Seasonal Wildlife Control Checklist for Homeowners

HWCS Expert Team

Just like you, wildlife reacts to the changing seasons. As temperatures shift, animals seek food, water, and shelter—often leading them straight to your home. By staying ahead of these seasonal behaviors, you can prevent infestations before they start. Here is your year-round wildlife control checklist.

Spring: Baby Season

Spring is the busiest time for wildlife conflicts. Animals are waking up from hibernation and looking for safe places to give birth and raise their young.

  • Check the Attic: Listen for scratching or chirping sounds. Raccoons and squirrels often birth litters in insulation during spring.
  • Inspect the Roof: Winter storms may have damaged shingles or vents. Repair these immediately to prevent entry.
  • Chimney Caps: Ensure your chimney cap is secure. Birds (like Chimney Swifts) and raccoons love uncapped chimneys.
  • Yard Maintenance: clear out brush piles and debris where rabbits or snakes might nest.

Summer: Activity Peak

Warm weather means active wildlife. Bats, snakes, and groundhogs are out in full force.

  • Bat Watch: At dusk, watch your roofline. If you see bats entering or exiting, you have a colony. Note: Do not attempt exclusion now, as flightless pups may be present.
  • Secure Trash: Raccoons and opossums are scavenging. Use bungee cords or weights on trash can lids.
  • Remove Water Sources: Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito populations (which attract bats) and to stop providing a drinking spot for thirsty wildlife.
  • Garden Fencing: Install bury-wire fencing around gardens to keep out groundhogs and rabbits.

Fall: Preparation for Winter

As temperatures drop, animals start looking for a warm place to overwinter. Rodents are the biggest threat now.

  • Seal Gaps: Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Inspect your foundation and seal cracks with silicone caulk and steel wool.
  • Trim Trees: Cut back tree limbs hanging over the roof. These are “highways” for squirrels and raccoons to access your house.
  • Vent Screens: Check that dryer vents and attic louvers have secure covers to keep birds and rodents out.
  • Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters can rot fascia boards, creating soft spots that animals can easily chew through.

Winter: Shelter Seeking

While many animals hibernate, others (like mice, rats, and squirrels) stay active inside warm structures.

  • Check the Garage: Ensure the rubber seal on the bottom of your garage door is intact.
  • Monitor for Noise: Sounds in the walls during winter often indicate mice or squirrels.
  • Store Food Properly: Keep pet food in sealed metal containers. Do not leave food bowls outside overnight.
  • Inspect for tracks: Look for footprints in the snow around your foundation to see where animals are probing for entry.

The Importance of Routine Inspections

The best way to handle wildlife is to prevent them from entering in the first place. We recommend a professional inspection at least once a year. At Humane Wildlife Control Solutions, we offer comprehensive preventative maintenance plans to identify vulnerabilities in your home’s defenses and fix them before an animal moves in.

Stay proactive this year, and enjoy a pest-free home in every season!