Wildlife Left Your Home in Ruins? Here’s How to Reclaim Your Space!

Wildlife Left Your Home in Ruins? Here’s How to Reclaim Your Space!

As a suburban homeowner, there are a lot of things that can catch you off guard—unexpected plumbing problems, a broken appliance, or even a surprise visit from a neighbor. But nothing quite prepares you for the shock of discovering that wildlife has invaded your home. Whether it’s squirrels nesting in your attic or raccoons tearing through your roof, the damage left behind can be overwhelming. But don’t panic! With the right knowledge and steps, you can reclaim your space and restore your home to its former glory.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through assessing the damage, fixing the issues, and preventing future infestations. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Assessing the Damage

How to Spot Wildlife Damage in Your Home

The first thing you need to do when you suspect wildlife has made itself at home is to carefully inspect your property for damage. You’d be surprised how quickly small animals can cause significant destruction. When we had squirrels move into our attic, I was shocked to find that they had chewed through not only the insulation but also some of the wiring in the walls. Here are some common signs of wildlife damage to look for:

Chewed Wires and Pipes: If you’ve noticed flickering lights or water issues, the critters could have chewed through your wiring or plumbing.
Shredded Insulation: Insulation is a favorite nesting material for squirrels, raccoons, and bats. A large pile of shredded insulation could be a clear sign of their activity.
Droppings and Urine: Droppings in your attic, walls, or around entry points are a telltale sign of wildlife living within your home. Not only are they unpleasant, but they can also carry dangerous diseases.
Holes or Entry Points: Look for signs of damage around vents, siding, roofing, and windows. If there’s a hole, there’s a good chance wildlife found a way in.

Why You Should Get a Professional Assessment

While it’s important to do your own initial check, some damage might be hidden behind walls, ceilings, or insulation. For example, when we had squirrels invade, I initially thought they were only in the attic. But after hiring a professional, I learned they had chewed through a section of the ceiling and were living within the walls. A professional assessment ensures you don’t miss hidden damage and helps you avoid health risks like exposure to bacteria or mold.

Step 2: Prioritize Health and Safety

The Health Risks of Wildlife Damage

When wildlife takes up residence in your home, they don’t just leave behind shredded insulation and chewed-up wires—they can also introduce dangerous contaminants like urine, feces, and parasites. These can lead to serious health concerns, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and even salmonella. I learned this the hard way when we had to deal with a bat infestation. The amount of guano (bat droppings) in our attic was staggering, and it posed a significant health risk to my family.

Here are a few tips for handling contamination:

Wear Protective Gear: If you’re dealing with droppings or debris, always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles. Protect yourself from exposure to pathogens.
Ventilate Affected Areas: If you can, open windows or doors to allow fresh air into contaminated areas. This helps reduce the spread of airborne particles.

When to Call in a Biohazard Cleanup Team

If the damage is extensive or you suspect dangerous contamination, you may need a professional biohazard cleanup team. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove harmful waste and decontaminate your space, minimizing health risks for your family.

Step 3: Repairing the Damage

Fixing Structural Issues

Once the area has been safely inspected and cleaned, it’s time to address the damage caused by the animals. This step can be both frustrating and costly, but it’s crucial to restore your home’s integrity. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Wiring and Plumbing Repairs: If wildlife has chewed through your wiring or plumbing, you’ll need to have a licensed electrician and plumber come in to fix the issue. This was the biggest expense for us when we had squirrels in our attic.
Roof and Siding Damage: From chewed holes to large dents in the siding, these types of damages need to be repaired quickly to avoid further weather-related damage. We had to patch up several holes and reinforce some parts of the roof where the raccoons had gained access.

Restoring Insulation and HVAC Systems

Another part of the repair process involves replacing any damaged insulation and cleaning your HVAC system if it was contaminated. Insulation keeps your home energy-efficient, and damaged insulation can make it more expensive to heat or cool your home. We had to replace nearly all of the insulation in our attic after the squirrels had made a mess. This was costly, but it was essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment.

If your HVAC ducts have been compromised, you’ll need to have them cleaned and repaired to ensure the system is running efficiently and safely.

Step 4: Preventing Future Infestations

Seal Entry Points

One of the most important steps to take after repairing damage is to ensure that wildlife can’t return. Animals, especially rodents, are relentless about finding ways back inside once they’ve had access to your home. After our raccoon incident, we made it a priority to thoroughly seal all potential entry points. Here’s how:

Inspect and Seal Holes: Check your roof, siding, vents, and any cracks in the foundation. Seal these areas using durable materials like steel mesh or caulk.
Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: Ensure that chimneys and vents are capped securely to prevent animals from getting in.

Wildlife Deterrents

To further prevent wildlife from entering your home, consider using deterrents. Here are a few options:

Motion-Activated Lights: These can scare away nocturnal animals like raccoons.
Ultrasonic Repellents: These devices emit sounds that irritate animals but are undetectable to humans.
Secure Trash and Food: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed, and remove food sources like pet food or bird seed that could attract animals to your yard.

Step 5: Insurance and Costs

Does Home Insurance Cover Wildlife Damage?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that insurance may cover some wildlife-related damage, depending on the policy. However, there are usually specific exclusions, such as damage caused by animals already living in the home. It’s worth reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage and to make sure all damage is documented properly for potential claims.

Repair Costs and Budgeting

The cost of repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. For us, repairing the roof and insulation was a significant expense, but it was necessary to ensure our home was safe and secure. Here’s a rough breakdown of potential costs:

Animal removal services: $200-$500 (depending on the animal and location)
Structural repairs: $500-$5,000 or more
Insulation replacement: $1,000-$3,000

To save on costs, get multiple quotes from contractors and check your local resources for any financial assistance programs.

Step 6: When to Call in the Experts

While it’s tempting to tackle everything yourself, some situations call for professional help. If you’ve experienced extensive damage or suspect ongoing wildlife activity, it’s time to call in an expert. Here’s how to find a reliable wildlife removal company:

Check Reviews and References: Look for companies with great reviews and positive referrals from past clients.
Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured: Always verify that the company has the proper licenses and insurance to protect your home.