How Seasonal Changes Affect Wildlife Activity Around Your Home Aug 15, 2025

As the seasons change, so does the behavior of wildlife around your home. Understanding these changes is crucial for managing potential wildlife issues and maintaining a peaceful environment. At Toppers Wildlife Removal, we specialize in wildlife and animal control services, and we know that the more you know about wildlife activity, the better prepared you'll be to handle any unwelcome encounters.

Seasonal changes can significantly impact wildlife behaviors, mainly due to fluctuations in temperature, food availability, and daylight hours. During the spring and summer, many animals become more active. You might notice increased sightings and movements as animals search for food, breed, and raise their young. The warmer, longer days provide an ideal environment for growth and reproduction. While this can be a time of increased wildlife activity, it’s also when homeowners are most likely to notice these creatures moving closer to their homes.

Spring is when animals emerge from their winter resting periods or migrations. Birds return north, and mammals such as bears and skunks become more active after hibernation. With this emergent energy, wildlife tends to explore and potentially intrude into residential areas in search of food and shelter. For property owners, this is an ideal time to ensure that homes and outbuildings are secure from animal intrusions. It’s also a good idea to check for nests in chimneys, attics, and eaves, which are common nesting sites for numerous bird species.

The summer months bring a continuation of this activity as young animals mature and learn to fend for themselves. You might see an increase in smaller animal populations, such as rodents, which could lead to more predators in the area. These predators, including snakes and birds of prey, may be more visible as they hunt. It’s important for homeowners to manage food sources, such as garbage and pet food, to prevent attracting both prey and predators. Routine garden and yard maintenance can also help discourage animals from making your property their home.

As summer fades into fall, wildlife activity begins to shift again. Animals start preparing for winter by storing food and finding secure shelter. This can mean more critters, such as squirrels and raccoons, attempting to enter your attic or basement as they search for a warm place to ride out colder months. Fall is a critical time to inspect your home for any entry points and secure them to prevent these animals from gaining access. It’s also important to clear fallen leaves and other debris which can provide cover for rodents and insects.

Winter brings its own set of challenges as cold weather drives many animals to become less active, while some, like deer and foxes, might be more visible as they search for scarce food. During this time, keeping your property's exterior neat and food sources managed is key to minimizing wildlife issues. Snow cover often reduces the availability of natural food, which may attract animals to your yard.

In conclusion, each season brings unique wildlife challenges. By being aware of these seasonal behaviors, you can better prepare and protect your home. The Wildlife & Animal Control specialists at Toppers Wildlife Removal are here to help you address any concerns and provide effective solutions. Understanding and respecting wildlife is essential to ensuring harmony between humans and nature.