You aren’t the only one with big plans in the fall. The wildlife around Oakville is also busy getting ready for a long, cold winter. For some animals, that means fattening up now while food is plentiful. Others may migrate or look for a warm spot to hibernate, store food, or create a nest for their growing families. Unfortunately, these wild animals may consider your house as the perfect multi-family living situation.

Which animals should you keep an eye out for this fall? The more you know about wildlife in your area, the better able you are to prevent an infestation or remove them with the help of professional wildlife control in Oakville. These are the usual suspects who want to crash your pad when the temperatures dip.

Unwanted Autumn Animal Guests

No matter what time of the year, you do not want wildlife to get too close to your home. These are wild animals, after all, and you cannot predict their behaviour. Be aware of these species that become a problem for Oakville homeowners every fall:

Rats and Mice

Perhaps the most common, these rodents want an easy food supply and a place to come in from the cold. They tend to stay inside when it’s nippy outside, and they love to help themselves to your pantry goods. Rodents can get into your home through any small hole they can find and tend to stick to walls or your attic.

Bats

Some species of bats migrate, while others roost when the weather stays below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Their favourite homestead spots are attics and chimneys, where they can hibernate undisturbed. Bats are a protected species, which means they have squatters’ rights and can stay put until the end of the cold season.

Raccoons

These masked bandits need to put on a few pounds in preparation for a lean winter. Their favorite food source around homes is an easy-to-open trash can, so keep a tight lid on yours to prevent them from feasting every night. They are also happy to set up housekeeping in your attic or crawlspace to wait out winter.

Chipmunks

These adorable striped critters do not want to come inside, but before you breathe a sigh of relief, remember the damage they can do to your outdoor spaces. To prevent them from burrowing and generally tearing up your yard, take down your bird feeders, clean up any spilled seed, and seal any exterior holes around your foundation.

Squirrels

Like chipmunks, squirrels enjoy seeds, nuts, berries, grubs, and roots. Unlike chipmunks, however, they are happy to move in for a while. Squirrels are known to nest in attics, and they also may store winter food inside walls and soffits. In the process, they also can do a number on your insulation and even gnaw through electrical wires, which is the last thing you want in your home.

Help for Unsuspecting Homeowners

The more new homes built around Oakville, the less habitat space urban wildlife has to prepare for winter. For many homeowners, it is more a matter of when, not if, animals encroach on your home. Know the signs of wildlife on your property, including strong odours, bite marks around vents or gutters, and scurrying or scratching above the ceilings or in the walls.

Take steps now to stop attracting wildlife as well; for example, you should have limbs and branches trimmed to make it more difficult for squirrels and raccoons to access your roof. Check your pantry frequently as well for rodent dropping or gnawing on packages.

If you do notice any signs of an animal invasion this fall, contact Skedaddle for wildlife control in Oakville. Our professional, humane services can help you rid your home of unwelcome animals and prevent them from returning. Contact us to learn more about what we do.