Wildlife Removal
Updated November 6, 2026
Pick the state
Safety
Keep people and pets away from any wild animal and never handle wildlife directly, since raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes can carry rabies and droppings from birds, bats, and rodents can spread disease through airborne particles. Do not seal an entry point while animals or young may still be inside, and avoid reaching into dark cavities, chimneys, or crawlspaces by hand. If an animal appears aggressive, disoriented, or unusually active in daylight, keep a safe distance and contact local animal control about a possible rabies concern.
Before the visit
Note where noises or odors are strongest and the times of day they occur, and photograph any holes, droppings, or damage from a safe distance. Secure pets, close interior doors to limit animal movement, and clear a path to the attic hatch, crawlspace entrance, or affected area. Leave entry points open and skip store-bought repellents or sealants until an inspection is done, since sealing at the wrong moment can trap animals inside walls.
Repair vs replace
Exclusion and repair are often enough when damage is limited to small entry gaps, a few gnaw marks, light droppings in one area, or a single animal that has already moved on. Sealing entry points, replacing a vent cover or section of screen, and spot-cleaning droppings can resolve the problem when contamination has not spread through insulation or ductwork.
When to replace
Replacement is the stronger option when insulation is soaked with urine, matted by nesting, or contaminated across a large area, when wiring or ductwork has been chewed, when odor and staining have penetrated drywall or subfloors, or when animals return repeatedly after exclusion attempts. Removing soiled materials and rebuilding the affected section protects indoor air quality and helps prevent repeat infestations.
Common issues
| Symptom | Likely causes | Safe check | Stop when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds in the attic or walls, often at night | Raccoons, squirrels, rats, or mice nesting above ceilings or inside wall cavities | Listen from outside the room and note the time of day and location; avoid opening the ceiling or wall | Sounds come from a living-space wall, an animal is visible inside the home, or a strong odor of decay develops |
| Droppings or urine stains in the attic, on insulation, or along baseboards | Rodents, raccoons, bats, or birds roosting or nesting nearby | Look without touching; do not sweep or vacuum droppings, which can release harmful particles into the air | Droppings are large, wet, or accumulating quickly, or anyone in the home develops respiratory symptoms |
| Holes, torn screens, or bent vents along the roofline, soffits, or foundation | Animals chewing or pushing through weak points to reach shelter | Photograph openings from a distance; do not seal them until a technician confirms no animals are inside | Fur, nesting material, or an animal is visible at the opening, or the hole sits near electrical wiring |
| Shredded insulation, displaced ductwork, or chewed wires in the attic or crawlspace | Nesting activity and gnawing by squirrels, rats, or other rodents | Inspect only from the access hatch with a flashlight and keep hands away from suspected wire damage | Bare copper or sparking is visible, breakers trip repeatedly, or a burning smell is present |
| Strong musky or ammonia-like odors, or a smell of decay | Urine-soaked nesting material, scent marking, or an animal that died inside a wall or crawlspace | Ventilate by opening windows from a distance and note where the odor is strongest | The smell suggests a dead animal inside a closed wall, or odors come with flies or staining on drywall |
| Animals seen around trash cans, gardens, or pet food, or denning under porches, decks, or sheds | Skunks, opossums, raccoons, or stray animals seeking food and shelter near the structure | Observe from indoors or from a distance, secure trash and pet food, and keep pets inside at night | An animal acts disoriented or aggressive, is active in daylight in an unusual way, or a skunk dens under a frequently used porch or deck |