You may have heard the recent news about a bobcat living in a Scottsdale homeowner’s attic. While this may be an isolated incident, it can occur more frequently this time of the year. As temperatures soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Arizona, high heat can drive wildlife into your home.
However, shelter isn’t the only reason you may see much more wildlife nesting in your space.
Keep reading to discover why animals are attracted to your home and what animals may invade your space this summer.
What Animals May Invade Your Space
When wildlife retreats into your space, they aren’t only seeking cover from the hot Arizona sun, they are also looking for food and water. Female animals may be seeking a safe place to nurse their young. If you have an attractive space, they will likely find a way into your home and start living rent-free and unnoticed for quite some time.
The only way you’ll realize they are on your property is by hearing strange sounds, smelling musty odors, or seeing them face to face. Here are some wildlife species that you could encounter in your home this summer.
Rats and mice
These are one of the most common invaders in summer, and they typically get in through cracks and structural weak points. They may even chew their way into your home.
Snakes
Naturally cold-blooded, these reptiles seek shelter in your home from the scorching sun. Like rats and mice, they’ll slither into cool, dark places in your home to seek shelter.
Bats
Summer is one of the most active times for bats. Mothers usually give birth to their young at this time and scavenge for food, such as flies and mosquitoes.
Raccoons
Although raccoons are mostly nocturnal, they could still head to your house in summer at night, looking for food and water.
Bobcats
As you know from the recent news story featuring a bobcat, these creatures may find their way into your home this summer. They mostly roam areas outdoors such as backyards or porches. However, they can get inside and start living in the attic or garage.
Coyotes
Like bobcats, these animals can wander to areas of your property, particularly if you live in a suburban area. They’ll be attracted to your home, primarily if you have a pool. They may look for water to drink or may even take a deep dive to cool off.
Ringtails
Another animal that may be drawn to your home in summer is the ringtail. They typically roam rocky canyons. However, when food and water in the area are scarce, they start looking for it in suburban areas.
Why Wildlife Is Frequenting Your Home
Most wildlife aren’t headed to your home to cause harm. They are likely drawn to your home for these three critical reasons:
Relief from Summer Heat
One reason wildlife may be frequenting your home is that it has an attic, crawlspace, or garage. These areas of the home are significantly cooler than the open desert areas in which they reside.
Water Sources
Water is one of the first things to dry up in the wildlife habitat. Scorching temperatures can evaporate water sources, forcing wildlife to search nearby for options. They search for water in pools, pet water bowls, HVAC condensation, and leaky outdoor spigots.
Food Supply
Besides water, animals may wander onto your property for food. They may seek food in trash cans, pet food bowls, gardens, and bird feeders.
Common Places Wildlife Hide
Wildlife seeking food and shelter will inhabit specific areas of your home. You may see signs of their presence before you actually see them. Here are some places on your property where you may see wildlife.
● Under the hood of vehicles
● The attic
● The garage
● In crawlspaces
● Under decks
● In utility closets
● Near or in the pool
If wildlife accidentally wanders onto your property, don’t panic. Professional wildlife removal companies can humanely trap the animals and lure them back to the wild.
How to Keep Wildlife Away from Your Home
You may hope that you never have to encounter wildlife on your property. However, you may be inadvertently attracting them. Here are some ways to make your home less attractive.
● Minimize their access to water sources, especially your pool.
● Secure the trashcans on your property, making sure they don’t remain partially open.
● Don’t leave pet bowls out.
● Trim vegetation, especially near rooflines and exterior walls.
● Install protective screens.
Has Wildlife Found Your Home and Made It Theirs?
Discovering signs that something has been nesting around your home calls for a closer look and its best to call a wildlife removal expert.
Critter Evictors provides humane wildlife removal and exclusion services throughout the Scottsdale and Maricopa area. Our team can inspect your property, identify where wildlife may be getting in, safely address the animal causing the problem, and help secure vulnerable areas to reduce the chances of another unwanted visitor moving in.
If you’ve noticed unusual noises, tracks, droppings, damage, or wildlife spending a little too much time around your home, contact Critter Evictors to schedule a comprehensive wildlife inspection.