When the temperatures drop in Connecticut, humans aren’t the only ones looking for warmth. Wild animals—from squirrels and raccoons to mice, bats, and skunks—start searching for cozy, sheltered places to spend the winter. Unfortunately, your home can look like the perfect spot.
At Anderson Wildlife Control, we see an increase in calls every winter from homeowners discovering unexpected guests in their attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Understanding why animals enter and how to prevent them can help you stay pest-free all season long.
Why Wildlife Enters Homes in Winter
Most wild animals seek three things in winter: warmth, food, and safety. When these become scarce outdoors, your home provides everything they need.
Attics & Walls: Squirrels, mice, and raccoons often squeeze through vents, chimneys, or gaps along the roofline. Insulation offers the perfect nesting material and warmth.
Basements & Crawl Spaces: Ground-level openings invite skunks, opossums, and rodents to settle in, especially when snow and ice limit their natural dens.
Garages & Sheds: Easy access and stored pet food, trash, or seeds attract animals looking for a meal.
Once inside, they can cause serious damage—chewing wires, contaminating insulation, tearing ducts, or leaving behind droppings that pose health risks.
Common Winter Invaders in Connecticut
Squirrels: Active year-round and notorious for chewing through wood or flashing to get inside.
Raccoons: Intelligent and strong; they can pry open soffits and vents to enter attics.
Mice & Rats: Small gaps (as tiny as a dime) are all they need to sneak in.
Skunks: Often dig under decks or sheds seeking shelter during colder months.
Bats: Search for stable temperatures in attics to hibernate during winter.
How to Prevent Winter Wildlife Intrusions
Proactive steps now can prevent costly repairs later. Anderson Wildlife Control recommends:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect vents, rooflines, chimneys, and foundations for gaps or damage. Even small openings should be screened or sealed with metal flashing.
- Secure Trash & Pet Food: Store them in sealed containers and keep bird feeders away from the house.
- Trim Trees Near Rooflines: Overhanging branches act as bridges for squirrels and raccoons.
- Maintain Your Chimney: Install a chimney cap to block entry while allowing proper ventilation.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Our trained technicians can identify vulnerabilities and humanely remove any existing wildlife before sealing up your home.
Choose Connecticut’s Humane Wildlife Removal Experts
At Anderson Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane, chemical-free wildlife removal and exclusion. We don’t use poisons or harmful traps—just proven, environmentally safe techniques to protect your home and the animals.
If you suspect something has taken up residence in your attic or basement this winter, don’t wait until spring. Call Anderson Wildlife Control today to schedule a free inspection and keep your home safe, warm, and wildlife-free all season long.
