How To Get Rid Of Animals Under The House

How to Get Rid of Animals Under Your House

Discovering animals living under your house can be unsettling. It's crucial to address the issue humanely and effectively to protect your home and the animals themselves. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to safely and humanely remove unwanted guests from beneath your dwelling.

Identify the Intruder

Before you begin any eviction process, accurate identification is key. Knowing what kind of animal you're dealing with will inform your strategy. Are they rodents, raccoons, opossums, or something else? Consider these clues:

• Size and Shape of Tracks: Look for footprints near entry points.
• Droppings: Animal droppings offer valuable clues about the species.
• Sounds: Nocturnal activity can indicate the type of animal.
• Damage: Examine chewed wires, damaged insulation, or disturbed soil.

Secure Entry Points

Animals won't stay if they can't get in. Thoroughly inspect your foundation for any gaps, cracks, or openings. Common entry points include:

• Cracks in the foundation: Seal these with caulk or expanding foam.
• Gaps around pipes and wires: Use steel wool and caulk to fill gaps.
• Vents: Install mesh screens over vents to prevent entry.
• Loose siding or roofing: Repair any damaged areas.

Humane Eviction Techniques

Once you've secured entry points, you can focus on encouraging the animals to leave. Avoid using harmful poisons or traps that cause unnecessary suffering. Here are some humane options:

1. Make the Space Unattractive:

• Remove attractants: Eliminate food sources like spilled pet food, garbage, or compost piles near your foundation.
• Eliminate shelter: Remove any debris, wood piles, or overgrown vegetation near the house.
• Use strong scents: Animals dislike strong scents like peppermint oil, ammonia, or white vinegar. Place cotton balls soaked in these scents near entry points. (Note: Always use these scents responsibly and avoid over-saturation.)

2. Employ Deterrents:

• Motion-activated sprinklers: These scare animals away with a sudden burst of water.
• Ultrasonic devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are irritating to animals but generally harmless to humans and pets. (Note: Effectiveness can vary.)
• Bright lights: Animals generally prefer dark spaces. Adding bright lights around your foundation may deter them.

3. Call for Professional Help

If you're dealing with a large number of animals, dangerous species, or are struggling with the removal process, consider contacting a wildlife removal professional. They have the expertise and tools to handle the situation safely and humanely.

Prevention is Key

After successful removal, implement preventative measures to avoid future infestations:

• Regularly inspect your foundation for openings.
• Maintain a clean yard.
• Store food securely.
• Trim back vegetation around the house.

By following these steps, you can effectively and humanely remove animals from under your house while simultaneously protecting your home and preventing future infestations. Remember, patience and persistence are key to a successful resolution.