As the temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall, many animals start searching for warm places to shelter. Unfortunately, that often means your home. In Cleveland and the surrounding areas, fall is one of the busiest seasons for wildlife intrusions. Understanding which critters are most likely to show up and why can help you stay prepared and protect your property.
Raccoons Looking for Shelter
Raccoons are intelligent and highly adaptable. In the fall, they begin looking for secure places to spend the colder months. Attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces provide perfect shelter for these nocturnal animals. Once inside, raccoons can cause significant damage by tearing insulation, chewing wires, and contaminating areas with waste.
Squirrels Preparing for Winter
Squirrels become extremely active in the fall as they gather food and build nests. If they find an opening in your roofline or siding, they may decide to build a nest right inside your attic. Their constant gnawing can damage wood, wires, and stored belongings. In some cases, their nesting behavior can even create fire hazards.
Bats Seeking Warm Roosts
As the weather cools, bats start looking for warm roosts to settle in before winter. While some species migrate, others hibernate locally. Chimneys, attics, and wall voids are common places bats enter, especially if there are gaps or vents left unsealed. Bat colonies can grow quickly, and their droppings pose serious health risks if not dealt with properly.
Mice and Rats Moving Indoors
Rodents are some of the most persistent fall invaders. As soon as nighttime temperatures drop, mice and rats begin looking for entry points into homes. Once inside, they reproduce rapidly, chew through materials, and contaminate food sources. Because they can squeeze through tiny openings, it’s important to inspect your home’s foundation and exterior closely.
Skunks Digging Under Structures
Though not as common as some other pests, skunks may take up residence under porches, decks, or sheds in the fall. They dig to create dens and can spray when startled, creating a major nuisance for homeowners. Skunks are generally shy but can become aggressive if they feel cornered.
Opossums in Crawl Spaces
Opossums are scavengers that may sneak into garages, sheds, or under homes looking for shelter and food. While they are not aggressive, they can cause damage by tipping over trash, nesting in insulation, or bringing parasites like fleas with them.
What You Can Do
The best defense against fall wildlife intrusions is early prevention. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for signs of animal activity or entry points. Keep food sources sealed, trim back tree branches, and make sure vents and chimneys are properly covered.
If you suspect animals have already moved in, avoid handling the situation yourself. Many of these critters are protected by state laws, and humane removal requires experience and care.
Call Critter Control of Cleveland
Our trained professionals use humane, effective methods to remove unwanted wildlife and keep them from coming back. Whether you're hearing noises in your attic or seeing signs of animal activity, we’re here to help you protect your home this fall.
Contact Critter Control of Cleveland today to schedule an inspection.