Fall Wildlife Migration: Are Animals Moving Into Your Home?
Fall brings a perfect storm of conditions that drive wildlife into homes across Southeast Michigan. As temperatures dip and nights grow longer, animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and mice, begin preparing for winter by seeking out warm, insulated spaces. SE Michigan’s climate plays a major role—rapid temperature swings, early frosts, and wet fall storms push wildlife to look for dry, protected shelter sooner than in other regions.
The region’s diverse landscape also contributes. Southeast Michigan blends wooded neighborhoods, aging housing stock, and expanding urban areas, creating easy access points for wildlife. Older homes often have gaps in rooflines, deteriorating soffits, loose siding, and unsealed attic vents—perfect entry points for nesting animals. Meanwhile, suburban developments near parks, lakes, and wooded corridors offer abundant wildlife populations with shrinking natural shelter.
Food availability is another trigger. As acorns, berries, and insects become scarce in late fall, wildlife becomes more aggressive in seeking reliable food sources, often drawn toward garages, trash bins, pet food, or compost near homes. Combined with the instinct to find a secure overwintering site, these factors make attics, basements, chimneys, and crawlspaces some of the most appealing habitats for migrating wildlife in Southeast Michigan.
Common Signs Wildlife Has Moved In
- Scratching, thumping, or scurrying in walls or ceilings
- Droppings or strong odors from attics or basements
- Chewed wiring, insulation damage, or shredded materials
- Fresh entry holes near rooflines, vents, chimneys, or soffits
- Pets reacting to noises or unusual scents indoors
Protect Your Home Before Winter
Professional wildlife trapping and exclusion services can:
- Locate and identify active intrusion points
- Safely and humanely remove animals
- Seal and reinforce vulnerable areas
- Clean, sanitize, and deodorize contaminated spaces
Sanitation & Waste Removal After an Infestation
Infestations can leave behind hazardous waste, odors, and damage to insulation. We offer cleanup and restoration services to make your home safe again, including:
- Removal of contaminated attic insulation
- Safe disposal of droppings, nesting materials, and waste
- Disinfection and deodorization of affected areas
- Repair or replacement of damaged insulation
Getting ahead of wildlife migration now helps prevent long-term damage and repeated infestations through the winter months.
Schedule an Inspection Today
If you suspect animals are moving into your Southeast Michigan home, book a professional inspection today. Our licensed wildlife experts provide fast, effective trapping and long-term exclusion to keep your home protected all season long. Contact us today.