How to Identify Signs of Wildlife Infestation in Your Home

To ensure that you have a safe and healthy living environment it is important to know to identify signs of wildlife infestation. Since urban areas are spreading, wildlife incursion is becoming more commonplace, with the potential for health hazards and property damage. Here are the signs of wildlife invasion.

Physical Damage to Property

Visible damage to your property is one of the most telling signs of wildlife infestation. Check for gnawed wires, chewed insulation or torn shingles. These damages are often caused from animals seeking shelter such as rodents, raccoons or squirrels. Regular inspections of your home will help you catch these signs early before they cause even more destruction.

Unusual Noises

Strange sounds from your attic, walls or crawl spaces could mean wildlife. Sounds like scratching, scurrying or chirping, especially at night, are all telltale signs that animals are trying to nest in your home. Because many wildlife species are nocturnal, nighttime is the prime time for these disturbances. If you hear strange sounds, you have to investigate.

Foul Odors

Wildlife infestation can also cause persistent foul odors. Rodents will often leave a smell of urine or feces and a musky smell might mean larger animals such as raccoons are in the area. Unpleasant smells in particular areas of your home are signs that you should do something about it before it becomes a potential health hazard.

Tracks and Droppings

Tracks and droppings left behind by wildlife can tell you what kind of animal is taking over your space. Raccoon droppings look bigger and have some unique characteristics while, rodent droppings look more like small grains of rice. Tracks in dusty areas can also clue you into the presence of certain animals. Knowing these signs can help us decide what the best removal strategies are.

Nests or Burrows

Nests or burrows are a dead giveaway of an infestation. Squirrels and raccoons will often birth their young in attics or crawl spaces. They may make nests out of shredded material such as insulation or fabric. If you discover nests in your home, you need to act fast so the animals don’t multiply and do more damage.

Consulting Professionals

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If you think you have a wildlife infestation, you need to act right away. A thorough assessment and the animals can be effectively removed by contacting a professional pest control service. They can determine the type of infestation, where the infestation is coming from, and can give you a tailored solution to get rid of the problem safely. Often times, there are humane options which allow animals to be taken to sanctuaries with veterinary technicians and assistants from top veterinary career schools who care for animals ensuring there health and safety.

Preventive Measures

Sealing up potential entry points is key to prevent future infestations. Check your home for gaps, cracks, or holes in foundations, walls and roofs. Seal these openings using materials, such as steel wool or caulk, to get the job done. Also, keeping your property clean by locking up garbage bins and taking away food sources will help to keep wildlife out of your home.

Wildlife infestation sign recognition is will protect you from a lot of property damage and even your health may be in danger. Physical damage, unnatural noises, bad smells, tracks and droppings, and nests or burrows are all signs to be vigilant about when it comes to protecting your home from unwelcome guests. If you see any signs of an infestation, it’s best to get professional help to resolve and prevent it.