I Have A Wildlife Problem, Now What?

For most homeowners, having to share their home with wild animals can be quite concerning. They lay in bed at night listening to this strange activity in the attic and they begin to have erratic thoughts of gapping holes in the roof, chewed wires, damaged insulation and even thoughts about their families safety should the animal fall through the drywall. Some homeowners envision less critical outcomes and later describe the noises as if the animals were bowling or moving furniture.

Personally I prefer that my customers think of the animals rolling a ball down a bowling alley rather than worrying unnecessarily about a rabid raccoon falling onto their bed. Though some wildlife removal companies may try to convince you that the latter is a real possibility in order to get the job. The fact of the matter is, the degree of damage caused by wildlife is directly proportionate to how long the animal is allowed to occupy your home and whether there is just one individual or a family living up there.

Wildlife problems should definitely be dealt with quickly after being first discovered. Many of my customers are wishful thinkers, they hope the animals will dislike living in their humble abode and will move out to live in their neighbours more luxurious quarters. For a wild animal any attic will do the job. The problem with waiting is that the animals will do significant damage if left to their own devices. Over time, as they travel in the attic they displace and pack down the insulation, costing the homeowner more in heating and cooling bills. Not to mention the cost involved to install new installation. Once disturbed the electrical wires that were once buried underneath the insulation are now visible and accessible. All wildlife like to chew and they do not discern between gnawing on a two by four roof truss or an electrical wire. Squirrels can cause considerable damage as they are rodents and continuously need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth to a manageable length.

The bottom line is if you have just discovered you have critters in your attic, don’t panic. While prolonged wildlife activity will cause damage, significant damage will not occur over night. Provided you call us within a week of the first sign of an animal problem there should not be a need to replace the insulation or have an electrician fix any chewed wires.

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.