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Signs You May Have Wildlife Affecting Your Home

How to Tell If Wildlife Is Affecting Your Home

Sharing your living space with wildlife can be both an unsettling and potentially hazardous situation. Unwanted animal intrusions can lead to property damage, health risks, and a loss of peace in your home. Recognizing the signs of wildlife presence early on is crucial to addressing the issue promptly and effectively. Here are some common signs that you may have wildlife affecting your home and what steps you can take to mitigate the problem.

1. Unusual Noises

If you start hearing strange and persistent noises coming from your attic, walls, or crawl spaces, there's a good chance that wildlife has taken up residence in your home. Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds often indicate the presence of animals such as squirrels, raccoons, or rodents.

2. Foul Odors

Unpleasant and pungent odors inside your home, particularly in enclosed spaces like your attic or basement, could indicate the presence of wildlife. The smell of urine, feces, or decaying animals can be strong indicators that animals have moved in.

3. Visible Droppings

Finding animal droppings around your home is a clear sign that wildlife is present. Droppings can vary in size and appearance depending on the species. Be cautious when handling droppings, as they can carry diseases and should be cleaned up properly.

4. Damaged Exterior

Noticeable damage to the exterior of your home, such as chewed holes, torn screens, or damaged vents, can be a result of animals trying to gain entry. They might be seeking shelter, food, or nesting spots.

5. Chewed Wiring or Pipes

If you experience electrical issues or water leaks that seemingly have no other explanation, it's possible that wildlife has chewed through wires or pipes. Rodents, in particular, have a tendency to chew on various materials, which can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs.

6. Nests or Bedding Material

Discovering nests, bedding material, or shredded insulation in your attic or other secluded areas can indicate that animals are creating nesting sites within your home. Birds, rodents, and squirrels are known to build nests in warm and sheltered spaces.

7. Tracks and Trails

Inspect your property for animal tracks and trails. Footprints in dusty areas or muddy patches, along with well-worn paths in your yard, can help you identify the type of animals present and their movement patterns.

8. Pet Behavior

Pay attention to your pets' behavior. Dogs and cats may exhibit unusual interest in specific areas of your home, indicating the presence of wildlife. They might scratch at walls, bark excessively, or act agitated in response to the scent or sound of animals.

9. Gnaw Marks

Gnaw marks on wood, wires, insulation, or other materials can signal the presence of rodents. These marks are often a result of animals trying to create entry points or build nests.

10. Visual Sightings

If you see wildlife either inside or outside your home, it's an obvious indication of their presence. This could be anything from birds in your attic to raccoons on your property.

Taking Action

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action promptly to address the wildlife issue. Attempting to remove or exclude animals on your own can be dangerous and ineffective. Instead, consider reaching out to professionals specializing in humane wildlife removal. Experts in the field can accurately assess the situation, safely remove the animals, and implement preventive measures to ensure that the issue doesn't recur.

Remember that wildlife removal should be conducted in a way that considers the well-being of both the animals and your home. By addressing the problem early and seeking professional assistance, you can restore your home's safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

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Prevent Squirrel and Rodent Infestations in Your Georgia Home This Winter

October 29, 2024

As temperatures drop in Georgia, homeowners in Buford, Dacula, Sugarhill, Suwanee, Flowery Branch, Braselton, Houston, Cumming, and Gainesville may notice an increase in squirrel and rodent activity in and around their homes. At Wildlife Home Control, our mission is to protect your home from the intrusion and damage caused by squirrels, rats, and mice. Whether you hear scratching noises in the attic, see droppings in the furnace room, or spot activity in your gutters, we’re here to provide effective solutions. Why Are Squirrels and Rodents Invading Homes? With the onset of colder weather, wildlife like gray squirrels, flying squirrels, rats, and mice seek warmth and shelter. Your home offers these animals protection from the elements, making attics, crawlspaces, and basements ideal nesting spots. This seasonal migration increases the likelihood of animals infiltrating your home, causing noise disturbances and potentially damaging insulation, wiring, and even structural components. Signs You Have a Squirrel or Rodent Problem Understanding the signs of a wildlife infestation can help you take action quickly: Scratching Noises: If you hear scratching sounds in the attic or ceiling, it could be squirrels nesting or rodents scurrying around. Droppings: Rat droppings in areas like the furnace room or attic can indicate a growing rodent problem. Gutter Activity: Squirrels are known to climb gutters to gain access to attics or roofs. Late-Night Noise: Hearing movement late at night may suggest nocturnal animals like rats or flying squirrels. Risks of Ignoring a Rodent or Squirrel Infestation Squirrels and rodents don’t just create disturbances; they can also cause significant damage to your home. Squirrels and rats may chew on electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire hazards. They also damage insulation and leave droppings, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even potential health risks. Protecting Your Home from Wildlife Wildlife Home Control provides humane and effective solutions to prevent squirrel and rodent infestations. Our team assesses your home’s vulnerability to wildlife intrusion and addresses key access points, such as vents, rooflines, and crawlspaces. By sealing these entry points and implementing control measures, we help ensure your home stays wildlife-free. Schedule an Inspection Today If you’re a homeowner in Buford, Dacula, Sugarhill, Suwanee, Flowery Branch, Braselton, Houston, Cumming, or Gainesville, don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem. Contact Wildlife Home Control for a comprehensive inspection and customized wildlife prevention plan. Keep your home safe and quiet this winter by staying proactive against nuisance wildlife.

Why Buford Homes Are Attractive to Wildlife: Prevention and Removal Tips from Wildlife Home Control

March 28, 2024

Buford, GA, with its rich natural landscapes and changing seasons, is not just a haven for its residents but also for a diverse range of wildlife. While living close to nature has its charms, it also brings challenges, especially when wildlife finds its way into our homes. At Wildlife Home Control, we're here to help you understand why these encounters happen and how to prevent them safely, ensuring your home remains yours alone. The Lure of Buford Homes to Wildlife Shelter and Warmth As the seasons change in Buford, animals seek shelter to survive the colder months. Your home offers warmth and protection from the elements, making it an ideal refuge for creatures like squirrels, raccoons, and rodents. Food Sources Unknowingly, we often provide food sources that attract wildlife. Open garbage bins, pet food left outside, and even bird feeders can draw animals closer to our living spaces. Nesting Sites The secluded areas of your home, such as attics, crawl spaces, and even wall cavities, present perfect nesting sites for animals seeking a safe place to raise their young. Prevention Tips Preventing wildlife from making your home theirs is key to avoiding the need for removal. Here are some expert tips: Secure Garbage and Food: Ensure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and store pet food indoors. Consider bringing bird feeders in at night to avoid attracting nocturnal wildlife. Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for cracks, holes, and gaps in the exterior. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter, as these can be entryways for small animals. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overgrown vegetation can provide easy access to your home. Keep branches trimmed away from the house to reduce this risk. Use Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: These can prevent animals from entering your home through chimneys or vents. When to Call Wildlife Home Control Despite your best efforts, some animals may still find their way into your home. Here's when to call in the experts at Wildlife Home Control: You Hear Noises in the Walls or Attic: Sounds of scurrying or scratching often indicate an unwanted guest. Signs of Nesting: Look out for nesting materials like shredded insulation or droppings in secluded areas. Property Damage: Chewed wires, holes in the walls, or damaged vents can signify an animal intrusion. Sighting: Seeing wildlife in your home is the most obvious sign it's time to call professionals. At Wildlife Home Control, located right here in Buford, GA, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife removal. We understand the unique challenges our local residents face and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to safely remove unwanted wildlife from your home. Our expert team is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the animals and your family. If wildlife has made its way into your Buford home, don't wait. Contact Wildlife Home Control, your local "exterminator Buford GA," for professional assistance. We're here to restore peace to your home and prevent future wildlife encounters.