Professional Critter Control

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As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change, many animals start seeking shelter and food to prepare for the winter months. Fall is a particularly busy season for wildlife activity, and it often leads to increased encounters with homeowners, businesses, and property managers. Understanding the most common wildlife issues that arise during this season can help you take proactive steps to protect your property.

At A All Animal Control of South Carolina, we specialize in identifying, addressing, and preventing wildlife issues before they become major problems. Here are some of the most frequent wildlife concerns we encounter during the fall and tips on how to manage them.

As temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats begin searching for warm, dry spaces to build their nests. Homes, offices, and commercial buildings offer ideal shelter, especially if there are small entry points or unsealed gaps around the foundation, doors, and windows. Once inside, rodents can cause significant damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and even structural components.

**Prevention Tip**: Inspect your property for potential entry points and seal any gaps or cracks. Keeping food stored in airtight containers and maintaining clean spaces can also help deter rodents from taking up residence.

Squirrels are particularly active in the fall as they gather food to store for the winter. Your attic or crawlspace can become an attractive location for squirrels to build their nests, especially if tree branches provide easy access to the roof. Squirrels can chew through roofing materials and insulation, leading to costly repairs.

**Prevention Tip**: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof and inspect your attic for any signs of squirrel activity. Make sure vents, chimneys, and roof edges are securely covered with durable materials to prevent squirrels from entering.

Raccoons and opossums are nocturnal creatures that are highly skilled at finding food in unsecured trash cans, dumpsters, or outdoor pet food containers. These animals can make a mess of your property and pose a risk of transmitting diseases like rabies if they feel threatened.

**Prevention Tip**: Use animal-proof trash cans with secure lids and store them in a garage or shed if possible. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight, and clean up any fallen fruit from trees that might attract wildlife.

As temperatures cool, bats may begin searching for warm roosting spots. Buildings with open eaves, vents, or chimneys can become prime targets. Bats are important for controlling insect populations, but their presence in your home or business can cause problems, particularly when it comes to droppings (guano) and potential health risks such as histoplasmosis.

**Prevention Tip**: Inspect your building for any potential entry points, particularly in the roofline and vents. Installing bat exclusion devices can allow bats to exit while preventing re-entry, and ensuring chimneys are capped can also keep them out.

As the temperatures drop, snakes become less active, but they may still seek out warm areas to hibernate through the winter. This can sometimes lead them to crawl into basements, crawlspaces, or other sheltered areas. While most snakes are harmless, their presence can still be unsettling, especially for tenants or employees.

**Prevention Tip**: Keep vegetation trimmed back from your building’s foundation and seal cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and utility entry points. Keeping your property well-maintained reduces the likelihood of snakes finding their way indoors.

Fall is also a time when many birds seek out safe places to roost or nest. Eaves, chimneys, and even attics can provide ideal shelter for birds. While they may not cause immediate damage, bird droppings can accumulate, leading to sanitation issues and even structural damage over time.

**Prevention Tip**: Install bird-proofing measures such as netting or chimney caps to prevent birds from nesting on your property. Regularly clean gutters and eaves to discourage birds from settling in.

 If you notice signs of wildlife activity in or around your property, it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid costly damage or health risks. At A All Animal Control of South Carolina, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife removal and exclusion services. Our team of experts will assess the situation, remove any animals safely, and implement prevention measures to keep your property protected year-round.

Fall is a beautiful season, but it also comes with its fair share of wildlife challenges. By taking proactive steps to seal entry points, maintain your property, and deter animals from settling in, you can minimize the risk of wildlife intrusions.

If you’re dealing with wildlife issues this fall, contact A All Animal Control of South Carolina at 803-233-3355. Our experienced team is here to help you safeguard your home, business, or property from unwanted guests.