As if you didn’t have to worry about enough when ice and snow storms are part of the Houston norm now.
When weather turns cold, almost every type of critter tries to invade, all at once. It’s not uncommon for us to see attics full of rats, mice, squirrels, bats, raccoons and even opossums.
They fight. They scrabble. They chew. They bleed. They pee and poo. And they turn your gorgeous home into a nightmare.
They came seeking warmth and shelter. And it just doesn’t get cold enough here for long enough to force any of these animals into hibernation: not even during snow storms or ice snaps.
How does wildlife find your home in the winter?
Rodents, raccoons, and other pests can smell the heat. In fact, your home acts a bit like a radiator: heat rises into the attic and escapes through vents and tiny gaps, attracting wildlife and showing them exactly where the entry points are.
Worse, raccoons will rip off shingles just to get inside. Rats can slink into a space the size of a quarter.
Houston wildlife doesn’t “die off” in winter like many people think. They just adapt by looking for a warm den. Your home is the perfect spot as far as most animals are concerned.
Is it dangerous to leave wildlife in the attic during the winter?
It’s extremely dangerous on three levels.
First, the wildlife serves as a fire hazard. Squirrels and rats have teeth that never stop growing. They must chew to keep them down. Your electrical wiring is both tasty and chewy. It’s only a matter of time until they destroy it enough to cause sparks, and then flames.
Second, wildlife tears up your insulation. Once it’s chewed on, clawed at, and matted with waste your energy bills spike because your R-value gets destroyed. Your heater has to work twice as hard to get the same results.
Finally, these animals bring parasites with them. That means fleas, ticks, and mites that spread to your pets, your bedding, and your own body. They can bring diseases with them and make life extremely unpleasant.
Why can’t I just DIY wildlife removal?
Your only DIY option is trapping. You may even catch something and feel like the job is done.
But if you catch one raccoon and don’t seal the entry point, another one will smell the den and move in the next night.
The attic must be completely decontaminated to protect your home and to keep new tenants from smelling the traces left behind by the old.
Defend Your Domain
Don’t wait to hear scratching sounds at 2:00 AM. Contact Elite Wildlife for an inspection today!