What Risks Are Associated with Wildlife?

Wildlife entering your home poses a variety of risks, ranging from health concerns to structural damage. One of the most immediate threats is the potential for disease transmission. Many wild animals, such as rodents, bats, and raccoons, are known carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to humans either directly or indirectly. Rodents, for example, can carry hantavirus, leptospirosis, and tularemia, which may be contracted through contact with their droppings, urine, or nesting materials. Bats are well-known vectors of rabies, a viral infection that is often fatal if not treated immediately after exposure. The risk of zoonotic diseases becomes particularly concerning if wildlife invaders come into contact with food storage or preparation areas within your home, posing a direct threat to human health.

In addition to health risks, wildlife intrusions can result in significant structural damage to your home. Many animals possess natural behaviors that are destructive when translated into a domestic setting. For example, rodents and squirrels typically gnaw on wires, insulation, and wooden structures for nesting purposes, which can compromise your electrical system and increase the risk of fires. Birds nesting in chimneys could block airflow, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and reducing the efficiency of your heating appliances. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums can cause extensive damage when gaining entry, as they may tear through shingles or siding to create access points.

Wildlife in your home can also have negative impacts on mental health and peace of mind. The noise and activity from unwanted critters, such as scratching or scampering in the attic, can lead to sleep disturbances and anxiety. You and your family may feel uncomfortable or unsafe knowing that wild animals are sharing your living space, potentially leading to ongoing stress. This psychological toll can significantly detract from your quality of life.

The bottom line: You should not wait to call in the professionals if you’ve spotted an animal intruder or think there may be one or more unwelcome guests in your home. Our San Antonio wildlife removal professionals at Critter One can answer your call 24/7.

How We Humanely Remove Wildlife from Homes

Our crews are dedicated to ensuring the humane treatment of wildlife that’s made its way into your home. The process begins with a thorough assessment of your property to accurately determine the presence and type of animals causing disturbances. Using proven detection tools and techniques, we carefully inspect attics, decks, sheds, crawl spaces, and other common hiding areas. By identifying entry points and nesting sites, we can tailor an effective strategy that minimizes stress and harm to the animals involved.

Once the assessment is complete, our skilled professionals employ humane trapping methods to safely capture the unwanted critters. We use traps designed to ensure the animals remain unharmed throughout the process. Our crews strategically place these traps in areas heavily trafficked by the wildlife, and they function efficiently with low risk of injury.

After the successful capture of the intruding animals, we focus on relocation efforts that adhere to local wildlife regulations and guidelines. We transport each species to a suitable habitat where they can thrive without causing disturbances to human settlements. Our crews select relocation sites that are far enough from urban areas to prevent a return yet offer ample natural resources for the animals. This approach not only respects the ecological balance but also contributes to the well-being and survival of the relocated wildlife.

Throughout the entire process, our San Antonio wildlife removal crews emphasize clear communication to keep you informed and at ease. We also provide comprehensive advice on preventive measures and treatments to avoid future intrusions.

Where Does Wildlife Typically Hide in a Home?

The usual hiding spots of animals in a Texas home are often determined by their distinct behaviors and environmental preferences. Each species has unique tendencies that dictate where it might seek refuge.

Before encountering the animal itself, warning signs – such as droppings, gnaw marks, or odd noises – can often provide clues about its presence somewhere in your home. Additionally, while these critters typically rely on their usual hiding spots for safety and sustenance, encounters can happen outside of these areas as well. Factors like changes in food availability or disruptions in their usual habitat can force wildlife to explore different parts of the home, making unexpected, out-in-the-open encounters possible.

Here are some common hiding spots of animal intruders:

• Armadillos. Armadillos usually favor spaces that offer soft ground for digging and concealment. Typical hiding spots include gardens, flower beds, and under decks or patios where the soil is easily excavated. Additionally, armadillos might be drawn to crawl spaces, especially if these areas provide loose soil or dry conditions.
• Bats. Common hiding spots include attics, where bats can find ample space to roost undisturbed, and they may enter through small openings in the roof or eaves. Other potential locations include behind walls, chimneys, or in the crevices of roofs.
• Birds. These feathered intruders are attracted to spots that mimic their natural surroundings, such as eaves, rafters, and attics, where they can perch without disturbance. Birds may also mistake chimneys for hollow trees. 
• Foxes. Foxes can occasionally seek shelter in residential areas. They often look for quiet, concealed spaces that mimic their natural dens, such as under decks, under porches, or in garden sheds.
• Moles. Moles are more likely to inhabit areas adjacent to a home rather than inside it, such as flower beds, lawns, or any landscape area with rich, aerated soil.
• Opossums. Opossums are likely to hide in quiet, inconspicuous places like attics and garages.
• Raccoons. Raccoons may enter through loose shingles, open vents, or gaps in the foundation of a house, using their dexterity to exploit any vulnerabilities in the structure. They then tend to hide in attics, crawl spaces, sheds, or under decks.
• Rodents. These small creatures tend to hide in areas that are dark, quiet, and provide easy access to food and water. Common hiding spots include the backs of cabinets, within wall voids, behind appliances, and in attics. Rodents often enter through small cracks or openings and can nest inside unused storage boxes or cluttered corners.
• Skunks. Typically, skunks tend to seek shelter in quiet, dark, and undisturbed areas where they can feel safe. Common places where they might hide include crawl spaces, underneath porches, or within sheds. They might also find their way into attics if there are gaps or entry points large enough for them to squeeze through.
• Snakes. These reptiles love to lurk in damp, secluded crawl spaces and can also be frequently found behind large appliances, such as refrigerators or washing machines. 
• Squirrels. Squirrels often find their way into homes through small openings or damaged areas in roofs. Once inside, they typically seek out attics as their primary hiding place, attracted by the warmth and ample space to build nests. These critters may also utilize chimneys, wall cavities, and eaves that provide them with a sheltered environment away from the elements and predators.

We do wildlife removal right, so do not hesitate to call (726) 200-1018 or contact us online if you are dealing with unwanted guests.