Why Animals Move Into Your Attic During December – Forest City Wildlife Control

When December arrives in Southwestern Ontario, wildlife begins looking for the same thing you do — a warm place to escape the cold. As temperatures drop and snow builds up, it’s extremely common for homeowners to discover unwanted guests settling into their attics for the winter.

Scratching sounds overhead, rustling after dark, or insulation pushed out of place are all signs that animals may have turned your attic into their seasonal shelter.

At Forest City Wildlife Control, we consistently see a rise in calls this time of year. Most wildlife are simply trying to survive. Your attic offers everything they need: warmth, protection from the elements, and a safe place to hide.

Below, we break down why animals enter homes in the winter, what attracts them, and how proper prevention can keep your attic wildlife-free all season.

Why Animals Look for Indoor Shelter

Warmth in the Coldest Months

Once winter hits, animals need a reliable heat source to stay alive.

Rising Warm Air: Heat from your living space naturally moves upward, creating a warm environment in the attic that’s far more comfortable than the outdoors.
Protection From Severe Weather: Attics provide relief from snowstorms, freezing rain, and biting wind — conditions that make outdoor nesting sites dangerous.
Energy Conservation: Staying indoors helps animals conserve calories, which is crucial when food is scarce.

For many species, an attic becomes their version of a winter survival bunker.

Safety From Predators

Winter brings more than just cold temperatures — it increases predation.

Avoiding Hunters: Owls, hawks, foxes, and coyotes are all more active and hungry during cold months.
Low Disturbance: Attics are quiet, dark, and rarely visited by people.
Built-In Nesting Spots: Insulation, stored belongings, and wooden rafters create ideal nesting material.

Once wildlife finds a safe indoor hideout, they often stay until spring.

Food Shortages Drive Animals Indoors

Natural food sources disappear quickly in December. Snow covers nuts, seeds, and vegetation, making your home more appealing.

Animals are often attracted by:

Birdseed, pet food, or stored bags of feed
Easily accessible garbage or compost
Outdoor food scraps or unsealed containers

When food is hard to find outside, animals follow the scent — and that trail often leads straight to your roofline.

Why Your Attic Is the Perfect Winter Den

Different species have their own ways of breaking in:

Raccoons: Strong enough to pull apart shingles or push into roof vents.
Squirrels: Quick, agile climbers that fit through small gaps near soffits and eaves.
Mice & Rats: Can enter through holes smaller than a dime.
Bats: Slip into tiny gaps around vents, chimneys, or rooflines.

Your attic offers warmth, darkness, and protection — everything these animals need to ride out the season.

Common Signs of Wildlife in Your Attic

Watch for:

Scratching, thumping, or squeaking sounds
Damaged soffits, vents, or insulation
Droppings or strong odours
Chewed wires, pipes, or stored items
Grease marks or dark stains at entry points

Even minor signs can mean animals have been inside for a while. Winter wildlife can cause serious damage if not dealt with quickly.

Winter Nesting & Breeding

Some species enter attics to prepare for the next generation:

Raccoons & Squirrels: Females often find shelter before giving birth in late winter/early spring.
Rodents: Breed year-round and multiply quickly once indoors.
Bats: Use attics to roost as they wait for warmer weather.

Stopping animals in December prevents full nests — and more damage — in the months that follow.

How Animals Get In

Common entry points include:

Roof vents and fan openings
Loose shingles or damaged roof edges
Gaps around plumbing or wiring
Uncapped chimneys
Rotted fascia, soffits, or siding

Most intruders don’t need more than a small crack to get started.

Why December Is Peak Season

December is when temperatures drop fastest and outdoor resources run out. That’s why wildlife calls spike for:

Raccoons making dens
Squirrels chewing their way indoors
Mice and rats nesting in insulation
Bats roosting in warm cavities

Once inside, most animals won’t leave until spring unless professionally removed.

How Forest City Wildlife Control Helps

At Forest City Wildlife Control, we use humane, effective methods tailored to each species.

Our process includes:

Thorough inspection of your entire home
One-way doors that let animals exit safely but prevent them from returning
Full sealing of entry points to stop future intrusions
Cleaning and restoration of contaminated or damaged areas

We strongly advise against DIY removal. Wildlife can carry diseases, become aggressive, or cause injury if handled improperly.

Winter Prevention Tips

Protect your home with a few simple steps:

Trim tree branches away from your roof
Repair damaged vents or openings quickly
Keep garbage bins secured
Store birdseed and pet food indoors
Inspect your attic and roofline before winter sets in

Early prevention saves money and protects your home from unnecessary damage.

Keep Your Home Warm — And Wildlife-Free

If you’re hearing strange noises or noticing signs of activity, don’t wait until spring. Wildlife in your attic can cause serious problems throughout the winter.

Forest City Wildlife Control provides humane removal, expert prevention, and long-term protection for homes across the region. We ensure animals leave safely — and stay out for good.

Animals in attic