Top 5 Wildlife and Pest Problems for South Jersey Homeowners in November — And How to Prevent Them

South Jersey’s wooded neighborhoods, mature trees, and seasonal temperature swings make it a perfect environment for wildlife and pest activity. From squirrels in attics to raccoons in crawl spaces, these problems often start small — but can lead to costly damage and health risks if not addressed early.

Here are the top five pest and wildlife issues South Jersey homeowners face in the fall and winter, along with prevention tips and how Acorn Wildlife can help if you need professional assistance.

1. Squirrels in Attics and Soffits

The Problem: Gray squirrels are one of the most common nuisance animals in towns like Moorestown, Marlton, and Cherry Hill. As temperatures drop, they look for warm, dry places to nest — often chewing through soffits, fascia, and vents to reach attics. Inside, they gnaw on wiring, tear insulation, and leave droppings that pose potential health hazards.

Prevention Tips:

• Trim tree branches 6–8 feet away from the roofline.

• Inspect attic vents, roof returns, and soffits for chew marks or openings.

• Listen for early morning or evening scratching noises in ceilings or walls.

How Acorn Wildlife Helps: We use humane one-way doors to let squirrels exit safely and then seal all active entry points with heavy-duty materials. We also install chimney caps and vent guards to prevent re-entry and restore your home’s protection.

📍 Popular services: Moorestown squirrel removal, Mount Laurel attic exclusion, Medford soffit repair.

2. Flying Squirrels in Attics

The Problem: Unlike gray squirrels, southern flying squirrels are nocturnal and highly social — meaning dozens can occupy a single attic through the winter. They enter through gaps as small as a golf ball, leaving droppings and urine stains that create odor and insulation damage. You’ll often hear light scurrying or chirping sounds late at night.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal small gaps near dormers, ridge vents, and roof joints.

• Keep trees trimmed and avoid allowing branches to touch the roof.

• Schedule fall inspections before cold weather drives them indoors.

How Acorn Wildlife Helps: Our team performs flying squirrel removal and exclusion, using attic-safe one-way systems and full perimeter sealing. We can also assess insulation damage and recommend clean-up or restoration if needed.

📍 Serving South Jersey communities including Medford, Haddonfield, and Voorhees.

3. Raccoons in Roofs or Crawl Spaces

The Problem: Raccoons are strong, clever, and often active throughout the winter. They can tear open soffits, vents, and roof edges to find shelter, contaminating insulation with droppings that may carry roundworm. Females may also begin denning before spring.

Prevention Tips:

• Use raccoon-proof trash can lids.

• Keep pet food and bird seed secured at night.

• Check vents, gable ends, and crawl spaces for damage or loose screens.

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How Acorn Wildlife Helps: We provide humane raccoon removal, repair damaged entry points, and disinfect affected areas. Our long-term exclusion methods prevent future denning and protect your property year-round.

📍 Serving Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, and surrounding towns.

4. Rodents (Mice and Rats)

The Problem: Cold weather drives mice and rats indoors in search of warmth and food. They can squeeze through gaps the size of a dime, chew on electrical wiring, and contaminate stored items and food surfaces. Rodents can spread leptospirosis, caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Leptospira, which has over 300 known strains. This disease can infect humans and pets through contact with contaminated materials.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal cracks around the foundation, utility lines, and doors.

• Keep clutter and storage boxes off the floor and away from walls.

• Store pet food and bird seed in airtight containers.

How Acorn Wildlife Helps: Our Rodent Management Program combines bait stations, interior monitoring, and permanent exclusion repairs. Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we eliminate infestations and help prevent future ones before they start.

📍 South Jersey rodent control available in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties.

5. Spiders Indoors During Fall and Winter

The Problem: As temperatures drop, many spiders seek shelter indoors — particularly cellar spiders, house spiders, and orb weavers. While most are harmless and help control insects, large infestations can be unsettling and sometimes signal an underlying pest issue (since spiders feed on other bugs).

Prevention Tips:

• Reduce clutter in basements, garages, and attics.

• Vacuum cobwebs and corners regularly.

• Seal cracks around windows, siding, and door thresholds.

• Use yellow exterior lights, which attract fewer insects (and therefore fewer spiders).

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How Acorn Wildlife Helps: Our team can identify the source of spider activity and implement targeted pest reduction and exclusion to eliminate the food source attracting them. We also provide seasonal maintenance programs to keep your home pest-free all year.

📍 Serving homes in Marlton, Collingswood, and nearby South Jersey towns.

Protecting Your Home Year-Round

Most wildlife and pest issues begin quietly — a small hole, a loose vent cover, or food left out overnight can quickly turn into a larger problem. Proactive inspections and simple maintenance go a long way toward prevention.

When wildlife or pest issues go beyond DIY solutions, Acorn Wildlife is here to help. Our licensed specialists provide inspection, humane removal, exclusion, cleanup, and prevention services throughout South Jersey.