What Wildlife Stays Active During Winter in Lansing, MI?

Several nuisance wildlife species remain active throughout winter in Lansing, MI, creating ongoing property concerns for homeowners even during the coldest months of the year.

Many Michigan residents assume wildlife activity stops during winter, but numerous species continue causing problems. Understanding which animals stay active helps you prepare your property appropriately.

Raccoons represent one of the most common winter wildlife concerns in the greater Lansing area. These adaptable mammals do not hibernate and continue seeking food throughout cold weather, often investigating trash cans, pet food dishes, and bird feeders near homes. Squirrels, both gray and red varieties, remain extremely active during winter as they retrieve food caches and seek warm shelter in attics and wall voids.

Mice and rats become particularly troublesome during winter months as they squeeze through tiny openings to access heated interior spaces. Opossums, while they may reduce activity during extreme cold, still venture out regularly during milder winter days. Professional animal removal in Lansing addresses all these winter-active species effectively.

The diverse housing stock and neighborhood characteristics throughout Lansing directly influence where wildlife concentrates during winter months.

Older neighborhoods near downtown and established areas like the Eastside feature homes with mature landscaping, large trees, and aging structures that provide abundant shelter opportunities for wildlife. These properties often have gaps in foundations, deteriorating soffit boards, and uncapped chimneys that allow animals easy entry. Raccoons and squirrels particularly favor these older homes because of the numerous accessible entry points.

Newer subdivisions on Lansing's outskirts present different challenges as development encroaches on former wildlife habitat. Animals displaced by construction often relocate to nearby residential areas, creating sudden wildlife conflicts where none existed before. Properties bordering wooded areas, parks, or the Red Cedar River corridor experience especially high winter wildlife pressure as animals seek food and shelter close to human habitation.

Rental properties and vacant homes throughout Lansing can become wildlife magnets during winter when regular maintenance lapses. Overgrown vegetation, accumulated debris, and unsecured garbage attract foraging animals that may then establish residence in or under these structures.

Recognizing early warning signs of winter wildlife activity allows you to address problems before they escalate into costly situations.

Nighttime scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds coming from attics, walls, or beneath floors often indicate animals have taken up residence inside your home. These sounds typically increase during early morning and evening hours when many nuisance species become most active. Droppings found in attics, garages, or along foundation edges provide definitive evidence of animal presence and help identify the specific species involved.

Outside your home, look for tracks in snow leading to and from your foundation, deck, or outbuildings. Gnaw marks on wood trim, soffit boards, or fascia indicate squirrels or rodents attempting to enlarge entry points. Torn or disturbed insulation visible through vents suggests animals have already established nesting areas within your home. If you notice these warning signs, wildlife prevention services in Ingham County can help secure your property before further damage occurs.

Taking preventive action during winter months significantly reduces your risk of experiencing serious wildlife problems.

Begin by conducting a thorough exterior inspection of your home, focusing on areas where different building materials meet and where utilities enter the structure. Seal gaps around pipes, wires, and cables using hardware cloth or metal flashing that animals cannot chew through. Check all attic vents, soffit intersections, and roof joints for openings larger than a quarter inch, which mice can easily enter.

Manage food sources that attract wildlife to your property during winter. Store bird seed in sealed metal containers, bring pet food dishes inside overnight, and ensure garbage cans have secure lids. Remove fallen fruit from around trees and clean up spilled seed beneath bird feeders regularly. These simple steps eliminate the food rewards that draw animals to residential areas during lean winter months.

Trim tree branches that overhang your roof or come within six feet of your home's exterior. Squirrels and raccoons use these branches as highways to access roof areas where they can find or create entry points. Stack firewood away from your home's foundation to eliminate convenient hiding spots for mice and other small animals.

Connect with Trapper Man's Trapping & Nuisance Control for comprehensive winter wildlife solutions throughout the Lansing area. Call 517-285-4596 to discuss your specific concerns with experienced wildlife professionals.