Wildlife around our homes can be quite fascinating, but sometimes these creatures cause damage that’s hard to ignore. From curious squirrels to determined raccoons, various animals may find ways into our houses or yards and end up causing problems. Understanding the common damage caused by wildlife to homes and structures can help you recognize signs early and seek help when needed.
Damage Caused by Rodents
Rodents like rats and mice are among the most common wildlife visitors in homes. These little creatures are excellent at finding small openings and squeezing inside to shelter or search for food. Once inside, they can chew through wires, insulation, and even wood. This chewing is not just a nuisance—it can lead to electrical problems and fire hazards. Rodents also leave behind droppings and urine, which can damage building materials and create health risks for your family.
In walls and attics, rodents chew on insulation, reducing its effectiveness and making your home less energy-efficient. If you spot tiny holes around your foundation, sawdust-like material near wooden parts of your house, or hear scratching noises at night, rodents might be the cause.
Damage from Raccoons and Opossums
Raccoons and opossums are larger animals that often look for safe places to raise their young, like attics, chimneys, or sheds. They are strong diggers and climbers, and their search for entry points can result in torn screens, broken vents, or damaged roofing materials.
Once inside, raccoons can leave behind a big mess: torn insulation, droppings, and even shredded belongings. Their heavy weight and movement might cause structural damage to attics or crawl spaces. Raccoons are also known to yank off roofing shingles or damage gutters as they climb on roofs.
Birds Causing Structural Problems
Certain birds, such as woodpeckers and pigeons, can also cause issues. Woodpeckers peck at wooden siding or decks looking for insects or places to build nests. This pecking can lead to holes and exposed surfaces vulnerable to water damage and rot. Pigeons, on the other hand, like to roost on roofs, gutters, and ledges. Their droppings are acidic and can wear away paint, metal, and roofing tiles over time.
Bird nests in chimneys or vents can block airflow, increasing the risk of dangerous fumes building up inside the home. Nest materials can also be fire hazards if located near heat sources.
Damage from Bats
Bats usually enter homes for warmth and shelter, commonly roosting in attics, eaves, or chimneys. While they don’t usually cause visible structural damage, their droppings—called guano—can accumulate and cause serious problems. Bat guano can eat away at wood and insulation, damaging these materials. It also poses health risks due to the fungi it may carry.
Large bat colonies can produce a strong, unpleasant smell and staining on ceilings or walls. Their entry points can provide access for other pests, too.
Damage from Squirrels
Squirrels are known for their love of chewing. They often invade attics and can chew on wires, building materials, and even ductwork. Their nesting habits involve tearing up insulation and sometimes pulling apart parts of the ceiling or walls to create a cozy nest. Squirrels also can damage shingles or vents when trying to get on the roof.
Damage Caused by Larger Wildlife
While less common in densely populated neighborhoods, larger animals like deer, skunks, or even bears can affect homes and yards. Deer may damage gardens and landscaping by eating plants and breaking branches. Skunks can dig holes in yards and under decks searching for insects and grubs, damaging lawns and foundations near the surface.
Bears, though rare, are strong and curious. They can rip off shingles, break doors or windows, and cause widespread destruction if they come near homes looking for food.
Signs You Might Have Wildlife Damage
Some common signs that wildlife has caused damage or is living in or around your home include:
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Chewed or torn building materials like wood, shingles, or insulation
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Strange noises coming from walls, attics, or crawl spaces
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Unusual odors, especially musty or ammonia-like smells from droppings
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Holes or gaps around the foundation, vents, rooflines, or eaves
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Stains or damage caused by droppings or urine
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Damaged screens, vents, or chimney caps
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Nests or nest materials in unexpected places
Recognizing these signs early is important to prevent further damage.
Get Professional Help from Pest Now
If your home is showing signs of wildlife damage or you suspect animals have taken up residence in or around your property, Pest Now can help. With years of experience and expert knowledge, Pest Now specializes in identifying, managing, and safely removing wildlife intruders. They understand the behaviors of these animals and the damage they can cause, offering solutions tailored to your needs.
Pest Now is committed to service quality and customer satisfaction, making sure your home stays protected and damage-free for the long term. Don’t wait until small problems become big ones—contact Pest Now today to have experts assess your situation and provide the best care for your home.
Contact Pest Now
Pest Now
Website: pestnow.com
Phone: (804) 589-1009
Whether it’s rodents chewing through your wiring or raccoons making your attic their new home, Pest Now is ready to help keep your home safe and sound.
Knowing the common ways wildlife can damage homes helps homeowners keep an eye out for warning signs. When wildlife moves in and causes harm, it can lead to costly repairs and health risks. Reach out to professionals like Pest Now to make sure your home stays protected against unwanted guests and their damage.
Source: pestnowcva.com
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