How To Get Animals Out Of Your Walls

How to Get Animals Out of Your Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding animals living in your walls is a homeowner's nightmare. It's unsettling, potentially damaging to your property, and can even pose health risks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through identifying the intruder, safely removing them, and preventing future infestations.

Identifying the Invader

Before you begin any removal process, it's crucial to identify the type of animal you're dealing with. Different animals require different removal strategies. Common culprits include:

Rodents (Mice, Rats):

• Signs: Chewing noises, droppings, gnaw marks on wood or wiring, and the smell of urine.
• Removal: Focus on sealing entry points, using traps (snap traps or glue traps), and possibly calling in professional pest control.

Squirrels:

• Signs: Scuttling noises in the walls, scratching, and potential damage to insulation.
• Removal: Often require professional assistance due to their ability to access hard-to-reach areas. One-way doors can be effective for gentle removal.

Birds:

• Signs: Chirping, pecking sounds, and the potential for insulation damage.
• Removal: Usually involve identifying and sealing entry points, often in soffits or vents.

Bats:

• Signs: Noises at dusk and dawn, droppings, and a musty odor.
• Removal: Crucially, handling bats requires extra care, as they are often protected species. Contact a wildlife removal specialist for safe and humane removal. Never attempt to handle bats yourself.

Insects (Wasps, Bees):

• Signs: Buzzing, stinging, and potential damage to wall structures depending on the insect and extent of the infestation.
• Removal: Professional pest control is often the safest and most effective solution, especially for larger nests.

Safe and Humane Removal

Once you've identified the animal, you can begin the removal process. Remember, safety is paramount.

Never attempt to handle or confront the animal directly. This could lead to injury to you and the animal.

Seal Entry Points:

This is the most crucial step in preventing future infestations. Carefully inspect your home's exterior and interior walls for any cracks, holes, or gaps that animals could use to enter. Seal these using caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool.

Traps:

For rodents, traps can be effective. Place them strategically near where you've seen signs of animal activity. If you're uncomfortable handling traps, consider using a humane trap that allows you to release the animal outside your property.

Preventing Future Infestations

Prevention is key to avoiding future animal problems.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your home's exterior and interior for any signs of animal entry.
• Proper Waste Disposal: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and store food in airtight containers.
• Landscaping: Keep branches and bushes trimmed away from your home, eliminating potential access points.
• Professional Pest Control: Consider scheduling regular inspections and treatments from a professional pest control service.

When to Call a Professional

If you are unsure about how to handle the situation, or if the infestation is extensive, it's always best to call a professional wildlife removal or pest control service. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively remove animals from your walls and prevent future problems. They can also help identify the type of animal and recommend appropriate solutions. Remember, your safety and the well-being of the animal are important.

This guide provides a general overview. Always prioritize safety and humane treatment of animals. Remember to research local regulations concerning animal removal before undertaking any action.