Wildlife Problems Landlords Shouldn’t Ignore (And How to Solve Them)

If you own a rental property, wildlife might not be the first thing on your mind. Most landlords worry about late rent, maintenance calls, or finding good tenants. But here’s the thing: ignoring wildlife problems can turn into one of the costliest mistakes you’ll make as a property owner.

We’ve seen it firsthand at Critter Hero. What starts as a small scratching noise in the attic can end up as chewed wires, roof damage, or even upset tenants threatening to break their lease.

Let’s walk through what you should look out for, why it matters, and how to deal with it before it gets out of control.

Common Wildlife Problems Landlords Face

Rental properties attract wildlife for the same reason they attract people: shelter and safety. Some of the most common issues landlords deal with include:

Raccoons in the Attic

Raccoons are strong and determined. They’ll rip through shingles or soffits to get inside. Once in the attic, they leave droppings, tear up insulation, and can even damage wiring. In many cases, landlords end up needing raccoon removal from the attic to keep the property safe and livable.

Squirrels in the Attic

Squirrels may look harmless, but when they get into attics, they chew constantly. That means shredded wood, damaged wires, and nests tucked into insulation. Quick action with squirrel removal from the attic helps prevent fires and costly repairs.

Skunks Around the Property

Skunks often dig under porches, decks, or sheds. Besides the obvious odor, they can spray when threatened, which is the last thing tenants want to deal with. Professional skunk removal is usually the safest way to handle them.

Opossums in Crawl Spaces

Opossums usually slip into crawl spaces or under homes. They leave behind droppings, attract pests, and can carry parasites that put tenants and pets at risk. Humane opossum removal keeps them from becoming a recurring problem.

Rodents Indoors (Mice and Rats)

Mice and rats sneak in through tiny cracks. Once inside, they chew wires, contaminate food, and multiply quickly, turning a small problem into a big one.

Critter Hero Tip: One of the sneakiest problems we see is squirrels chewing through soffits to get into attics. They may look cute, but they can cause serious fire hazards by gnawing on wires.

Signs Wildlife May Be Living on Your Rental Property

Tenants might not always report wildlife right away. Some think it’s “just a mouse,” others don’t want to bother their landlord. Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• Scratching or thumping noises in walls or ceilings

• Droppings in attics, basements, or along baseboards

• Strong odors that don’t go away with cleaning

• Nesting material like leaves, insulation, or shredded paper

• Complaints about fleas or strange smells

If you hear “I think there’s something in the attic,” don’t brush it off. That’s usually your first warning sign.

How Wildlife Can Damage Rental Properties

Ignoring a wildlife problem doesn’t make it go away. It usually makes things worse. Here’s what can happen:

• Structural damage (chewed beams, insulation ripped apart)

• Fire hazards (gnawed wiring is a major cause of house fires)

• Health risks (droppings carry bacteria, parasites, and disease)

• Lost value (tenants leave, reputation suffers, repair bills skyrocket)

Think of it like a leaky roof. If you patch it early, it’s manageable. Wait too long, and you’re paying thousands.

Tenant Safety and Legal Responsibilities

As a landlord, you’re not just protecting your property, you’re responsible for your tenants’ safety. That means:

• Keeping the rental free from health hazards

• Handling infestations promptly

• Following local and state rules on humane wildlife removal

Neglecting these duties could lead to tenant complaints, withheld rent, or even legal action. And no one wants a lawsuit over a raccoon.

Why Wildlife Problems Can’t Be Ignored

Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:

• Small repairs can balloon into full roof replacements

• Tenants may break their lease if they feel unsafe

• Local authorities can fine you for failing to deal with infestations

At Critter Hero, we’ve had landlords call us after trying to ignore the problem for months. By the time we arrived, the damage was ten times worse (and so was the bill).

DIY vs. Professional Wildlife Removal for Landlords

Some landlords think they can handle wildlife problems on their own. That’s where the debate of DIY vs professional pest control comes in. Sure, there are a few things you might be able to manage yourself, but when it comes to larger animals on your property, going the DIY route can be risky.

Our advice? Stick to professional wildlife removal for anything larger than a mouse. It’s safer for you, your tenants, and the animals.

Preventing Wildlife Issues in Rental Properties

Prevention is always cheaper than cleanup. Here are some quick tips:

1. Schedule seasonal property inspections

2. Seal cracks, vents, and gaps where animals can get in

3. Keep garbage bins sealed and away from the house

4. Trim back trees and branches that touch the roof

5. Remind tenants not to leave pet food outdoors

Critter Hero Expert Insight: We offer regular property checks for landlords who want peace of mind. It’s much easier to stop squirrels from getting in than to evict them once they’re settled.

When to Call a Wildlife Removal Service

Don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Call for help if:

• Tenants report noises or odors

• You find droppings, nests, or chewed areas

• DIY traps aren’t working

• The same problem keeps coming back

Critter Hero specializes in humane wildlife removal, which means we get the animals out safely, seal up the property, and help you prevent it from happening again.

Key Takeaways for Landlords

• Wildlife problems cost more the longer you ignore them

• Tenants expect you to act quickly and keep them safe

• Prevention and professional removal save time, money, and headaches

So, if you hear scratching in the attic or your tenants are complaining about smells, don’t wait. Give Critter Hero a call at +1 [289] 855-4376. We’ll help you protect your investment, your tenants, and your peace of mind.