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Winter Wildlife Intrusions: Why Mice, Rats & Squirrels Invade Homes Across CT & NY — And How to Protect Your Property Humanely

As temperatures drop in Fairfield County (CT) and Westchester & Putnam Counties (NY), wildlife begins looking for warmth, food, and protection from harsh winter conditions. Unfortunately, your home or business often becomes the perfect refuge.


During December through March, property owners see a major spike in calls related to:

  • Mouse and rat infestations

  • Flying squirrels nesting in attics

  • Grey squirrels chewing through siding or rooflines

  • Raccoons searching for warm den sites

Cold weather accelerates wildlife intrusion because animals must act quickly to survive. Once inside, they can cause structural damage, health risks, contamination, and ongoing noise disturbances.


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Common Winter Wildlife Invaders in CT & NY

1. Mice: The Most Frequent Winter Intruder

Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, making them one of the most common winter pests in our service areas. Inside a warm home, mice can:

  • Nest within walls, insulation, and basements

  • Contaminate surfaces with droppings

  • Chew wires, increasing the risk of electrical fires

  • Reproduce rapidly, creating large infestations quickly

Homes in Fairfield County and Westchester County with older construction or foundation gaps are especially vulnerable during colder months.


2. Rats: Persistent and Destructive Winter Guests

Rats typically enter homes to access food and warmth. Once inside, they are far more destructive than

mice.

Winter rat activity often includes:

  • Gnawing through wood and plastic

  • Damaging food storage areas

  • Nesting in garages, crawl spaces, and attics

  • Leaving greasy rub marks near entry points

Because rats are intelligent and cautious, humane trapping and removal require specialized expertise.


3. Flying Squirrels: The Silent Attic Colonizers

Flying squirrels are one of the most overlooked winter intruders — especially in wooded neighborhoods throughout Putnam County, NY, and rural areas of Fairfield County, CT.

What makes flying squirrels unique?

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  • They typically enter homes in groups, not alone

  • They nest quietly, making detection difficult

  • They prefer attics and upper wall cavities

  • They often reuse the same entry point year after year

Homeowners usually don’t realize they have flying squirrels until the population grows.


4. Grey Squirrels: Persistent Chewers Seeking Warmth

Grey squirrels often break into homes during winter to establish a nesting spot safe from predators and the elements.

Inside a home, they may:

  • Chew electrical wiring

  • Tear insulation

  • Damage roofing materials

  • Create noisy daytime activity in attics

Because squirrels are strong chewers, prevention is just as important as removal.

Why Wildlife Targets Homes During Winter

Wildlife intrusion peaks in winter for several reasons:


1. Limited Natural Food Sources

When snow covers the ground, animals struggle to find natural foods like nuts, berries, and seeds.


2. Freezing Temperatures

Attics, crawl spaces, and garages offer stable warmth.


3. Existing Entry Points Become More Attractive

Roof vents, loose shingles, gaps in siding, and foundation cracks provide convenient access.


4. Survival Instincts Intensify

Animals do not invade out of malice — they invade to survive.At Wings & Tails Wildlife, we respect these instincts and remove animals humanely.

Signs You May Have a Winter Wildlife Issue

If you notice any of the following signs, wildlife may already be inside:

Auditory Signs

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  • Scratching, running, or gnawing sounds inside walls or ceilings

  • Noises at night (mice, rats, flying squirrels)

  • Daytime noises (grey squirrels)

Visual Evidence

  • Droppings in attics, basements, or pantries

  • Damaged insulation

  • Chew marks on wires, wood, or storage boxes

  • Nesting materials such as shredded paper or fabric

Structural Clues

  • Entry holes near rooflines

  • Chewed edges around attic vents

  • Gaps around utility lines

Early detection makes humane removal easier and prevents further damage.

Our Humane Winter Wildlife Removal Process

At Wings & Tails Wildlife, we never harm animals. Our approach focuses on ethical trapping, safe relocation, and long-term prevention — aligning with our mission to protect homes while respecting wildlife.


1. Detailed Inspection

We examine the home’s interior and exterior to identify:

  • Which species are present

  • All active and potential entry points

  • Nesting locations

  • Safety risks (wires, contamination, structural damage)


2. Humane Trapping & Removal

We use species-appropriate, humane trapping methods that cause no injury or distress to the animal.


3. Legal & Ethical Relocation

All wildlife is relocated in accordance with CT and NY regulations.Our goal: ensure the animal’s safety while restoring peace to your home.


4. Exclusion & Prevention

Once removed, we seal the home to prevent re-entry. This may include:

  • Reinforcing eaves

  • Sealing foundation gaps

  • Securing attic vents

  • Adding screening or hardware cloth

Winter intrusion is often a symptom — prevention is the long-term solution.

Winter Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Protecting your home before wildlife enters is essential. Here are expert tips to keep animals out:


1. Seal Small Cracks and Openings

Even a tiny gap can let in mice. Inspect around:

  • Foundation

  • Siding

  • Utility hookups

  • Roofline joints


2. Secure Attic Vents and Chimneys

Animals frequently use these spots as entry points.


3. Keep Food Sources Tight and Sealed

Store birdseed, pet food, and pantry items in airtight containers.


4. Maintain a Clean Outdoor Area

Remove debris piles, clutter, and firewood stacked against the home.


5. Schedule a Winter Wildlife Inspection

Professionals can detect vulnerabilities you may not notice.

Why Choose Wings & Tails Wildlife This Winter?

Homeowners and businesses across Fairfield County (CT) and Westchester & Putnam Counties (NY) rely on Wings & Tails Wildlife because:

  • We offer humane, ethical wildlife control

  • We specialize in mice, rats, squirrels, and flying squirrels

  • We respond quickly — especially during peak winter months

  • We protect both your property and the wildlife involved

  • We serve residential and commercial properties with equal care

  • We provide long-term prevention, not just removal

Our mission is simple: Protect homes. Respect wildlife. Restore peace.

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Need Winter Wildlife Help? Contact Us Today


If scratching sounds, droppings, or sudden winter activity have you concerned, don’t wait until the problem grows. Winter infestations escalate quickly, especially with rodents and squirrels.


Serving:

Fairfield County, Connecticut

Westchester County, New York

Putnam County, New York


Call: 845-803-4333


Humane. Professional. Winter-ready.

Wings & Tails Wildlife is here to protect your home — and the wildlife around it.

 
 
 

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