Wildlife In Texas: Protect Your Home This Winter
As temperatures drop in Houston, TX, wildlife activity increases. Squirrels, raccoons, mice, rats, and skunks search for warm, safe shelters to weather the winter, often finding their way into yards and homes. Unfortunately, these uninvited guests can cause property damage and pose health risks to your family.
To help keep wildlife outdoors where they belong, follow these simple tips from Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion.
Tips to Keep Wildlife Out
Secure Your Trash
Use garbage containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent animals from rummaging through them.Place Bird Feeders Strategically
Position bird baths and feeders far from your home to avoid attracting more than just birds.Store Firewood Away from the House
Keep firewood piles at least 20 feet from your home. Small animals, such as chipmunks, love to nest in woodpiles and could easily find entry points into your home.Install Garden Fences
Surround your garden with a small fence to deter pests looking for food.
Animal-Specific Prevention Tips
Rodents
Mice and rats seek food and shelter during colder months, and they only need a space the size of a dime to enter your home. To keep them out:
Store food properly and clean counters after cooking.
Inspect your home for cracks or gaps and seal them.
Keep in mind that rodents can chew through wires, posing a fire hazard, and carry fleas or diseases that can harm your family.
Raccoons
Raccoons are resourceful scavengers that often target trash cans and even attics.
Use garbage barrels with tightly secured lids to prevent raccoon access.
Install a chimney cap to block entry, and seal any gaps leading to your attic.
Squirrels
Squirrels can wreak havoc in gardens and attics, causing damage to wiring and insulation.
Trim tree branches so squirrels can’t jump onto your roof.
Inspect and seal any small gaps in your attic to keep squirrels from nesting inside.
Skunks
Skunks dig for food and shelter, making them a nuisance in yards. They prefer previously vacated nests, such as those under sheds.
Install fencing around your shed, extending the fence below ground to prevent skunks from burrowing underneath.
Eliminate grubs and other insects in your yard to remove their food source.
Keep trash barrels sealed tightly to discourage rummaging.
Call the Professionals
If you suspect wildlife has already taken up residence on your property, don’t wait to address the issue. Contact Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion for expert help. Our trained technicians will inspect your home, identify potential entry points, and create a customized plan to evict nuisance animals and protect your property.
Keep wildlife where it belongs—out in the wild!