As the weather warms up and nature begins to bloom, Traverse City residents may notice an increase in animal activity around their homes and properties. Spring is a time of renewal, but it also brings new challenges when it comes to wildlife management. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or someone just trying to keep your home safe, understanding what wildlife is active during this season can help you address potential concerns early on.
At Critter Control of Traverse City, we specialize in humane wildlife control and prevention, ensuring that both homeowners and animals can coexist peacefully. Here’s what you need to know about the springtime animal activity you might encounter and how to prevent it from becoming a nuisance.
Squirrels Seeking Shelter
Spring signals the beginning of the breeding season for many animals, and squirrels are no exception. Female squirrels typically give birth to litters in late winter or early spring. As they seek safe, warm places to nest, they might end up in attics, crawlspaces, or other sheltered areas of your home. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can squeeze into surprisingly small gaps, so it’s important to inspect your property for entry points.
What to watch for:
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic.
- Visible holes or gaps around the roofline, vents, or chimney.
- Chew marks on wires, insulation, or wood.
Prevention Tip: Ensure your home is properly sealed by covering gaps, repairing screens, and securing chimneys. If you notice signs of squirrels inside your home, it’s crucial to call a professional wildlife control service to safely remove them.
Raccoons Looking for Food and Shelter
Raccoons are notorious for being opportunistic feeders, and spring is a time when they’re actively searching for food to nourish themselves and their young. These intelligent animals are drawn to easy sources of food, such as garbage cans, bird feeders, or pet food left outside. They may also be looking for a place to den.
What to watch for:
- Raccoon tracks or droppings near your home.
- Raccoon sightings at night, especially in urban or suburban areas.
- Damage to roofs or attics where they might be entering.
Prevention Tip: Keep your trash securely sealed and avoid leaving food outside. Install raccoon-proof barriers around entry points to your home and attic. If you spot a raccoon or suspect one has taken residence, don’t attempt to remove it yourself – raccoons are unpredictable, and their removal requires expertise.
Bats Returning to Their Roosts
Bats tend to hibernate during the colder months but begin emerging in the spring. While bats are beneficial to the ecosystem by controlling insect populations, they can become a problem when they choose to roost in your home. Often, bats seek shelter in attics or other quiet, dark areas, where they can easily slip through small cracks.
What to watch for:
- Bats flying around your property at dusk or dawn.
- Noises coming from the attic or ceiling during the evening.
- Droppings or stains on walls and floors beneath entry points.
Prevention Tip: Inspect your home for any small openings, such as gaps around windows, doors, and vents, and seal them to prevent bats from entering. If bats are already inside, call a professional wildlife control company to safely remove them.
Mice and Rats Becoming More Active
Mice and rats are year-round pests, but in spring, they may become more noticeable as they venture out in search of food and nesting spots. Mice, in particular, are drawn to warmer environments during the colder months and may start to infest homes if not properly managed.
What to watch for:
- Droppings or gnaw marks in cupboards, pantries, or around food storage areas.
- Scratching noises at night, especially in walls or ceilings.
- Visible holes or gaps near entry points.
Prevention Tip: Make sure to seal any small cracks around doors, windows, and pipes, and store food in airtight containers. A clean, tidy home can also reduce the chances of attracting rodents.
Deer Becoming More Active Near Residential Areas
Deer are common in the Traverse City area, and while they may seem harmless, they can pose a risk to gardens, landscaping, and even vehicles. As the snow melts and vegetation begins to grow, deer often venture into residential neighborhoods in search of food.
What to watch for:
- Deer sightings, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Damage to garden plants, flowers, and shrubs.
- Deer tracks or droppings near your yard or garden.
Prevention Tip: Protect your garden with fencing, and be cautious when driving in areas where deer are known to cross. If deer are causing significant damage, consult with wildlife experts to explore safe deterrent methods.
Birds Building Nests Around Your Home
As the temperatures rise, birds begin their nesting season, and they may choose to build nests in or around your home. Common nesting locations include eaves, gutters, chimneys, and vents. While it’s important to support local bird populations, nests in unwanted areas can cause blockages or damage.
What to watch for:
- Birds constantly flying around your home or roofline.
- Nesting materials, such as twigs, grass, and feathers, near your home.
- Sounds of chirping or fluttering from hidden areas.
Prevention Tip: Install bird deterrents, like spikes or netting, to prevent birds from nesting in problem areas. Always check the timing of any nest removal, as it’s illegal to disturb nests when eggs or chicks are present.
Spring in Traverse City brings an exciting time of renewal, but it also comes with an uptick in wildlife activity. While most animals are simply trying to find food or shelter, they can sometimes cause damage to homes or create safety concerns. At Critter Control of Traverse City, we are committed to providing humane and effective wildlife control solutions that help keep your home safe from unwanted guests.
If you're noticing increased animal activity around your home this spring, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is trained to handle wildlife issues with care, and we’ll work with you to keep both your home and the animals safe.