As Indiana shifts from summer heat to crisp autumn air, wildlife begins preparing for winter—and that often means seeking shelter in places they don’t belong. At J’s Wildlife Solutions LLC, we see a noticeable uptick in calls during early fall from homeowners discovering unexpected guests in attics, crawl spaces, garages, and even chimneys.

Understanding which animals are most likely to move in—and why—can help you protect your home before the invasion begins.

Why Fall Is Prime Time for Wildlife Intrusions

Cooler temperatures signal to animals that it’s time to find shelter. Many species begin nesting or caching food, and as natural resources dwindle, they’re drawn to human homes for warmth, safety, and easy access to food. Gaps in siding, roof vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces become prime entry points for opportunistic critters.

Raccoons: The Masked Bandits of Autumn

Raccoons are notorious for tearing through soffits, vents, and even shingles to get into attics. They’re looking for a warm, quiet place to nest—and if your trash cans or pet food are nearby, they’ll stick around. You might hear heavy thumping at night or notice a strong odor coming from above.

At J’s, we humanely remove raccoons, identify their entry points, and seal up access areas to prevent future break-ins. We also offer sanitation services to clean up any mess they leave behind.

Squirrels: Acrobatic Invaders

Squirrels are busy gathering food in early fall, and sometimes that includes stashing acorns in your insulation. They can chew through wood, wires, and even metal to get inside, creating fire hazards and costly damage. Scratching sounds in the attic or walls are a common sign of squirrel activity.

We safely relocate squirrels and reinforce vulnerable spots with chew-proof materials to keep them out for good.

Bats: Quiet, Uninvited Guests

Bats often sneak into attics and wall voids through tiny gaps, especially as temperatures drop. While they’re great for insect control, they’re not ideal roommates. Bat guano can pose health risks, and colonies grow quickly if left unchecked.

Our team performs bat-safe exclusions—no harm done—cleans up contamination, and installs bat-proof barriers to protect your home.

Snakes: Seeking Warmth, Not Trouble

Most snakes aren’t aggressive, but they do seek out warm, dark places like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. If you’ve got gaps near your foundation or under your porch, you might be offering them a cozy fall retreat. Shed skins or slithering sounds are common indicators.

We assess habitat attractants, remove any unwanted guests, and help you snake-proof your property with targeted exclusion strategies.

Rodents and Insects: The Small But Mighty Intruders

Fall is also prime time for mice, rats, spiders, and other insects to sneak indoors. While they’re less dramatic than a raccoon in your attic, they can still cause damage, spread disease, and create long-term infestations if not addressed early.

We offer comprehensive inspections and exclusion services to keep these smaller pests from becoming big problems.

Prevention Is Powerful

The best way to avoid a fall wildlife fiasco? A proactive home inspection. We’ll walk your property, spot the weak points, and fortify your home before the critters get cozy.