Television shows, cartoons, and movies may paint wildlife as cuddly and cute, but when rodents and other creatures get into your home, they are anything but adorable. Unlike domesticated pets, these wild animals that invade your space may not only destroy the structure of your home but also pose serious health risks.
Calling an experienced wildlife removal service is your best bet for eradication.
Wildlife and critters may set up nests within your home and reside undetected within crawl spaces, ductwork, attics, and walls, destroying drywall, electrical wiring, and wood surfaces. Here are seven destructive pests that may wreak havoc in your Arizona home.
Critters in Your Home
Don’t be alarmed, but there may be critters in your house, and you may not be aware of them. Here are the most common types that you may see and how they are getting in your home.
Rats and Mice
One of the most common types of critters you may see in your home are rats and mice. They may enter your home through cracks or by chewing their way through wood, plastic, or even brick. Other common entry points are chimneys or vents.
Squirrels
You likely have squirrels if you hear the pitty-pat of tiny feet traversing your attic space. If you’ve ever watched squirrels in your yard, you know they are quite the Olympian. In no time, they will jump and flip all over your yard and swing from trees to your house. So, it should come as no surprise that the number one way they get in is through the attic. They may also enter through chimneys, roofing, and open doors and windows.
Groundhogs
We tend to think groundhogs are as adorable as the one we witness forecast the weather on Groundhog Day, the second of February. Punxsutawney Phil pops out each year on this day to let us know if we will get an early spring if he doesn’t see his shadow or more dreary winter weather if he does. Having Punxsutawney Phil’s cousins pop out in your home may not be as entertaining. These little critters are notorious for burrowing, which is how they enter your home. Your foundation likely is how groundhogs are gaining entry.
Opossums
It can be pretty frightening to see an opossum on your property, but even more terrifying if they end up in your home. Look no further than your patio door if you’re wondering how they get in. They typically walk into an open door. They can also get in through the chimney, pipes, or squeezing through openings in your siding.
Raccoons
If you look at your pet door expecting to see Fido, you may instead see a raccoon there staring back at you. Unfortunately, your pet door is one of the most common ways they enter your home. Some other ways may include crawl spaces and chimneys. These critters are pretty dexterous, so they will likely get in by using their hands to break things, move them out of the way, and squeeze into a space.
Bats
Although the bats in your home may not transform into Count Dracula, they still are a nuisance if they are in your house. Like birds, these winged creatures like to get in through high places. So, they will likely squeeze into your home through openings in the attic, vents, and chimneys. They can also get in through rotted window sills and loose-fitting doors.
Ringtails
Ringtails look like cats and have striped, bushy tails. They love to crawl around like cats but can get up into high places, similar to squirrels. These critters can get into your home either in high or low areas. Ringtails may squeeze through small holes in your foundation, loose floorboards, gaps in the roof, or the chimney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs that I have wildlife in my home?
One of the most common signs that wildlife may be invading your space is droppings throughout the house, in drawers, cabinets, pantries, and other places. Other signs may be gnaw marks on food, particularly dry goods.
You may also notice strange odors throughout your house. Some other strong indications that you have visitors are damage to structures in your home, animal skin or hair left behind, or nests. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent further infestation.
Why are these critters attracted to my home?
In most cases, wildlife may be attracted to your home because they are looking for shelter. So, your home or any of your neighbor’s homes will do. Sometimes, you may inadvertently do things that make your house much more appealing to critters.
For instance, you may be leaving out pet food or keeping your trash bins open at night. These items will encourage them to start foraging through your yard and may eventually lead them to come inside.
Get Rid of Critters with Responsible and Affordable Wildlife Removal Services
Don’t let wildlife overrun your home. Call Critter Evictors in Scottsdale today to schedule a No Obligation assessment of your home and property. Our wildlife removal and critter control services are top rated and preferred throughout Maricopa County! We not only responsibly and safely remove all types of wildlife from homes and businesses, we repair, seal off and secure any openings to prevent future infestations.