During colder weather, animals do everything they can to find warmth—even if that means breaking into your home. They can find their way in via very tight spaces, with some species needing only a quarter-sized hole to fit through. From there, they can get into your walls, attic, and crawl spaces.
Animals that commonly find their ways into people’s homes include:
- Squirrels
- Mice
- Rats
- Raccoons
- Possums
- Bats
- Birds
Their invasion often results in costly damage to a home and danger to you and your family. As such, it’s important to deal with them quickly.
Problems with Wildlife Invasions
One of the major problems with having wild animals in your walls is the damage they can cause. This may take the form of:
- Damaged and chewed wires, presenting a fire hazard
- Shredded insulation
- Wood damage, compromising structural integrity
- Damage to siding
- Holes in vents
Additional dangers include diseases and sanitation issues due to the critter’s fecal matter and urine. If left until spring, they may also create nests in your home, multiplying the problem.
How to Tell if Critters Have Invaded Your Walls
While wild animals are capable of causing a great deal of damage to your home, they can be easy to spot. They leave various telltale signs, including:
- Visible damage to siding, vents, wires, insulation, etc.
- Sounds of scratching, clawing, skittering, or other animal noises
- Squeaking or chirping
- Animal droppings left out in the open
- Smell of feces and urine throughout your home
- Rotting smells (if one should happen to die inside your home)
- Increased presence of wildlife outside your home
If you notice any of these signs, you’ll need to take prompt action.
Wildlife Control and Exclusion
It may be tempting for some to try to rid their homes of these pests themselves. However, that can be dangerous for anyone who isn’t trained in the correct techniques. Many of these animals, such as rats and squirrels, can be highly territorial, and they’ll often fight people off with their teeth and claws. They can be very difficult to catch as well, and many carry diseases, posing a further danger.
The best course of action to take in this situation is to call a professional. SafeHaven Pest Control offers wildlife control and exclusion (along with other valuable services) with our Diamond Pest Control bundle. Contact us today to make your home pest free.
