As temperatures drop and New England homes grow cozy, unwanted guests often start looking for a warm place to spend the season. Unfortunately, your attic provides the perfect refuge—quiet, insulated, and often overlooked. From mice and squirrels to bats and raccoons, attics are prime real estate for winter pests seeking shelter from the cold.
Taking steps now to pest-proof your attic can help you avoid costly damage, unpleasant odors, and the health risks that come with animal infestations.
Why Attics Attract Winter Pests
Attics are naturally appealing to wildlife because they mimic the safe, enclosed conditions of a nest or den. In New England, where winters can be long and harsh, the warmth that escapes from your home’s living areas makes attics especially inviting.
Common attic invaders include:
- Mice and rats: These small rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a dime and quickly multiply once inside.
- Squirrels: Agile climbers that often enter through roof vents, soffits, or damaged fascia boards.
- Bats: Frequently found roosting in attics, especially when temperatures dip below freezing.
- Raccoons: Strong and determined, raccoons can tear through shingles and vents to reach shelter.
- Birds: Occasionally, small birds may enter through attic vents or gaps in eaves to build nests.
Once inside, these pests can cause serious issues—from chewing insulation and wiring to leaving behind droppings that contaminate the air and insulation.
Signs of an Attic Infestation
If you’re not in the habit of checking your attic, you might not notice a problem right away. However, these warning signs should raise suspicion:
- Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noises—especially at night
- Droppings or urine stains on insulation or beams
- Torn or flattened insulation
- Chewed wood, wiring, or stored items
- Nests made from paper, leaves, or insulation
- A sudden increase in pest activity around your roofline or eaves
Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger problems. Rodents and other wildlife can cause structural damage, chew through electrical wires (a potential fire hazard), and carry parasites such as fleas and mites.
How to Pest-Proof Your Attic
A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to protecting your home. Here are a few key steps to pest-proof your attic this winter:
- Inspect the Exterior Thoroughly
Walk around your home and look for small gaps, cracks, or holes near the roofline, vents, chimneys, and siding. Pay close attention to areas where utility lines or pipes enter the house. Seal any openings larger than ¼ inch with steel wool and caulk or weather-resistant materials.
- Check Vents and Chimneys
Install vent covers and chimney caps designed to keep wildlife out while allowing proper ventilation. Many pests enter through these overlooked entry points.
- Trim Overhanging Branches
Squirrels and raccoons often use trees as highways to your roof. Keeping branches trimmed back at least 8–10 feet from the house can limit access.
- Store Food and Trash Securely
Attic pests are often drawn in by smells from pet food, birdseed, or trash bins around your property. Use sealed containers and keep your exterior tidy to reduce attraction.
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Keep the Attic Clean and Organized
Reduce clutter and regularly inspect stored items for droppings or chewed material. Pests love undisturbed areas filled with cardboard, paper, or fabric—ideal nesting materials.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection
Even with prevention steps, small gaps or unseen vulnerabilities may remain. A licensed pest control expert can identify potential entry points, provide attic exclusion solutions, and ensure your home is fully sealed for the season.
What Happens If Pests Have Already Moved In?
If you suspect critters are already in your attic, don’t try to remove them yourself—especially bats, raccoons, or squirrels. These animals may carry diseases such as rabies and should only be handled by professionals.
At Cornerstone Pest Control, our team provides safe, humane removal followed by exclusion services to prevent re-entry. We also offer attic cleanup and insulation replacement for homes affected by rodent or wildlife infestations—helping restore a clean, healthy environment for your family.
Protect Your Home Before Winter Sets In
Your attic should be a storage space—not a winter lodge for pests. By sealing entry points, staying alert for warning signs, and scheduling a professional inspection, you can enjoy a pest-free home all season long.
Don’t wait until you hear scratching overhead—call Cornerstone Pest Control today to schedule your attic inspection and exclusion service. Protect your home before pests make themselves at home!