Your Home & Lawn - Winter's Most Damaging Animals

Critter-Repellent.com Staff • October 6, 2019

Some animals can be even more damaging during winter

Squirrel on a tree branch in winter

As the colder months draw near and we get closer to that official first day of winter (December 21, 2019, this year), we need to start thinking about preparing our home for the cold and snowy weather. In addition to basic preparations for the physical components of our home, so too do we need to think about animals that may be looking to move in when the climate gets too cold for them to stay in their dens.

It’s easy to assume that most animals will hibernate in the winter. And, many indeed do. However, there are a variety of different hibernation patterns and behaviors, and so homeowners should not assume that all animals will hibernate at the same time or in the same way.

Which animals to be wary of during the winter months

Groundhogsand chipmunks so hibernate all winter long. Though they hibernate in different ways, chances are that you will not see these critters during the winter. Mice, rats, and tree squirrels, on the other hand, are a different story. As mice and rats are nocturnal, it may be harder for you to identify that they are out and about in the winter. But, if they get desperate for a meal, they will venture out to locate more food. Due to the cold weather, they may even be driven indoors as part of their search for food and a warm shelter.

Tree squirrelsare not seen quite as often as they do hibernate. However, they do not reach a dormant state during hibernation. Though they will stick closer to their dens to stay warm and fed, if their supplies run low, they too will venture outdoors to find what they need to survive the winter.

Skunkactivity will slow down during the winter, but these animals do not hibernate. During times of extreme cold, they are likely to create a winter burrow somewhere that something else has created. A popular spot for skunks to sleep away the winter is under your front porch or in other burrows that humans have created for some reason or another. In these spaces, they eat very little and rest quite a bit as they wait for the warmer months to return. Their bodies enter a state of torpor which means that their breathing and metabolism will slow and their body temperatures will drop, which allows them to get through the season.

Deerare commonly seen throughout the winter months. Though they rely on the darkness as a way to get out and about and to forage for food (as most of their predators are sleeping), they sleep lightly to keep themselves protected. They tend to sleep under coniferous trees when they need rest, and then will be out and about when it is time to look for food. As is the case with deer during any month of the year, they may be drawn to your home and yard as a place they deem as safe (as humans are out and about less in the winter too) and where they feel they can find food.

Wild animals generally have three options to survive the winter months. They can either migrate to warmer climates, go into hibernation and slumber the winter away, or they can look for a warm and safe place where they can safely rest and stay well fed. Most animals either migrate or go into hibernation. However, homeowners need to be aware of the animals that do not.

Steps should be taken to protect your home from critters that are looking to get in and stay warm. Though one might want to help these animals to stay warm, their cute and cuddly appearance and their need for food shouldn’t fool you into thinking that your home is a great option. Wild animals are still wild, and they come fraught with diseases that can be passed along to your family pet, your children, etc. Homeowners that take steps to properly secure their homes and seal up cracks, crevices, and other entry points, will fare far better from animal-related home damage during the winter.


Critter Repellent All Natural Animal Repellent Blog

Pool
May 14, 2025
While you’re prepping your pool for summer fun, pests are gearing up for an invasion. Learn how to enjoy a pest-free summer using natural solutions.
Rabbit
April 25, 2025
As spring rolls in, so does the uptick in rabbit activity. Breeding season, increased feeding, and yard destruction are all part of the spring rabbit surge. Learn how to safeguard your lawn and garden with natural solutions.
Pest activity
March 19, 2025
Learn how to prepare your home for the seasonal surge in pests and keep them from invading your space.
Mouse
February 20, 2025
Mouse infestations can lead to significant health risks and property damage. Learn about common mistakes in mouse control and discover updated strategies for effectively preventing and eliminating these pests from your home.
By Teri Silver February 6, 2025
The last thing you want to see running around your house is a mouse. And where there is one, there are more. Whether it’s mice, ants, spiders, squirrels, or any other type of rodent, bird, or insect infestation, ignoring those critters can get very expensive in the long run. When it comes to remediating or protecting your home from infestations, the cost of doing nothing can lead to a big dent in your wallet. Keeping house pests at bay is important, especially if you’re planning to put the home on the sales market. How much does it cost to keep the house and property pest-free? That depends on where you live, what types of services needed, and how often the home is treated. But one thing is for sure, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) to prevent house damage than to fix everything after critters have chewed up wires, plumbing, foundation, and the yard. Potential Structural Damage Squirrels, moles, voles, rats, and mice are part of nature, but the damage that even one of these critters can do to a home can run into thousands of dollars. With sharp teeth that never stop growing, squirrels and rodents must “file down” their chompers so they don’t interfere with eating and drinking. Thus, a squirrel’s chewing habits can damage house support beams, siding, and anything else that holds the structure up. The costs to repair the building depend on the severity of the damage. Birds’ nests and clogged gutters are signs that unwanted critters are in the building’s drainage system. Replacing damaged gutters can cost several thousand dollars—to start. On average, it’ll cost between $1,600 and $5,200 (depending on size, materials, and labor costs). Wiring and Insulation Chewed-up electrical wiring is not only a hassle but it can be very dangerous. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other critters will gnaw through wires, not knowing that they can electrocute themselves but worse — start a house fire. Homeowners won’t necessarily see exposed wires around the house. Examining the house structure and wiring allows owners to know what to budget for. Pests and vermin living in the attic may tear up insulation to use for nesting materials. Depending on the size of the house, insulation costs can be anywhere from $1,600 to $8,000 on average. Termites When it comes to destructive insects, termites are at the top of the list. These icky little bugs chew through wood almost as quickly as a cartoon buzzsaw. And the worst thing? In general, homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover termite damage. Signs of termite infestation and damage include: Chewed up or hollow wood Blisters or buckling in the flooring Discarded termite wings Bubbling paint Strips of mud tubes along crevices Damaged support beams Tapping sounds in the walls The cost of repairing termite damage can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars—or more, depending on what part of the house is torn up and what needs to be done. Preventing termites in the yard and hiring a professional exterminator are two ways of keeping these hungry critters away from your home. Pest Entry Points Cracks and crevices are easy access points for mice, insects, wasps, and other pests. Unscreened vents and windows, loose shingles and siding, and chimney gaps are entry points for bugs and mice. Not having trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the house won’t prevent squirrels and mice from coming onto your property, but keeping greenery away from the structure would deter critters from having direct access to it. Perceived Value Whether your house is currently for sale or it’s a plan for the future, having pests and vermin roaming around the property can keep the buyers away. Among the financial considerations, house-hunting taps the emotions of the would-be buyer. No matter what the item is, perceived value is a customer’s view of whether it is worth the money. An infested home has lost its marketing value, especially if a mouse runs across the floor during the negotiating stage. The cost of doing nothing when you should be doing something can lead to a huge repair bill and maybe even a home improvement loan or second mortgage on your house. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. If wildlife and insects are damaging your home, do something about it sooner than later.
Pest-Proof Insulation
January 18, 2025
Pest-proof insulation is a game-changing solution for homeowners looking to prevent unwanted intrusions and lower energy costs. Learn how this innovative product protects your property from pests while boosting energy efficiency.
Home Maintenance
January 9, 2025
Proper home and business maintenance is the first step in preventing pest infestations. Learn how regular upkeep, repairs, and preventive measures can keep pests out and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and pest-free.
Green Pest Control
December 10, 2024
Discover the latest eco-friendly technologies and treatments revolutionizing pest control. From organic solutions to advanced traps, learn how innovative methods reduce pest problems while prioritizing environmental health.
Pest Control Issues
November 27, 2024
Apartment buildings are especially vulnerable to pest infestations due to shared spaces and frequent tenant turnover. Learn about the top pest issues in apartment complexes and how management can implement preventative measures to keep them under control.
Pest Invasion
November 25, 2024
Unseasonably warm weather drives pests like rodents, insects, and other invaders into homes earlier than expected. Learn how the changing climate affects pest behavior and discover effective ways to protect your home from infestations.
More Posts