Raccoons, opossums, squirrels and bats like to enter SC homes in the winter. How to keep them out
Just as you enjoy being in a warm house on a particularly chilly winter day, so do all sorts of critters that may look sort of cute but can wreak havoc on your health and home.
Squirrels can get into your crawl space and chew wires, setting off a fire.
Little brown bats carry rabies and love your attic.
And, get this, raccoons, cute as their little faces are, can open doors and windows if they smell food.
Various South Carolina pest control companies are providing information about what animals might crawl into your home and, of course, offering their services to get rid of them.
Here are some animals you’re likely to see.
Pee Dee Wildlife Control in Florence says raccoons are probably the most well–known of all house invaders.
“Unfortunately, they can be dangerous to have around because they are highly adaptable and intelligent animals that can quickly learn how to open doors and windows if they need access to food inside your house,” the company said.
Pee Dee Wildlife Control says you can figure out if they are around if you see droppings, of course, but also claw marks or ripped garbage bags.
Squirrels, usually the flying and gray types, can not only get in attics or crawl spaces but also in walls, where you are likely to hear them incessantly scratching or making noises like squeaks, barks, or grunts.
The most common animals to access your house are little brown bats that can get in through crevices and vents. They also can get into your attic and just hang there, leaving behind droppings that can cause histoplasmosis.
The Mayo Clinic describes it as “an infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings.”
The hapless opossums is another uninvited guest. Scientists say they’re great to have around because they eat mosquitoes but in your house they mess up insulation and wiring.
Precision Pets and Wildlife of Honea Path also mention mice, ticks, bed bugs, and spiders, which they call “creepy crawlies.”
“They may start living in your basements, attics, and crawl spaces so they can stay cozy while feasting on your garbage and pet kibble,” their website says..
Precision Pest also points out the predators who are still stalking and slinking around despite the weather: alligators, bull sharks, foxes, coyotes, black widows, brown recluses.
“These winter animals may be more hungry and aggressive in the winter, too.”
The companies offered tips for how to keep your home cutter free.
Use tamper-proof garbage cans
Seal cracks, holes, and gaps, especially in basements, attics and crawl spaces
Repair damaged screens and vents
Get rid of clutter
Seal up pet food and don’t leave it outside
install chimney caps and vent covers
