As the capital city of Massachusetts, Boston is a large city with a sprawl that stretches into the surrounding areas. The city lies on the Atlantic coast with two major rivers flowing out into the well-trafficked harbor.
Boston has grown to overtake a land that was originally a hilly peninsula with marshy swamps connecting it to the mainland. Although development of the city has led to the destruction of natural habitat, many critters continue to call Boston home. As they seek out food and shelter, it is not uncommon for a wild animal to make its way into your home.
A few of the most common offenders of invading your home include bats, skunks, raccoons, rodents, opossums, and birds. Unfortunately, any of these creatures can lead to significant property damage in the form of damaged wiring, soiled insulation, and cracked drywall. In addition to the potential for damage, these critters also bring a health threat to your home. With many of these animals capable of carrying dangerous diseases, it is critical to remove the threat as soon as possible.
The cold winters and warm summers lead to many homeowners finding unwelcome house guests invading their home in the spring, summer, and fall months. But it’s not impossible for a cold creature to make their way into your warm home during the winter.
Winter (December-February)
As temperatures drop, rodents seek warmth and shelter indoors, invading homes, basements, and attics. They chew wires, contaminate food, and spread disease.
These animals look for warm dens and often break into attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces.
Skunks dig under decks and porches to find shelter, sometimes spraying pets or people if threatened.
Some bat species may hibernate in attics or walls, posing health risks due to guano accumulation.
Spring (March-May)
his is their birthing season, and mothers look for safe nesting spots in attics, chimneys, and soffits.
Birds begin nesting in vents, chimneys, and eaves, potentially causing blockages and sanitation issues.
As temperatures warm up, bats emerge from hibernation and begin looking for summer roosts in homes.
Emerging from hibernation, they dig burrows in yards and under structures, causing damage to foundations and gardens.
Summer (June--August)
Maternity colonies form in attics, and nighttime bat activity increases, leading to infestations.
Increased sightings due to foraging activity, with skunks being particularly active at night and raccoons raiding trash bins.
Young squirrels from earlier litters start becoming more active, sometimes falling into chimneys or walls.
Although less common, snakes may seek shelter in basements and garages.
Fall (September-November)
As temperatures cool, rodents begin moving indoors in search of warmth and food.
Fall is another nesting period for squirrels, leading them to invade attics again.
Bats seek out hibernation spots, often in attics or behind walls.
They become more active, eating heavily before winter, sometimes damaging lawns and gardens in the process.
Pest Prevention Tips from Trutech
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect and repair holes, cracks, and gaps in your home’s exterior, especially around the roofline, vents, and foundation.
- Secure Trash & Food Sources: Use animal-proof trash bins and avoid leaving pet food outside.
- Trim Trees & Vegetation: Keep branches at least 6–8 feet away from your home to prevent wildlife from gaining access to the roof.
- Install Chimney Caps & Vent Covers: Prevent birds, squirrels, and raccoons from nesting in these areas.
Check for rodent entry points and install door sweeps; keep firewood stored away from the house.
Inspect your attic and eaves for signs of nesting animals; address potential entry points before birthing season.
Ensure outdoor food sources like bird feeders and pet food are not attracting raccoons and skunks.
Clean gutters and remove leaf piles where rodents and insects can hide; prepare for increased rodent activity indoors.
