As spring arrives in Green Bay, nature bursts to life with new beginnings. Many animals seek out safe, warm, and sheltered places to raise their young. Unfortunately, for homeowners, this often means attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, and sheds become prime real estate for nesting wildlife. Understanding why and when animals nest in your home can help you take proactive steps to prevent unwanted guests and ensure a humane approach to wildlife control.
Why and When Do Animals Nest in Homes?
Wild animals instinctively look for secure locations to birth and nurture their offspring. Human homes provide warmth, protection from predators, and shelter from harsh weather conditions. The specific timing of baby season varies by species, but in Green Bay, it generally spans from early spring to late summer.
Some of the most common animals that may invade homes during baby season include:
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Raccoons – Favor attics and chimneys as safe havens for their litters. They begin nesting as early as February and may have a second litter in late summer.
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Squirrels – Prefer attics, soffits, and wall voids for building nests. Like raccoons, they may have multiple litters per year.
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Bats – Often settle in attics, especially during maternity season, which lasts from May through August.
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Birds – Nest in chimneys, vents, and eaves for shelter. Many bird species start nesting in March and can have multiple broods during warmer months.
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Skunks and Opossums – Burrow under decks, porches, or sheds for safety. They give birth in spring, with young staying in the den for several weeks before venturing out.
Signs of Wildlife Nesting in Your Home
Recognizing early signs of nesting wildlife can help you address the issue before it worsens. Look for:
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Scratching or scurrying noises in walls, attics, or crawl spaces.
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Unusual odors from urine or droppings.
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Visible damage to vents, soffits, insulation, or wiring.
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Increased wildlife activity around your home, especially at dawn or dusk.
How to Handle and Prevent Wildlife Nesting
If you suspect animals have taken up residence in your home, avoid handling the situation on your own. Disturbing a nest can lead to aggression from protective parents or cause young animals to be abandoned. Do not seal entry points immediately, as this could trap and harm the animals inside. Instead, contact a professional to assist you.
Once animals are removed, taking preventive measures can help protect your home. Securing attic vents and chimney openings with wildlife-proof mesh is an effective way to block entry. Keeping tree branches trimmed away from your home also reduces access points for climbing animals like squirrels and raccoons. Proper waste management plays a crucial role in deterrence, so store trash in sealed bins and remove any food sources that may attract wildlife. Regularly inspecting your home for gaps, holes, or weakened structures ensures that potential entry points are identified and addressed before wildlife can move in.
Critter Control of Green Bay specializes in safe and effective wildlife removal. Our professionals will inspect your home, identify entry points, and implement long-term solutions to keep your property critter-free. Don’t let baby season turn into a headache—contact us today!