Maybe you’ve woken up to what sounds like more than just a bump in the night. Maybe you’ve noticed new, strange smells inside your home that you can’t blame on the dog or last night’s cooking. You’re not going crazy: these could be telltale signs that wildlife is making your home their new habitat. This is especially common in colder months when critters are looking to burrow and keep warm. Knowing what to look for is essential to act fast and tackle a potential long-term hazard for you and even your property. Here are 3 key indicators that wildlife may be taking up space in your home.

1. Strange Noises in Your Home

Wildlife infestations can create a variety of sounds—some are even specific to the animal making them. These include:

• Scratching sounds could signal that rodents (such as rats, squirrels, and raccoons) are gnawing or burrowing in your walls or attic.
• Pattering footsteps are also common signs of rats and rice.
• Thumping or bumping may indicate a larger animal, like a raccoon or possum, is walking around. Usually, these bumps can be heard from your attic or crawl space.

If any of these sounds are present in your home, try to determine where they are coming from. This may help identify the type of animal inhabiting your home.

2. Strong, Unpleasant Odors and Droppings

Wildlife can bring distinct, musky smells into your home. You may notice the following:

• An ammonia-like odor. Many wild animals are known to mark their territory and can leave urine stains.
• Small, dark, grain-like droppings are also a classic sign that rodents may be present. Larger droppings found on the roof or attic could indicate a raccoon or squirrel is around.
• If an animal dies in your walls, attic, or crawl space, it may produce a strong smell and can stick around until it’s removed.

If any strange odors like this are present, it’s worth investigating further.

3. Damage and Bitemarks

Animals living in your home will leave visible clues.

• Finding holes or chew marks in food items or trash is a hallmark of a rodent infestation. Additionally, they are known to leave these marks on materials like wood and plastic and may gnaw cabinets and pipes.
• You may find points of entry, including chewed holes through roofs, vents, walls, and around doors & window edges.
• Wiring or insulation may be damaged. Some wildlife will rip up and move around insulation for nests or chew through electrical wiring. Pest-damaged wiring is not only a potentially expensive repair, but also, a fire hazard.

Regular inspection of insulation and wiring, along with materials prone to being chewed by pests, is recommended, especially if you’ve observed other signs of wild animals in your home.

Suspect a Wildlife Infestation? Turn to Turner Today

A wildlife infestation can lead to long-term, widespread issues throughout your residence. Not only can these threaten the safety and structural integrity of your home, but they can also be a risk to your and your family's health.

If you notice any of these signs, our certified wildlife removal service techs can help you identify and safely remove any uninvited guests from your home. Don’t wait! Fill out our contact form or call us at (904) 495-7698.