9 Signs You Should Call for Wildlife Removal Services

If you’ve ever heard scratching in the attic or noticed your dog barking at the walls for no reason, there’s a good chance you’re sharing your home with a wild guest.

It might not seem like a big deal at first, but wildlife problems can escalate fast. The longer they stay, the more damage they cause.

So how do you know when it’s time to call in the pros? Let’s look at the clearest signs it’s time to pick up the phone and call Critter Hero.

Unusual Noises in the Attic or Walls

It always starts with a sound. A faint scratching. A thump overhead. Maybe something scurrying when the house is quiet at night.

These noises often mean animals like raccoons, squirrels, or mice have made themselves at home. You might notice:

• Scratching or chewing sounds from walls or ceilings

• Thumping footsteps in the attic

• Rustling behind vents or ducts

Critter Hero Tip: Sounds that repeat around the same time every night are a dead giveaway. Wildlife tends to stick to a routine once they’ve settled in.

Strange Smells Around the House

Notice a musky, sour, or downright awful smell that won’t go away? That could be:

• Urine or droppings soaking into insulation

• Food stashes left by raccoons or rats

• A deceased animal in the walls or attic

If you’ve tried cleaning, opening windows, or lighting candles and it’s still there, it’s time for a professional inspection. Critter Hero’s team uses safe, humane removal methods and odor-neutralizing treatments to restore your home’s air quality.

Droppings, Nesting, or Chewed Materials

Wildlife doesn’t exactly clean up after itself. If you spot droppings, shredded paper, or chewed insulation, that’s a solid sign you’ve got company.

You might find this evidence in:

• The attic or basement

• Near pet food bowls or garbage bins

• Around heating vents or crawlspaces

Don’t touch droppings directly as they can carry harmful bacteria or parasites. Instead, take a photo if possible and share it with your wildlife specialist. At Critter Hero, we can identify the animal type just by the signs they leave behind.

Damage to Insulation, Wiring, or Ductwork

Wildlife can cause expensive damage in a short time. Squirrels chew through wires, raccoons rip up insulation, and birds block vents with nesting debris.

Here’s a quick look at what different animals can do:

If your energy bills are suddenly higher or certain rooms feel drafty, wildlife could be the culprit.

Tracks, Grease Marks, or Entry Holes Outside

Take a slow walk around your home’s exterior. Look near vents, chimneys, eaves, and the foundation. You might spot:

• Tiny footprints or scratch marks

• Greasy stains where animals squeeze through openings

• Holes chewed through wood or vents

It doesn’t take a big opening; mice can slip through a gap the size of a dime. Critter Hero’s inspections include finding and sealing these entry points so the animals can’t come back.

Pets Acting Weird

Sometimes your pets notice wildlife before you do. Dogs might bark at walls or ceiling corners. Cats might stare or hiss at vents. It’s easy to shrug it off, but animals have sharp senses for movement and smell.

If your pet’s acting on edge for days and you can’t find a reason, it could be worth calling in a professional for a quick attic check.

Nighttime Scratching or Movement

If it sounds like a midnight marathon in your attic, you’re probably not imagining things. Most wildlife, like raccoons, bats, and possums, are nocturnal. That means they’re most active when you’re trying to sleep.

Ignoring the problem won’t make it stop. In fact, they’ll often invite friends. And once they start breeding, the noise doubles.

Seeing Wildlife During the Day

Raccoons or possums wandering around in daylight might look cute, but it’s a red flag. These animals are normally active at night, so seeing them out in the open could mean:

• Their den has been disturbed

• They’re stressed or injured

• They may be sick (sometimes even rabid)

If you notice this behavior, don’t approach. Critter Hero’s licensed experts know how to handle wildlife safely and humanely, minimizing stress for both you and the animal.

Health or Safety Concerns

Wildlife can bring more than just noise. They can carry diseases, parasites, and allergens that put your family’s health at risk.

You might not see the danger right away, but droppings, fur, and nesting materials can contaminate your air. That’s especially concerning if you have kids, elderly family members, or pets.

Expert Insight from Critter Hero: “Even after we remove the animal, we always sanitize and deodorize affected areas. It’s not just about removing wildlife; it’s about restoring a healthy home.”

When to Call the Wildlife Removal Professionals

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait for things to get worse. DIY traps and sprays might sound tempting, but they often make animals panic or move deeper into your home.

Professionals can:

• Identify the exact animal species

• Safely and humanely remove them

• Seal entry points and prevent re-entry

• Clean and disinfect affected areas

Critter Hero has helped hundreds of homeowners reclaim their homes from unwanted guests. We treat every job with care, respect, and a focus on humane solutions that protect both your family and the animals.

How to Prevent Future Wildlife Problems

Once your home’s critter-free, a few small habits can help keep it that way:

1. Keep garbage bins sealed tightly.

2. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof.

3. Close pet doors at night.

4. Inspect vents and screens regularly for gaps.

And if you’re ever unsure, we offer preventive inspections to make sure your home stays safe and wildlife-free all year round.

Final Thoughts

Wildlife problems often start small, but they never stay that way. The moment you hear, see, or smell something unusual, it’s best to act quickly.

Whether it’s raccoons in the attic or squirrels chewing through wires, Critter Hero can help you take back your home the right way: humane, effective, and long-lasting.

Hear something strange? Smell something off?
Call Critter Hero today at +1 [289] 855-4376, and we’ll make sure your home is peaceful, safe, and critter-free again.