If you’ve heard unusual noises, noticed damage either on the interior or exterior of your home or business, or even spotted an uninvited critter scurrying around, there’s a good chance you have animals living in your walls or attic. What might not be so clear is what kind they are — but there are a few signs that can help you figure it out.

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How Do Animals Get in Your Walls?

Animals gain entry to your home through any opening they can find. These may include loose or damaged soffits, open windows, damaged roofs, chimneys and gaps around pipes and doors. People often find they have animals in crawl spaces, attics, basements and walls.

Squirrels getting in roof of house

Why Are Wild Animals Entering Your Home

You might be attracting animals to your property unintentionally. Some common mistakes that can lead to wildlife getting in your walls include: 

  • Leaving food out, including pet food.
  • Keeping piles of sticks, wood or brush close to your house.
  • Not fixing holes or gaps in your roof or siding.
  • Leaving low-hanging branches close to or over your building. 
  • Leaving your garage open.
  • Storing your garbage near your home.

How to Tell What Animal Is in Your Walls 

Most animals will make their presence known in distinct ways, even if you can’t see them. Here are a few of the telltale signs of common home invaders: 

  • Squirrels: Since squirrels are only active during the day, you may hear some scurrying or skittering noises coming from your attic while you are awake.

  • Mice: Mice will be active at night, moving around and looking for food. You might even hear them chewing on items ranging from food containers to wires. Small, rice-shaped droppings are another sign of mice in your walls. 
  • Rats: Rats are also active at night. You may hear them running around in your pipes or walls. Compared to mice, though, the noise will be much louder and the droppings will be a bit bigger — usually about half an inch. 

Still not sure what animal is taking up residence in your home? Here are some other ways to identify your new guest:

  • Check entry points: Animals have different entry methods. For example, squirrels will chew a small hole for themselves, whereas raccoons will tear a big hole.

  • Google their poop: It may be gross, but the appearance of their feces will help you identify the animal.
  • Pay attention to their schedule: So you’re hearing a scratching noise in your attic.. when do you hear that the animals are most active? This schedule may narrow down your options.
  • Look for prints: If you can’t find any prints in dust or mud, sprinkle some flour around the perimeter and check back later.

How to Get Animals out of Your Walls

No matter what kind of animal you’re dealing with, you’ll want to reach out to a wildlife removal expert. There could be damage to your space, along with the health hazards associated with animal droppings or carcasses.

If you live in Texas, Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal has you covered. Our premier wildlife removal company can handle everything from removing or treating active pest issues to taking steps to exclude wildlife from coming back.

Learn More About Our Wildlife Removal Services

With a team of professionals trained to trap, remove, handle and treat all kinds of animals, you can count on Urban Jungle to identify what’s in your walls and remove it for good.

Contact us today to learn more and schedule wildlife removal services. Our team offers both residential and commercial services.