When the weather gets cold, Maryland homeowners aren’t the only ones looking for warmth. Winter is the busy season for wildlife to enter homes, attics, crawl spaces, and garages in search of shelter. While these animals may seem cute outside, they can cause a lot of damage once they get inside.
Here are the top five winter wildlife intruders Maryland homeowners should watch for and what you can do to keep them out.
1. Squirrels
Squirrels stay active throughout the year, but in winter, they are especially eager to find warm places to nest. Attics are their favorite spot because they are quiet, dry, and filled with insulation that they enjoy shredding.
Common signs of squirrel activity include:
- Scratching or scampering sounds in the attic
- Droppings near entry points
- Chewed wiring or insulation damage
Squirrels can create fire hazards by chewing on electrical wires, so it’s crucial to act fast if you suspect they’ve moved in.
2. Raccoons
Raccoons are strong, clever, and determined animals. These qualities make them challenging to keep out during winter. A raccoon can tear through shingles, soffits, or vents to get into a warm attic or chimney.
Watch for:
- Loud thumping noises overhead
- Large claw marks near the entrances
- Overturned trash cans or missing pet food
Female raccoons may seek shelter early to get ready for giving birth, which makes winter a particularly risky time for invasions.
3. Mice
Mice don’t hibernate, so they stay active all winter looking for food and warmth. Since they can fit through openings as small as a dime, tiny gaps around doors, pipes, or foundations can easily let them in.
Signs of a mouse problem include:
- Droppings in cabinets, basements, or pantry areas
- Noises in the walls at night
- Shredded paper or insulation for nesting material
A mouse infestation can grow rapidly, so taking action early is essential.
4. Bats
Many Maryland bats look for warm attics to roost in during the winter months. Although they aren’t aggressive, they can carry diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis. Because of this, it’s important to have professional help to remove them.
Look for:
- High-pitched squeaking sounds
- Dark staining around attic vents
- Guano buildup under roosting spots
Bats are protected in Maryland, so using proper and humane exclusion methods is the safest choice.
5. Snakes
Some homeowners might be surprised, but snakes do enter Maryland homes in winter. They usually get in through cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors while looking for warm places to hide.
Signs that snakes may be inside include:
- Shed skins found in basements or crawl spaces
- Unpleasant or strange smells
- Sightings near stored items where they tend to hide
Most snakes are harmless, but that doesn’t make sharing your home with them any less unsettling.
How to Keep Wildlife Out This Winter
Maryland’s wildlife adds to the state’s beauty, but it can be a problem when animals get into your home. Luckily, prevention can make a big difference.
Try these simple tips:
- Seal gaps around doors, roofs, and foundations
- Keep your trash tightly sealed
- Don’t leave pet food outside
- Trim branches hanging over your roof
- Store firewood away from your home
If animals are already inside, attempting DIY removal can be dangerous. Wildlife can become aggressive when cornered and often carry parasites or diseases.
Let K.P. Wildlife Protect Your Home All Winter Long
At K.P. Wildlife, we focus on safe and humane wildlife removal and long-term exclusion services. If you hear strange noises, see droppings, or notice damage around your home this winter, our team is here to help.
Don’t wait for the problem to get bigger. Contact us today for quick and reliable winter wildlife control.
