Top 5 Wildlife Problems to Expect in October—and How to Stop Them

Squirrels nesting under solar panels

As the leaves start to change and the nights get colder in South Jersey, many wild animals begin looking for a safe, warm place to spend the fall and winter. Unfortunately, that often means your attic, garage, or crawl space becomes their target. October is one of the busiest months for wildlife activity, and if you’re a homeowner in Burlington County, Camden County, or anywhere across South Jersey, now is the time to stay alert.

Here are the Top 5 Wildlife Problems to Expect in October—and how you can stop them before they cause damage.

1. Squirrels in the Attic

October is peak season for squirrel activity. Summer litters are grown and starting to explore on their own, while adults are busy caching food and securing warm nesting spots. Attics are the perfect shelter. Once inside, squirrels chew wires, shred insulation, and leave behind droppings that can create serious health and fire hazards.

Prevention Tip: Trim tree branches away from the roofline, inspect attic vents, and cap chimneys. If you hear scratching or chewing in the ceiling, call a professional for safe squirrel removal before they cause structural damage.

2. Rodent Infestations (Mice and Rats)

Cooler nights push mice and rats indoors in search of food and warmth. They can squeeze through holes the size of a dime and quickly multiply once inside your walls. Beyond the mess, rodents contaminate food and spread diseases.

Prevention Tip: Seal cracks around the foundation, keep food in airtight containers, and don’t leave pet food out overnight. Acorn Wildlife professionals in South Jersey can set up long-term prevention, not just quick fixes.

3. Bat Activity in Homes

As bats prepare for winter, many are on the move. If they find access to an attic, they may settle in for the season. Bat guano (droppings) can accumulate quickly, creating health risks for families. Since bats are protected, removal requires specialized exclusion methods.

Prevention Tip: Inspect your roofline for gaps, especially near soffits and ridge vents. If you suspect bats, do not try to seal the entry point yourself—you could trap them inside. Professional bat removal is the safest and most humane option.

4. Raccoons Seeking Shelter

Raccoons are strong, intelligent animals that can easily rip through roofing, soffits, or vents to get into an attic. October is when they begin preparing dens for winter. Once inside, raccoons can cause extensive damage and carry dangerous parasites like raccoon roundworm.

Prevention Tip: Secure trash cans, keep pet food indoors, and listen for heavy thumping or growling sounds in the attic at night. Professional raccoon removal and exclusion is the only way to fully protect your home.

5. Snake Encounters

While many snakes are slowing down for winter, October is a transition month where they seek warm hiding spots—sometimes under porches, inside garages, or near basements. Although most South Jersey snakes are non-venomous, an unexpected encounter can be frightening.

Prevention Tip: Clear out leaf piles, seal gaps around foundations, and reduce clutter around the yard. If you spot a snake inside the home, call Acorn Wildlife for safe removal.

Protect Your South Jersey Home This October

Wildlife problems in October aren’t just inconvenient—they can be costly and hazardous to your family’s health. The good news is that most infestations can be prevented with a professional inspection and exclusion work.

At Acorn Wildlife Services, we help homeowners across Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and the surrounding South Jersey area protect their homes from squirrels, rodents, bats, raccoons, snakes, and more.

👉 If you’re hearing scratching, chewing, or unusual noises in your attic this fall, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Contact Acorn Wildlife today for fast, humane wildlife removal and prevention.