Winter Wildlife Invasions
That rustling in your walls isn’t just disturbing your peace; it’s signaling a chain of destruction that starts with tiny entry points and can end in massive energy bills. Rodents, squirrels, and raccoons don’t just move in – they tear through your insulation, create dangerous conditions, and leave you literally watching your heating dollars escape through the holes they’ve made. Wildlife invasions during winter months not only increase your heating costs, but they also create serious health hazards for your family. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know about this growing problem.
True Cost of Wildlife Squatters
Even small animals like mice can destroy up to 40% of your attic’s insulation in just one winter season. Larger creatures like raccoons and squirrels can cause catastrophic damage in mere weeks. This destruction creates a devastating chain reaction in your home’s energy efficiency system.
Warning Signs of Wildlife Damage
Early detection can save thousands in repairs. Watch for these indicators:
- Sudden increases in heating bills despite normal usage patterns
- Uneven temperatures between rooms or floors
- Visible damage to exterior entry points around your roof line
- Strange odors coming from walls or ceiling spaces
- Unusual sounds during dawn and dusk hours when wildlife is most active
Health and Safety Risks
Professional wildlife removal isn’t just about comfort – it’s about safety. Wildlife infestations create serious health hazards:
- Bacterial contamination from droppings that can spread through your HVAC system
- Increased risk of respiratory issues from damaged and soiled insulation
- Fire hazards from chewed electrical wiring
- Secondary pest infestations from parasites carried by larger wildlife
Energy Efficiency Crisis
Wildlife damage creates a compounding effect on your home’s efficiency:
- Compromised insulation reduces your home’s R-value
- HVAC systems work harder to maintain temperature
- Monthly energy costs can increase by hundreds of dollars
- Long-term structural damage can develop from moisture accumulation
DIY vs Professional Wildlife Control
Doing It Yourself
Should you DIY your wildlife problem? That $30 trap from the hardware store might seem like a smart money-saving choice, but DIY wildlife control often leads to costly mistakes. Here’s what most homeowners discover the hard way:
- Amateur sealing of entry points often misses hidden access routes, leading to repeated invasions
- Store-bought repellents provide temporary solutions that wildlife quickly learn to ignore
- Improper handling of wildlife creates serious injury risks and potential legal issues
- DIY removal often addresses symptoms rather than underlying attractants, resulting in recurring problems
- Missing secondary damage like torn electrical wiring or compromised structural elements can lead to expensive repairs later
- Without proper sanitization, harmful pathogens remain even after animals are gone
- Incorrect timing of exclusion can trap baby animals inside, creating worse problems
Professional Wildlife Control
There are comprehensive benefits to professional wildlife control teams bring:
- Comprehensive home inspection technology that spots hidden entry points
- Knowledge of seasonal wildlife behavior patterns
- Professional-grade exclusion materials that last longer than retail solutions
- Full remediation* of contaminated spaces
- Expertise in identifying and repairing secondary damage
- Proven prevention strategies that keep wildlife out long-term
The Smart Investment: Terminix Wildlife Control
Terminix’s comprehensive wildlife control program uses advanced thermal imaging to pinpoint hidden insulation damage while implementing professional-grade exclusion techniques. We fully remediate* contaminated areas, restore energy efficiency, and put prevention strategies in place to keep your home wildlife-free for the long term.
Don’t let wildlife turn your home into an expensive disaster. Contact Terminix now for our comprehensive 27-point wildlife inspection. Our certified technicians will protect your home’s efficiency and your family’s health.
* Restrictions and exclusions apply. Call for details.