Winter Shelter is Animals’ Priority
Though the early part of last week was very nice weather-wise, we saw our first real hint of winter over the weekend.
Driving on I 77 between Akron and Canton this Saturday morning, it looked like winter was here.
Are you prepared for winter?
Through the fall and definitely with the first blast of cold and snow, a lot of us start preparing for winter in all sorts of ways.
From simple things like getting the scraper in the car or getting the storage box of mittens and gloves out of the attic to bigger items like having the furnace inspected, winter is something we prepare for.
Squirrels and Raccoons Prepping for Winter
While it might take a shot of brisk air to get some of us humans in winter prep mode, the squirrels, raccoons, and other animals we deal with have been in instinctual winter preparation mode for some time.
Getting thicker coats of fur and eating as much as possible to store fat are instinctual things that just happen. It will be cold and the animals’ bodies adjust.
Additionally, many squirrels and raccoons look to upgrade their shelter at this time of year.
Because of this, late fall is a common time of year for newly noticed raccoon and squirrel problems here in the Akron, Canton, Kent area, as they find ways into attics in anticipation of winter.
Many of our urban and suburban squirrels and raccoons have come to associate human structures with premium winter living spaces. Even though a nest in the hollow of a tree makes a good den, if your attic or soffit is available, it often makes an offering too good to pass up.
Have you heard noises or found some other evidence to suggest animals might have moved in recently?
If so, the timing is right and you may have a squirrel or raccoon problem that is likely to last through the winter unless you take action.
Squirrels and Raccoons Moving In
We typically get called after a homeowner is pretty sure an animal problem exists. We investigate where noises have been heard or animals have been seen and usually find evidence of a new nest.
For flying squirrels in particular, cold weather is a time for multiple family groups to congregate together in one structure. So, we expect an increase in flying squirrel observations.
The photo to the right shows a lot of shingle damage found on a roof recently as a raccoon tore off lots of shingles trying to get into the attic.
This damage will let the raccoons in to a nice winter spot, but it sure won’t keep the snow out for the homeowner. Animal activity like this is destructive.
The squirrel pictured peeking out from the peak above made this hole in the ridge vent where two pieces met.
Like the raccoons above, the squirrel that did this damage identified the attic as a a great sheltering spot for the upcoming winter.
As you can see, given the opportunity, squirrels and raccoons will look to make your home a comfortable winter abode. When it comes to finding the best winter shelter, the animals are trying to upgrade. But, when they damage human homes in order to get new homes ready for them, a problem exists.
Professional Squirrel and Raccoon Removal | Canton, Akron, Kent, OH
If squirrels or raccoons have made new breaches into your home as winter approaches, give us a call!
We will remove the animals and make repairs so that your home is guaranteed animal free. And in many cases we can fix the damage to keep winter out of the space as well.
We provide professional animal removal and animal damage repair in the Stark, Summit, Portage County area and want to be your service provider.
If you have more questions please call us or look all around our website.
