TL;DR: Seasonal cottages in Kincardine, Tobermory, and Meaford are prime real estate for local wildlife during the off-season. Preventing critters like bats, squirrels, and mice from moving in requires proper winterization and professional animal-proofing. Hideaway Wildlife’s humane animal removal services can keep your cottage safe while still protecting the local ecosystem.
Cottages by the Lake: A Wildlife Invitation
Picture this: You’re enjoying the first warm weekend in May, ready to open your Lake Huron retreat after a long winter. You step inside, and the smell hits you—a potent mix of rodent droppings, chewed insulation, and something you really don’t want to investigate further. Welcome to the aftermath of leaving your cottage open to uninvited guests.
From Kincardine’s sandy shores to Tobermory’s rocky bluffs, wildlife is a charming part of life by Lake Huron. But when the temperatures drop, your cottage becomes more than just picturesque—it’s prime winter housing for critters like bats, squirrels, and mice. Here’s how to keep your getaway yours (and only yours) through the off-season.
Common Offenders: Who’s Moving In?

Mighty Mice
Tiny but mighty destructive, mice squeeze into cracks as small as a dime. Once inside, they chew wires, gnaw through insulation, and leave droppings everywhere.
Sneaky Squirrels
Squirrels can tear apart soffits or shingles to access your attic. They’re noisy, messy, and can cause structural damage if left unchecked.
Bats of Tobermory
Love bats in Tobermory? Us too—just not in your attic. These night flyers are crucial for controlling mosquito populations but can carry diseases like histoplasmosis.
Rascally Raccoons
If raccoons find a weak spot, they’ll exploit it. These bandits are crafty and strong enough to pry open vents and chimneys.
Steps to Wildlife-Proof Your Cottage

- Seal Every Entry Point: Walk around your cottage and inspect it from foundation to roofline. Look for gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Use steel wool or caulk to seal small openings and hardware cloth for larger ones.
- Cap Your Chimneys: Chimneys are like open invitations for wildlife. Install a heavy-duty cap to keep bats, birds, and squirrels out.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Branches hanging over your roof? That’s a highway for raccoons and squirrels. Trim back anything within six feet of your cottage.
- Store Food Properly: Clean out your pantry before closing for the season. Even sealed food can attract mice. Take everything edible home or store it in airtight containers.
- Set Up a Barrier: For decks and sheds, install mesh barriers around the base to block animals from nesting underneath.
- Call in the Pros: Sometimes, prevention isn’t enough. Schedule a property inspection with an animal removal company like Hideaway Wildlife. We’ll identify weak points and reinforce your cottage before winter sets in.
What Happens If They Get In?

Let’s say you skipped the preventative steps, and now you’ve got a squirrel family in the attic. Here’s what you need to know:
- Humane Removal: Don’t DIY this. Trapping and releasing can stress animals and often leads to their death. Plus, you could get hurt.
- Cleanup Services: Once the animals are gone, their droppings and nests need to be professionally cleaned to avoid health hazards.
- Future Proofing: After eviction, we secure entry points to prevent re-entry.
For example, our squirrel removal services ensure no critters are left behind, and we seal up any holes they used to enter.
Why Wildlife Removal Needs a Local Touch

Lake Huron’s cottage country has unique challenges. The rocky terrain of Tobermory, the old-growth trees in Kincardine, and the sprawling properties in Meaford all provide wildlife with plenty of hiding spots. Local companies like Hideaway Wildlife understand the specific habits of Bruce Peninsula critters and follow Ontario’s strict bylaws for humane treatment. That way, catch and release goes much smoother.
How Hideaway Wildlife Can Help
We specialize in services like safely evicting bats while installing bat-proof barriers, using humane techniques to protect both your cottage and the squirrels, and identifying and securing potential entry points—just to name a few.
Our team is based right in your backyard, Lions Head, Ontario, and we’re proud to serve the broader Bruce Peninsula region.
Sharing the Shoreline Without Sharing Your Cottage
Winterizing your cottage keeps animals out and allows us to live in harmony with the natural world around us. By securing your property and working with professionals, you’re protecting both your investment and the animals that make Lake Huron so special. Got a critter problem? Contact Hideaway Wildlife for wildlife removal in Kincardine, Tobermory, Meaford the broader Bruce Peninsula region. We’ll handle the hassle so you can focus on enjoying your slice of Lake Huron paradise next spring—minus the droppings.