Three Signs That Wildlife Has Entered Your Home
1) Nighttime Activity
If you have been awoken in the middle of the night to sounds emanating from your walls, basement, or attic, it could be a sign that an animal has made its way into your home. These noises could resemble scurrying, jumping, eating, or other sounds and can move throughout the house.
Animal invaders do not want to make their presence known, which is why many will wait until nightfall to begin moving around your home, which is why you are hearing these noises late at night. The specific sound could help tip you off to what animal has sought refuge in your house.
For example, squirrels are known to jump around within walls, while bigger rodents like raccoons will mostly make sounds more akin to thudding than bouncing, while they prepare their nests within your insulation. The mouse, a common household intruder, is known for its signature chewing sound, which you may hear echoing around empty hallways at night.
Regardless of what the noise sounds like, you should take it seriously. Make sure you are monitoring crawl spaces, basements, and attics, and don’t be afraid to call for help if you suspect a rodent is living with you.
2) Damages
The damage these animals can cause has the ability to severely lower the value of your home; because of this, it is important to always be on the lookout for warning signs. These include things like deteriorated insulation, frayed wires, and more.
You should keep your eyes peeled for broken pipes, which may be a sign of rodents feasting on plastic and aluminum plumbing which could cause flooding in your home. When it gets cold, insulation is a favorite space for rodents, but by setting up nests, urinating, and defecating within, they can cause extensive damage.
If you notice any of this type of damage, you should contact a trusted wildlife removal service to help rid them from your home.
3) Physical Evidence
One thing rodents and other pests are not great at is cleaning up after themselves. This blindspot could help you as you attempt to track them down. In your house, be on the lookout for physical evidence left behind by various critters.
Animal droppings, usually brown in color and round in shape, are a telltale sign of an infestation. If you do encounter fecal matter, be sure to clean up dropping effectively and always wear gloves and a mask as these droppings are known to carry dangerous diseases.
The oily fur of rodents can leave behind traces like grease marks in spaces where intruders attempt to squeeze through tight areas, so make sure these areas are grease free. Also, always be skeptical of unfamiliar hairs on floors or other surfaces, as this may be a sign of an infestation.
Say Bye to Wildlife in Your Home
Now that we have gone over some of the most common warning signs for unwanted animal guests, let us discuss a few ways to avoid them in the first place. One of the best things you can do is simply keep your home clean.
The presence of crumbs and other food scraps could attract wildlife. When cleaning, ensure you reach easily overlooking and sometimes inaccessible spots such as under appliances, pantry shelves, in between the counters, and other places you don’t normally see. Also, confirm that all food items are covered and stored properly at all times.
You may also want to fill in any gaps or cracks that could be allowing wildlife into your home. You would be surprised by the small spaces mice, and other rodents are able to squeeze through. Look for these types of gaps near the entry and exit points of the house, and pay special attention to the chimney area as well.
If you find yourself facing a wildlife issue and you are looking for solutions, make sure to choose a trusted wildlife removal service to protect both your home and the animal. You can find out more about selecting a humane removal service here. Contact us for safe and humane removal of wildlife in the Carolinas and Virginia.