Saying Goodbye to Summer (and Pesky Critters) in the Lakes Region and Seacoast
Ah, New England summers — those golden weeks we look forward to all year. Whether it’s long days on Lake Winnipesaukee, quiet evenings by the fire in Wolfeboro, or breezy mornings along the Maine Seacoast, summer at the camp is pure magic. But as the air cools and the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to face another seasonal ritual: closing up your summer home or camp for winter — and protecting it from wildlife.
Why Wildlife Targets Seasonal Homes
For homeowners in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, Seacoast, and Southern Maine, seasonal properties are especially vulnerable once temperatures drop. When camps sit empty for months, they become prime real estate for curious critters looking for shelter.
Common fall intruders include:
- Mice nesting in wall insulation or stored linens
- Squirrels gnawing through soffits, roof vents, and electrical wiring
- Bats roosting in attics or chimneys
- Raccoons and skunks hiding under decks or crawl spaces
- Chipmunks burrowing near foundations
When left unchecked, these animals don’t just make themselves at home—they cause serious structural and health hazards that may not be discovered until spring.
The Hidden Damage Wildlife Can Cause Over Winter
Most seasonal homeowners don’t realize how quickly wildlife damage can escalate. Even a small family of mice or squirrels can create thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Chewed wiring – A leading cause of electrical fires in seasonal homes
- Contaminated insulation – Rodent droppings and urine can make attics unsafe and require full replacement
- Structural damage – Gnawed beams, torn screens, and chewed baseboards are common
- Destroyed stored items – Cushions, towels, and bedding become nesting material
- Odor and biohazard issues – Droppings and carcasses can leave lingering smells and unsafe air quality
By spring, the cleanup can be overwhelming — and entirely preventable.
Your Fall Wildlife Prevention Checklist
(Refer to the Homeowner’s Closing-Up Checklist for the full guide.)
Before you lock the doors and head home for the season, take these steps to protect your property from wildlife and pests:
Inspect and Seal Entry Points
- Walk the exterior of your camp and check for gaps around soffits, vents, chimneys, and foundation lines.
- Seal cracks and holes with steel wool, hardware cloth, or professional-grade sealant.
- Install chimney caps and vent covers to block access.
Remove Attractants
- Seal all food sources, including pet food, bird seed, and pantry items.
- Empty trash bins completely and clean the area.
- Remove or secure outdoor feeders, grills, and compost bins.
Protect the Interior
- Store bedding, towels, and cushions in rodent-proof containers.
- Unplug appliances and inspect cords for chewing damage.
- Keep cabinet doors slightly open to reduce nesting appeal.
Check Attics, Basements, and Crawl Spaces
- Look for droppings, shredded insulation, or chew marks.
- Close access panels tightly.
- If you hear scratching or squeaking, call a professional before sealing any openings.
Secure the Exterior
- Trim tree branches that touch or hang over your roof.
- Repair loose siding, shingles, or eaves.
- Make sure vent and window screens are intact.
Why Prevention Is Worth It
It might feel tempting to “just deal with it in spring,” but the months your property sits empty are when most wildlife damage occurs. Prevention now means:
- No costly spring cleanups or rewiring
- No ruined furniture or insulation replacement
- No wildlife odors greeting you at opening weekend
A few hours of fall preparation can save thousands in repairs — and your peace of mind.
Trust the Local Experts in Wildlife Prevention
At Advanced Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane wildlife removal, prevention, and exclusion throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the Seacoast, and Southern Maine. We understand the unique challenges of closing up seasonal homes — and we know how to keep wildlife out for good.
Our services include:
- Free, detailed home inspections
- Humane animal removal and bat exclusion
- Rodent-proofing and wildlife prevention sealing
- Attic cleanup and insulation replacement
- Structural and wildlife damage repairs
- Seasonal maintenance plans for summer homes and camps
Protect Your Camp Before the Snow Falls
Don’t wait until spring to discover damage that started in October. Before you close up camp this fall, use our Homeowner’s Wildlife Prevention Checklist and call Advanced Wildlife Control for a free inspection and customized prevention plan.
We help homeowners across the NH Lakes Region, NH Seacoast, and Southern Maine keep their seasonal properties safe, secure, and ready for next summer — wildlife-free and worry-free.
Give Advanced Wildlife Control a call today for a free inspection! Let’s discuss how we can help you say goodbye to summer pests for good. We’re your local experts right here in the Lakes Region, and we’re ready to help you enjoy a pest-free off-season and a welcoming return next year.