How Do You Get Animals Out Of Your Walls

How to Get Animals Out of Your Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering animals living inside your walls is a homeowner's nightmare. It's unsettling, potentially damaging to your property, and can even pose health risks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through identifying the culprit, safely removing them, and preventing future infestations.

Identifying the Intruder

Before you begin any removal process, you need to identify the type of animal residing within your walls. This will inform your removal strategy and help you understand the potential damage they might be causing. Common culprits include:

• Rodents (Mice, Rats): These are the most common wall dwellers, attracted by food sources and shelter. They can cause significant damage to wiring, insulation, and wood.
• Squirrels: Known for their agility, squirrels can access surprisingly small openings. Their nesting habits can lead to extensive damage and noise.
• Birds: While less common, birds can nest in wall cavities, especially if there's an entry point near eaves or vents. Their droppings can create unsanitary conditions.
• Bats: These nocturnal creatures often seek shelter in wall voids during the day. Removing them requires special care and consideration due to their protected status in many areas.
• Insects: While not strictly "animals," insects like carpenter ants or termites can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked.

Safely Removing the Animals

Never attempt to handle wild animals yourself. Many can bite or scratch, and some carry diseases. Always prioritize your safety.

1. Seal Entry Points: The first step is to identify and seal any holes or openings that are allowing the animals access to your walls. Use steel wool, caulk, or mesh to effectively block these entry points. This prevents re-entry and will be crucial even after animal removal.

2. Professional Removal: For most situations, it's best to contact a wildlife removal professional. They have the experience, tools, and knowledge to safely and humanely remove the animals from your walls without causing further damage.

3. Trapping (for smaller animals): In cases involving rodents or small animals, you might consider using humane traps. Place these strategically near suspected entry points and release the animals far from your home. Always ensure the traps are placed responsibly, following all local guidelines and regulations.

4. Exclusion methods: Once the animals are removed, you need to prevent future infestations. This involves thoroughly sealing all identified entry points.

Preventing Future Infestations

Prevention is key! By taking these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future animal infestations in your walls:

• Regular Inspections: Perform routine inspections of your home's exterior, looking for cracks, gaps, or holes.
• Proper Sanitation: Keep your home clean and free of food scraps, garbage, and clutter that might attract animals.
• Landscaping: Maintain a well-maintained landscape, trimming back overgrown vegetation that could provide cover for animals.
• Secure Garbage Cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent animals from accessing food waste.

Dealing with Damage

Once the animals are removed, you might need to repair any damage they've caused to your walls, insulation, or wiring. This might involve replacing damaged materials, cleaning up droppings, and addressing any structural issues.

Remember: Addressing an animal infestation in your walls requires a multifaceted approach. Identifying the animals, safely removing them, and preventing future problems are all essential steps to protecting your home and your well-being. If you are uncertain about any aspect of this process, seeking professional assistance is always the safest course of action.