When summer hits Southern Wisconsin, it brings more than just backyard BBQs and trips to the lake. Prolonged periods of heat and humidity—commonly known as heatwaves—don’t only impact people; they also have a major effect on our local wildlife. From raccoons and squirrels to bats and birds, animals must find ways to adapt to the intense heat. Sometimes, their coping mechanisms lead them straight into our homes.
At Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin, we understand how high temperatures change animal behavior and why that can create problems for homeowners. Here’s a closer look at how wildlife copes with extreme summer heat—and what you can do to protect your property.
How Wild Animals Cope with Heat
Wisconsin wildlife has evolved various strategies for dealing with temperature changes, but heatwaves can push animals beyond their limits. When natural solutions fall short, animals start seeking help wherever they can find it—including in and around human spaces.
Seeking Shelter Indoors
During the hottest days, animals search for cooler, shaded areas. Attics, garages, sheds, and crawlspaces can offer a more comfortable environment than the outdoors. Your home might seem like the perfect place for them to escape the heat, especially if there's easy access.
Unfortunately, these intrusions can result in property damage, insulation contamination, and unpleasant odors from droppings or nesting materials.
Becoming More Nocturnal
To avoid the daytime heat, many mammals become more active at night. This behavioral shift can lead to increased nighttime noise or wildlife sightings around your home as animals forage for food and water under cover of darkness.
Searching for Water
Water becomes a top priority during a heatwave. Animals may be drawn to birdbaths, pet water bowls, koi ponds, or even air conditioning condensation lines. Pools and garden fountains are also common gathering spots for overheated critters.
Displaying Signs of Heat Stress
Just like humans, animals can experience heat stress. You might notice birds panting or appearing lethargic, squirrels stretched out on shady surfaces, or bats flying during the day—something that usually signals distress.
What You Can Do to Help
If animals are coming closer to your home during a heatwave, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it’s a natural survival response. But there are a few ways you can reduce the chances of wildlife moving in:
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Seal up access points to attics, crawlspaces, chimneys, and vents
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Keep pet food and water indoors
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Fix outdoor water leaks and remove standing water
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Trim trees and shrubs away from your home to eliminate easy roof access
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Clean up fallen fruit and secure garbage cans tightly
And most importantly, if you do find signs of wildlife in your home, avoid trying to handle the situation on your own.
How Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin Can Help
When wildlife seeks relief from the heat, your home can become an unintended target. At Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin, we provide humane and professional wildlife removal services that help animals without putting your home at risk.
Our services include:
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Full property inspections
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Safe animal removal
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Sealing and repairing entry points
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Ongoing prevention and exclusion work
We understand how Wisconsin’s extreme seasonal changes affect animal behavior, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of the problem.
If you’ve heard noises in your attic, noticed droppings, or spotted animals around your home during the heat, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin to schedule a consultation and protect your property today.