As the weather gets colder, animals begin to migrate into our homes in search of food and shelter from the harsh winter conditions. In South Carolina, there are a number of different animals that you should watch out for during the winter months, including squirrels, little brown bats, opossums, and raccoons. While you might not mind sharing your home with wildlife, many of these animals can cause serious damage to your home or carry diseases that could affect you and your pets. Here are the winter critters to watch for in South Carolina.

Squirrels –

The two main types of squirrels that try to come into your home during the winter are the flying squirrel and the gray squirrel. Both are usually tree dwellers but will be happy to take advantage of a space in your warm house. They are dangerous in the home because they can chew through wood and electrical wires, causing electrical fires and serious structural damage to your home. To watch for them, listen for noises in your walls or unused spaces like attics and crawlspaces that you can’t explain. Scratching noises and vocalizations are common.

Little brown bats –

Little brown bats, also known as Brazilian free-tailed bats, are one of the most common animals that you’ll find in your home during the winter. They come in to escape the chilly temperatures and search for food. These animals can carry rabies and other diseases, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home. Look for small bats flying around your house or coming out of crevices like vents or chimneys, especially at dusk when they are more active. Their guano (feces) can also cause serious illness for the people living in your home.

Opossums –

While opossums aren’t typically considered nuisance animals, they can cause a lot of damage to your home if they get inside. They have sharp teeth and claws that can do serious damage to your home’s insulation and wiring, which can cause expensive repairs. Watch for opossums by keeping an eye out for the animals themselves or their droppings around your home. Look for them in attics, crawlspaces, and basements.

Raccoons –

Raccoons are perhaps the most well-known animals that seek shelter in our homes during the winter months. They come into our houses to find food also to keep warm when the temperatures dip at night. Unfortunately, they can be dangerous to have around because they are highly adaptable and intelligent animals that can quickly learn how to open doors and windows if they need access to food inside your house. To watch for raccoons, look for signs of them like droppings, claw marks on your house, or ripped garbage bags. Be especially careful about keeping trash in tightly closed bins and don’t leave pet food outside to avoid attracting them to your house.

While it can be exciting to see animals up close, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from coming into your home during the winter. This can include sealing all cracks and crevices in your home, keeping food and trash securely contained indoors and installing exclusion barriers like chimney caps or pest-proof vent covers. By taking these measures, you can keep your family safe and protect your home from any damage caused by these winter critters.