What NOT to Do When You Spot Wildlife in Your Home

Finding a raccoon in your attic or a squirrel in your kitchen is stressful. Your first instinct might be to panic or go into full “DIY warrior mode.” But before you grab a broom or YouTube a removal tutorial, there are a few things you really shouldn’t do.

At Critter Hero, we’ve seen just about every type of wildlife situation in Hamilton and surrounding areas, and we can tell you this: most disasters start with a homeowner trying to fix things alone. This guide walks you through the mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.

Why Wildlife Ends Up Inside Your Home

Animals don’t break in just to annoy you. Most of the time, they’re looking for:

• Warm shelter (especially in winter)

• Food and water

• A safe place to have babies

If they find an opening, they’ll take the opportunity. That doesn’t make them bad, just inconvenient guests.

Good news: you can solve the problem quickly with the right steps. Just avoid the wrong ones first.

Signs of Wildlife in the House You Should Not Ignore

You might not see the animal at first. Often the signs show up before the critter does.

Look out for:

• Scratching or scurrying in walls or ceilings

• Strange smells

• Droppings in the basement or attic

• Chewed wiring or insulation

Many homeowners shrug these off. That’s a common mistake because wildlife problems rarely get better on their own, they get louder and more expensive.

Do Not Try to Chase or Corner Wildlife Yourself

This one is tempting. You see the animal, you want it gone. Totally normal reaction.

But cornering or chasing wildlife can lead to:

• Bites or scratches

• Defensive attacks

• The animal panicking and running deeper into the house

Wild animals get scared too. And scared animals don’t behave logically.

🔎 Critter Hero Pro Tip:

“When an animal feels trapped, its survival instinct kicks in. Give it space and call someone trained to handle the situation safely.”

Avoid Touching Animals, Even If They Look Harmless

That baby raccoon may look like a plush toy, but even small animals can carry:

• Rabies

• Parasites

• Bacteria

• Viruses

Some infections don’t show symptoms immediately. If it’s wild, don’t touch it, don’t feed it, and definitely don’t try to pick it up.

Never Use Poison or DIY Wildlife Removal Traps

Using poison or homemade traps creates a whole new set of problems:

Many homeowners switch from DIY to pro help only after something goes wrong. Save yourself the headache and skip the risky solutions.

Do Not Block Entry Points Before Wildlife Is Fully Removed

This mistake happens a lot. People seal the hole, thinking it solves the problem. But if the animal is still inside, you just:

• Trap it in your home

• Increase damage as it tries to chew its way out

• Risk accidentally separating a mother from her babies

If you’re hearing activity but aren’t sure if anything is still inside, don’t seal anything yet. A wildlife specialist can confirm the all clear before repairs happen.

Avoid Ignoring Noises or Droppings

It might be nothing… but it might also be a family of raccoons starting a “renovation” in your attic with their claws and teeth.

Putting it off usually means:

• Higher repair bills

• Bigger nests

• Larger messes

• More critters

Small signs rarely stay small.

Do Not Assume the Animal Will Leave on Its Own

Sometimes wildlife comes in and leaves again. But just as often, it decides your home is the new all-inclusive resort.

If there’s warmth, food, shelter, or nesting materials, many animals stay. Squirrels, raccoons, bats, mice, and skunks are especially known for settling in.

Never Attempt Wildlife Removal Without Proper Safety Gear

Professionals wear gloves, bite-proof jackets, masks, respirators, and carry equipment designed for safe capture. Homeowners usually have:

• A towel

• Gardening gloves

• A broom

Not ideal. Wildlife removal is not like removing a spider from the shower. Protect yourself and let someone equipped handle it.

Avoid Leaving Food Sources Available

Once wildlife finds an easy meal, they remember. If you don’t want a return visit:

• Store food in airtight containers

• Keep pet food off the floor

• Clean garbage cans regularly

• Secure compost bins

• Avoid leaving open snacks in the kitchen overnight

A little prevention goes a long way.

Do Not Put Off Calling a Professional Wildlife Control Service

The sooner someone qualified checks the situation, the faster the problem is solved and the less damage you’ll deal with.

At Critter Hero, we:

• Offer same day assessment

• Respond 24/7 for wildlife emergencies

• Use humane removal methods

• Inspect the property inside and out

• Identify entry points and future risks

• Guarantee the problem is completely resolved

No guesswork. No frustration. Just a fast, friendly solution from people who handle cases like yours every day.

What To Do Instead: Safe and Humane Steps

If you spot wildlife in your home, here’s the calm, smart checklist:

1. Stay safe

Keep kids and pets away.

2. Give the animal space

Don’t chase, corner, or approach it.

3. Don’t block exits

It may worsen the situation.

4. Note what you’re seeing

Sounds, smells, droppings, or sightings help the technician diagnose the situation.

5. Call a licensed wildlife removal professional

Preferably one who offers same day help (like us).

When in Doubt, Call Critter Hero

Wildlife problems can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with them before. But you’re not alone. We help homeowners in Hamilton and the GTA every day with safe, humane, and quick wildlife removal.

If something is scratching, squeaking, or staring at you from the attic… we’re ready to handle it. Call Critter Hero today at +1 [289] 855-4376!