Stumbling across wildlife unexpectedly in your home can be frightening, but what is even more frightening is the potential damage wildlife can cause to your home. From pesky rodents to larger creatures like raccoons and birds, wildlife can cause significant issues and damage to your home. Here are a few possible ways wildlife can damage your home:
Structural Damage
Wildlife, especially rodents, can chew through various materials, including wood, plastic, and electrical wires. This behavior can compromise the integrity of your home and lead to structural damage. Gnawed and exposed wires can also pose a fire hazard, putting your family and property at risk.
Roof & Attic Damage
Wildlife like squirrels, raccoons, bats, rodents, and birds are known to seek refuge in attics and rooftops. They can create nests, chew through roofing or siding materials, and damage insulation. Their constant presence and behavioral activities can weaken the roof, leading to leaks and water damage, both expensive damages to repair.
Plumbing Issues
Many wildlife species are known for their dexterity and curiosity, which prompts them to enter your home or yard. Animals like moles and badgers are known for their digging and burrowing into yards. These curious animals may venture into your yard or crawl spaces looking for food and shelter and, in the process, damage your plumbing systems through their digging and burrowing. They can rupture pipes, leading to leaks, flooding, and expensive water damage repairs.
Landscaping & Garden Destruction
While most wildlife damage is often associated with a home’s physical structure, it is important not to overlook the impact they can have on landscaping or gardens. Many animals are known to routinely cause extensive damage to yards and gardens. Rabbits, skunks, and rodents can devour plants, flowers, and crops, destroying months of hard work and investment. Moles and voles can dig and burrow into yards uprooting plants and gardens.
Health and Safety Concerns
Besides the structural and financial damage, wildlife presence in your home can also pose serious health and safety risks. Animals can carry and spread dangerous diseases, contaminate food, or water sources, and leave droppings that can trigger respiratory issues. Many animals can become aggressive if cornered or threatened, making it hard to safely catch or trap animals. It is important to never approach a wild animal and to always call-in professionals if you find wildlife in your home.
Our professionals at Wildlife X Team can keep you and your home safe by removing wildlife from your property. Our experts have years of experience safely removing wildlife from homes. After removing wildlife, we will also provide services to repair any damage caused or left behind. Call for an inspection today!