| As we enter the winter season, the local wildlife will be | | | | or jump down a chimney, escape out the fireplace and |
| preparing for the colder weather. Squirrels, raccoons, | | | | end up in the house! Be aware of squirrels that seem |
| skunks and snakes often enter homes at this time of | | | | to hang around your home, in the nearby trees, and |
| year. When the weather starts to cool down in the fall, | | | | especially on the roof, they may become problem |
| the snakes will venture into crawlspaces, basements | | | | squirrels. Raccoons can also become a problem as |
| and attics. | | | | they venture into attics and under porches to find |
| Once inside, they may become more active due to the | | | | shelter during the colder months. Raccoons also love |
| heat of the home. Traps can be set to capture | | | | to live in chimneys, especially rarely used ones, right on |
| snakes in the home. Squirrels, raccoons and skunks | | | | a ledge behind the damper. |
| take up residence in attics, chimneys under porches | | | | Unlike squirrels and birds, they don't get trapped in a |
| and crawlspaces. The best way to capture them is to | | | | chimney. Raccoons are notorious for easily traveling |
| set cage traps and remove them. | | | | up and down the flue. Females will even give birth to |
| Once all the problem animals have been removed you | | | | young in the chimney, thus multiplying the problem. The |
| can then safely repair the damage they created. | | | | best prevention is to install a chimney cap, this will keep |
| Often when there is a sudden snap of cold weather, | | | | out birds, raccoons, and squirrels while still allowing |
| squirrels seek the warmth of your home. It is common | | | | smoke and soot to escape. Keeping an eye and ear |
| for them to seek shelter in attics and other areas of a | | | | open during the next few months is the best way to |
| home. | | | | catch problems early. Should a problem arise, you |
| It is also not unusual for a "heat seeking squirrel" to fall | | | | need a professional to resolve a wildlife problems. |