removal can be dangerous. Raccoons and bats may carry diseases, and improper removal could separate mothers from their young, leading to bigger problems.
At Critter Control of Grand Rapids, we specialize in safe, humane, and effective solutions for wildlife invasions. From inspections and exclusion to cleanup and prevention, our team ensures your home stays protected throughout the season.
Stay Ahead of Fall Invaders
Don’t let wildlife turn your home into their winter shelter. By taking preventative steps now and partnering with professionals when needed, you can enjoy a safe, critter-free home all season long.