It’s no coincidence that heavy rainfall and stormy weather are followed by an increase in phone calls for wildlife removal. Homeowners hearing noises from their attic or below their floorboards while the rain accumulates outside. So how does rain affect critter activity?
Most living things are naturally going to avoid getting caught in the rain. Many critters including mice, rats, skunks, opossums and raccoons can build their dens/nests in areas close to the ground. When there’s significant rain many of these dens/nests are flooded or destroyed by the water. This event motivates critters to seek new shelter that’s warm & dry. Attics and crawlspaces become attractive options.
Critters do not need much space to access a home. A general rule of thumb is- “if the head can fit the rest of the body can too”. Spaces around vent covers, construction gaps, trim gaps, chimney flues are utilized as front doors for critters seeking relief from the rain.
All living things require adequate shelter to survive. When rain falls and floods out dens built on low ground critters will be on the move. Gaps on the exterior of homes are warm invitations for critters seeking dry shelter. Critters can be excluded from entering homes by proactively sealing those gaps. For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors!