Squirrels, raccoons, and skunks may seem harmless and even cute, but if left to their own devices, they can seriously damage your property and spread disease. During the winter, wildlife are more likely to venture onto your property while seeking shelter. American Bio-Tech, an animal control agency serving New Haven and Litchfield counties in Connecticut, says there are easy ways to keep these critters from invading your space.

Protect your home from possible winter wildlife damage by following these tips:

• Get Rid of Food Sources: Leftover food and garbage can attract wild animals, which is why it's important to dispose of your trash properly. Always keep your garbage in tightly sealed trash bags and cover with a sturdy lid. Without sufficient food source, there will be fewer reasons for them to stick around.
• Prevent Access to Your Home: Check for areas in your home that need repair. Damaged gutters, loose flashing, and rotten wooden siding provide easy entry points for raccoons, squirrels, opossums, bats, and rodents. Repair damaged shingles, vents, and gutters, and cover chimney tops to keep wildlife from entering the attic.
• Build a Fence: The space underneath your deck can serve as a comfortable den for rabbits and other burrowing animals. To keep your deck off-limits, construct a wire mesh fence around crawlspaces and make sure the fence is deep enough to deter digging. If you have a garden, you may want to take similar precautions around the perimeter.
• Call a Professional: Wild animals can weaken the structural integrity of your home, make your property unhygienic, and cause fire hazards by damaging your insulation. If you suspect critters have made their way into your house, hire a professional animal control company to get rid of them as soon as possible.

To prevent common winter wildlife problems, turn to the animal control experts of Connecticut. Family-owned and -operated, American Bio-Tech specializes in humane animal control and exclusion techniques. Their trained specialists will trap unwanted creatures and safely remove them from your residence. Call (860) 355-1231 or visit their website today to find out how they can help you. You can also follow their Facebook page for more tips on avoiding wildlife control problems in the future.