Fall Checklist: Keep Wildlife Out of Your Home This Winter

Fall Checklist: Keep Raccoons, Squirrels and Mice Out This Winter

Posted September 25, 2026

Quick answer: In fall, animals look for warm winter shelter, and homes are an easy target. Check your roof vents, soffits, chimney and foundation for gaps, trim trees away from the roof, secure garbage, and seal openings before it gets cold, making sure no animals are already inside first.

As the weather cools in Ontario, raccoons, squirrels and mice start looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter. A few checks now can save you from noises in the ceiling and costly repairs later.

Outside Your Home

Roof vents: look for bent, chewed or missing covers.
Soffits and roof corners: check for gaps, holes or sagging sections. Corners are a favourite squirrel entry.
Chimney: install a proper chimney cap if you don’t have one.
Dryer, bathroom and kitchen vents: make sure they have covers that close.
Foundation: look for cracks and gaps around pipes, wires and the air-conditioning line. Mice can get through a gap the size of a dime.
Garage door: check that the bottom seal is tight.
Under decks and sheds: close any open spaces.

Around Your Yard

Trim tree branches at least 2 metres back from the roof
Keep garbage and green bins in the garage or a locked shed
Bring pet food inside
Move firewood away from the house
Clean up fallen fruit and bird seed

Before You Seal Anything

Make sure no animals are already inside. Sealing a hole with a raccoon or squirrel in the attic, or mice in the walls, traps them. They’ll do more damage trying to escape. If you hear noises, have the home inspected first.

Signs an Animal Has Already Moved In

Scratching or thumping in the attic or walls
Droppings in the attic, basement or cupboards
Chewed food packaging
New holes or damage on the roofline

If you see these signs, see our raccoon removal, squirrel removal and mice removal services. We can also seal your home ahead of winter with animal exclusion & damage repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I wildlife-proof my home?

Late summer and early fall are ideal, before animals settle in for winter. Spring is the other key time, before babies are born.

Can I seal the gaps myself?

Small gaps for mice need durable sealing after you confirm no animals are inside. Roof and attic openings are best handled by a professional, especially if animals may be inside.