Nuisance Wildlife in Homes: Risks, Entry Points, and Prevention

Homeowners often discover uninvited wild animals taking up residence in their houses. These nuisance wildlife intruders – ranging from rodents to larger mammals – are not the wood-destroying insects (WDOs) like termites or carpenter ants, but they can still cause significant property damage and health concerns. Common culprits in our region include squirrels, raccoons, bats, opossums, skunks, porcupines, snakes, and various birds that find ways into attics, crawlspaces, and walls. Understanding the habits of these animals and the risks they pose is an important part of homeownership and a frequent focus during home inspections.

Squirrels in the Attic and Walls

Squirrels are agile rodents that easily climb onto roofs and eaves, using overhanging tree branches as natural bridges. Once on your home, they won’t hesitate to gnaw their way inside: squirrels sometimes chew through siding or under eaves to access attics, where they build nests and store food​mdc.mo.gov. This chewing behavior isn’t just an entry method – it’s a lifelong habit for squirrels to wear down their ever-growing teeth. Unfortunately, it can lead to serious damage: wiring in the attic may be gnawed bare (creating fire hazards), wooden beams or deck railings can be chewed, and shingles or underlayment may be torn, causing roof leaks​mdc.mo.gov. Homeowners might notice scratching noises in the ceiling or walls, especially during early morning, which often indicates squirrels at work. If a squirrel dies in a wall or attic, it can also create a strong odor and attract other pests. Keeping tree limbs trimmed back from the roofline is a key prevention step to reduce squirrel access, and any openings should be sealed with sturdy wire mesh to keep these rodents out​mdc.mo.gov.

Raccoons: Masked Nighttime Invaders

Raccoons are notorious for breaking into homes – literally. These intelligent, strong mammals have nimble paws and can pry, tear, or chew their way into attics or crawlspaces if they sense a safe denning spot. It’s common for raccoons (especially pregnant females) to rip off attic vent screens or loosen shingles and fascia boards to make a hole into the attic​extension.missouri.edu. A homeowner might hear heavy thumping or chattering at night if a raccoon family moves in. Once inside, raccoons can trample and contaminate insulation, chew through ductwork, and even tear up electrical wiring in the process of nesting or searching for food. They also create latrine areas – raccoons habitually use a single spot for defecation, which can lead to a concentrated pile of droppings in an attic or chimney. These feces pose a serious health hazard because they often contain Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm​extension.missouri.edu. Humans can contract this parasite by accidentally inhaling or ingesting microscopic eggs from raccoon feces, and although such infections are rare, they can be severe (causing blindness or neurological damage)​cdc.gov​extension.missouri.edu. Raccoons are also vectors of other diseases (discussed later) and carry fleas and ticks that drop off in the home​extension.missouri.edu. If raccoons are active on your property, secure your trash cans with locking lids and do not leave pet food outdoors, as these easily attract these “trash pandas.” Chimneys should be capped with a sturdy wire mesh and any damaged soffits or roof vents need prompt repair to prevent raccoon break-ins​mdc.mo.gov.

Bats Roosting in the House

Bats are beneficial insect-eaters in the ecosystem, but they become a problem when they roost in a home. In the four-state area, various bat species can be found, and they often seek out quiet, dark refuges in attics, eaves, or wall voids. Bats can gain entry through surprisingly small openings – gaps as narrow as 3/8 to 1/2 inch (about the diameter of a dime) around eaves, vents, or chimneys are enough for them to squeeze through​mdc.mo.gov. Homeowners might not notice a single bat, but as colonies form, you may hear squeaking or chittering noises at dusk, or find dark streaks (bat guano and oils) staining an entry point. The droppings (guano) they leave behind accumulate in piles beneath roosting spots and can produce a strong, ammonia-like odor. Guano not only soils insulation and drywall, but when it decays it can grow fungus that leads to histoplasmosis – a lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores from bat (or bird) droppings​cdc.gov. In closed attic spaces, this can become a significant health risk if disturbed. Bats, like all mammals, can also carry rabies, although rabid bats are uncommon and they typically avoid humans​mdc.mo.gov. Because of these risks, never handle a live bat found in your home with bare hands. If one is found flying in a room, the CDC recommends safely capturing it (if possible without direct contact) and having it tested for rabies, especially if it was in a bedroom with a sleeping person​cdc.gov. The safest way to remove bats is through exclusion: once any young bats have matured and left (usually late summer), a wildlife professional can install one-way exit devices and then seal up entry holes to prevent their return​mdc.mo.gov​mdc.mo.gov.

Opossums in Crawlspaces and Garages

The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial and is a common scavenger around neighborhoods. Opossums are nocturnal and not particularly agile climbers, so they usually invade homes at ground level. An opossum may wander into an open garage or shed, or take shelter under a deck or in a crawlspace if it finds an access point. They can squeeze through fairly tight spots under foundations or through broken vent screens. Once inside, opossums are known to raid garbage or pet food storage, and they might tear up duct insulation or vapor barriers in crawlspaces to make a comfy nest. Often a telltale sign is the mess and droppings they leave, or a large, slow-moving grey animal seen waddling away when you open a shed door. Opossums have a relatively low body temperature, so they rarely carry rabies compared to other mammals – a fact that often surprises homeowners. However, they can still pose health risks by carrying fleas and ticks (which can transmit diseases) and through their urine or feces. Opossum urine, like that of other wild mammals, can contain bacteria like Leptospira (which causes leptospirosis) that spread in wet environments​cdc.gov. If an opossum takes up residence, it may also die in the confined space, leading to odor and insect problems. To prevent opossums, seal off ground-level openings: install sturdy barriers or wire mesh around deck undersides, repair gaps in skirting or siding, and ensure crawlspace access panels close securely. Removing attractants is key as well – keep trash sealed and pet food indoors at night.

Skunks Under the House

Skunks are infamous for the foul-smelling spray they use as a defense, and you definitely don’t want that smell permeating your home. In our region, the striped skunk is common and often seeks shelter under structures. Skunks will take refuge under porches, decks, or crawlspaces by entering through open or loosely sealed gaps at ground level. In some cases, they may dig short burrows under foundations or concrete slabs to create a den, particularly females preparing to have babies. The first clue to a skunk problem is usually the smell – even a minor spray or the animal’s natural musk can be noticeable. You might also see small cone-shaped holes in the yard, evidence of skunks digging for grubs. Under a house, skunks can tear up insulation or vapor barriers for nesting, and their presence can attract insects (like flies around any droppings). More urgently, skunks are one of the primary rabies carriers in the Midwest, responsible for a significant portion of rabies cases in wildlife​cdc.gov​cdc.gov. This makes it dangerous if a skunk is cornered in a crawlspace or if a pet tangles with one. The best prevention for skunks is exclusion: block or seal any ground-level openings with sturdy materials like wire mesh, wood, or metal flashing​mdc.mo.gov. Because skunks can burrow, it’s wise to bury the mesh 6–12 inches into the ground around decks or sheds to stop them from digging under​mdc.mo.gov. If you suspect a skunk has already made a den, handle with care (do not approach it directly) and consider contacting a professional who can humanely encourage it to leave before you seal up the access.

Porcupines and Gnawing Damage

Porcupines are less common than squirrels or raccoons, but they do inhabit parts of this region – particularly Kansas and nearby areas with forests or rocky hills​webapps.fhsu.edu. The North American porcupine is a large rodent with a coat of sharp quills. While they are usually found in rural woodlands, porcupines may wander near homes and sometimes even enter sheds or understructures in search of food or salt. Homeowners are unlikely to find a porcupine living in the attic (they aren’t agile climbers of buildings), but you might find chew marks on exterior wood: porcupines are notorious for gnawing on wooden structures, tool handles, and siding. They have a craving for salt and minerals, often chewing plywood, decks, or even vehicle tires that have salt on them. In fact, porcupines can damage and even kill trees by gnawing the bark, and they will “even gnaw at uninhabited wooden buildings” when drawn by the taste​northernwoodlands.org. Around a home, this gnawing can ruin porch steps, door frames, or sticks of lumber. Fortunately, porcupines are shy and nocturnal – if confronted, they won’t attack but they will raise and release their quills if touched (pets like curious dogs often learn this the hard way). To deter porcupines, keep yard vegetation trimmed and don’t leave salty food scraps or pet food outside. If you live near wild areas, reinforce lower portions of structures with metal flashing or hard mesh that a porcupine can’t easily chew through. Farm and ranch owners sometimes use electric fences at the base of wooden corrals or buildings to stop porcupine gnawing, but most homeowners in suburban settings will never encounter this animal. In the rare event a porcupine does become a nuisance on your property, a wildlife control professional can relocate it, as these animals are considered game species in some states (Kansas, for example, allows landowners to trap porcupines causing damage)​ksoutdoors.com.

Snakes in and Around the Home

Few sights startle a homeowner more than finding a snake inside the house. Snakes are common across Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas – from harmless garden snakes to the venomous copperheads or rattlesnakes that inhabit certain areas. They are excellent at finding entry points because they can slither through very small cracks and gaps. A snake following the scent of mice may enter through a gap under a garage door, a weep hole in brick siding, or a space around pipes or cables. If your home has unsealed openings, snakes can and will get inside, hunting for rodents or a cool place to hide; as Missouri’s Department of Conservation notes about one common species, “They can enter human-built structures that are not sealed sufficiently to exclude them; thus they may also be found along beams in barns and attics and between walls of homes.”​mdc.mo.gov. In basements and crawlspaces, snakes might coil up in corners or under insulation on cool concrete. The primary issue with snakes is the understandable fear they invoke – and the potential danger if the snake is venomous. In this region, the main venomous snakes to watch for are copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and rattlesnakes, which could wander into yards or even structures near wild areas​extension.missouri.edu. However, the majority of snakes found in houses are non-venomous (like rat snakes or garter snakes) and actually help by eating mice and insects. Still, even non-venomous snakes can bite if threatened, and nobody welcomes an uninvited serpent indoors. To prevent snake intrusions, seal cracks in your home’s foundation and walls, fix or cover any gaps around doors and windows, and keep shrubbery and rock piles away from the foundation (these provide shelter that can lead snakes right to your walls). It’s also crucial to control rodent populations – if you have a mice infestation, snakes may show up for the easy meal. During a home inspection, finding shed snake skins in an attic or crawlspace is a sign that entry points exist and need sealing. If a live snake is found in your home and you’re unsure of the species, it’s wise to contact animal control or a professional snake removal service to avoid risking a venomous bite.

Birds as Nuisance Animals

Birds might not fit the typical image of “infesting” a home, but certain bird species commonly create problems for homeowners. In our area, pigeons are a major urban pest – they roost on roofs and eaves, and their droppings not only deface and corrode surfaces but can harbor diseases. In more suburban or rural settings, European starlings and house sparrows are frequent offenders. These invasive birds often sneak into attics or soffits to build their messy nests, or they clog up dryer vents and stove exhaust vents with nesting material. Homeowners might hear fluttering or chirping in the vent pipes or attic fan openings when a bird has nested there. Besides the noise and nuisance of nesting, the accumulated droppings from roosting birds can pose health risks similar to bat guano. When dry bird droppings break apart, they can release fungi like Histoplasma into the air, potentially causing histoplasmosis if inhaled​cdc.gov. Pigeon droppings in a loft or barn can likewise lead to lung infections for those who clean them without protection. Additionally, bird nests in vents or chimneys can become fire hazards (when dry straw and twigs are packed near a dryer’s hot exhaust or a fireplace chimney). Birds can also bring in mites, ticks, and other ectoparasites into the home. Prevention involves a mix of exclusion and habitat modification: keep vent openings screened (with hardware cloth that still allows airflow), install chimney caps, and consider spikes or other deterrents on ledges that pigeons frequent. If you have a birdhouse or feeder, place it well away from the house so it doesn’t inadvertently encourage birds to explore your siding or roof. Remember that some bird species (especially migratory birds like chimney swifts or barn swallows) are protected by law, so removing active nests might require waiting until the nesting season is over or getting a permit. A home inspector who finds lots of feathers, nesting debris, or droppings in an attic will likely advise checking for and sealing any entry points to prevent ongoing bird intrusion.

Diseases Carried by Nuisance Wildlife

One of the biggest concerns with wildlife intruders is the disease risk they pose to humans. These animals can be vectors or carriers of various zoonotic diseases (illnesses that jump from animals to people), either through direct contact, bites, or exposure to their droppings. Homeowners should be aware of the following key diseases associated with the common pests discussed:

• Rabies: This deadly virus affects the nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. In the United States, rabies is now mostly found in wild animals, with bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes being the top carriers​cdc.gov. Our region unfortunately has all these species present. Raccoons and skunks are particularly noteworthy in the Midwest – nearly 3 in 4 Americans live in a community where raccoons, skunks, or foxes carry rabies​cdc.gov. Bats, while small, are the leading cause of rabies deaths in the U.S. (often because people don’t realize they were bitten while handling a bat)​cdc.gov. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, so any potential exposure (like a bite, or a bat found in a bedroom) must be taken very seriously. If there’s even a chance of contact with a rabid animal, seek medical advice immediately – post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent rabies if given promptly​cdc.gov​cdc.gov. The best protection is to avoid contact with wild mammals behaving strangely and to keep your pets vaccinated (as pets often serve as a bridge between wildlife and humans in rabies transmission).

• Histoplasmosis: This is a respiratory infection caused by a fungus (Histoplasma capsulatum) that thrives in soil mixed with bird or bat droppings. When those droppings in an attic, barn, or soil beneath a roost dry out, they can release fungal spores into the air. People who inhale the spores may develop flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases (especially those with weakened immune systems) it can cause serious lung disease. The fungus is common in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, which include Missouri and parts of Kansas/Arkansas, so histoplasmosis is a well-known risk with accumulations of bat guano or pigeon droppings. According to the CDC, people get histoplasmosis by breathing in spores from soil or droppings that get disturbed into the air​cdc.gov. A homeowner cleaning out a long-neglected attic full of bat droppings without a proper mask, for example, could be at risk. To avoid exposure, never sweep or vacuum dry bat or bird droppings in a confined space; instead, dampen them slightly (to reduce dust) and use protective gear or, preferably, hire a professional remediation service that knows how to handle hazardous droppings safely.

• Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans, caused by Leptospira bacteria. It is often associated with rodents (like rats in cities), but it can be carried by many wild animals including raccoons, skunks, and opossums. The bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals​cdc.gov. In a home context, leptospirosis might become a risk if, say, raccoons or rodents urinate frequently in an attic or crawlspace and a person comes into contact with contaminated materials or water. Humans can contract it through skin cuts or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) that contact water or soil contaminated with the urine​cdc.gov. For example, a flood in a crawlspace that had a lot of animal urine could carry the bacteria. Leptospirosis in people can cause a range of symptoms from mild fever to, in rare cases, a serious condition called Weil’s disease affecting the liver and kidneys. Preventing this largely comes down to good hygiene and cleanup – if you’re cleaning areas where animals have been, wear gloves and disinfect surfaces. Also, try to eliminate situations that allow wildlife urine to accumulate (such as fixing leaky roofs that invite animals and promptly removing those animals).

• Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascariasis): We touched on this in the raccoon section, but to reiterate: raccoon droppings can contain eggs of the Baylisascaris roundworm. Skunks have a similar parasite (Baylisascaris columnaris)​cdc.gov. Humans (especially young children playing in dirt) can accidentally ingest these hardy eggs and become infected. Unlike many parasites that cause mild illness, Baylisascaris can be devastating if multiple larvae migrate to vital organs like the brain or eyes. While infection is uncommon, the severity (blindness, neurological damage) makes it one to be aware of wherever raccoon feces are present​cdc.gov. Homeowners should never handle raccoon feces with bare hands; if you find a raccoon latrine in your attic or on your deck, use extreme care in removing and disposing of it. Wear gloves and a mask, double-bag the waste, and wash thoroughly. Some experts even recommend torching the area with a propane torch, as the eggs are tough and resistant to many disinfectants (heat can kill them). Again, professional wildlife cleaners can safely sanitize heavy contamination.

• Salmonella and other infections: Wild animals can carry common bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli that contaminate surfaces via their droppings or body. For instance, reptiles (including snakes) are well known to carry Salmonella on their skin and in their feces – if a snake has been crawling over pantry goods or in a kitchen (a rare scenario, but not impossible in an infested home), it could spread bacteria. Birds can also spread Salmonella (bird feeders sometimes become sources of Salmonella outbreaks among songbirds, which can then be transmitted to people handling the feeders). While these are less of a “home infestation” disease and more general, it’s wise to treat any area inhabited by wildlife as potentially contaminated. Always disinfect areas where animals have nested or traveled, and wash your hands after handling anything that came into contact with wild critters.

In summary, nuisance wildlife can bring an unseen danger into your home in the form of germs and parasites. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health agencies advise avoiding direct contact with wild animals and their droppings. If you must clean up after them, use personal protective equipment (gloves, masks) and proper disinfectants. By preventing wildlife intrusions in the first place, you also greatly reduce these health risks inside your living space.

How Wildlife Get Inside & the Damage They Leave

Wild animals are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding shelter. Understanding how they enter homes can help you guard against them. Most of these creatures exploit weaknesses or openings in the exterior of a house:

• Roofline and Attic Entry: Many animals get in from above. Overhanging tree limbs can give squirrels and raccoons easy access to the roof. Raccoons in particular target attics – they’ll tug at loose shingles, vents, or eave soffits until they create a hole​extension.missouri.edu. Squirrels will exploit knotholes or rotten wood to chew their way into an attic​mdc.mo.gov. Bats and birds look for small gaps in fascia boards, ridge vents, or gable vents; they only need a tiny gap or a missing vent screen to slip inside​mdc.mo.gov. Once an entry exists, other creatures may enlarge it – for example, a woodpecker hole in siding might later serve as a door for sparrows or bats. Homeowners should regularly inspect the roof and eaves for signs of dislodged vent covers, chewed openings, or loose flashing. Even daytime, you might notice telltale signs: staining around a gap (from oils in animal fur), nesting material poking out, or sounds emanating from up high.

• Foundations, Crawlspaces, and Ground Entry: The lower parts of a house are prime entry points for skunks, opossums, snakes, and sometimes rats or mice (even though we aren’t focusing on mice here, the same holes they use could admit larger animals). Skunks and opossums often wiggle under improperly sealed crawlspace doors or through broken vent screens leading under the house​mdc.mo.gov. If there’s an existing hole burrowed by a groundhog or eroded by water, skunks may enlarge it to make a den under a porch. Snakes are infamous for exploiting any gap at ground level – gaps under exterior doors, cracks in the foundation, missing mortar between bricks, or openings where utility lines enter. A western ratsnake for instance can push through an opening the size of a quarter if it smells a mouse on the other side. As one source notes, if your structure isn’t “sealed sufficiently to exclude them,” snakes can end up “between walls of homes” or in basements​mdc.mo.gov. To secure the ground level, seal cracks in foundations, use galvanized mesh to cover crawlspace vents (with holes small enough to keep snakes and rodents out), install door sweeps on garage and exterior doors, and consider digging an L-shaped footer of mesh around decks to stop burrowing animals.

• Chimneys and Vents: Chimneys mimic hollow trees, so raccoons and chimney swifts love them. Raccoons (especially mother raccoons) readily climb inside uncapped chimneys to have their young – they view it as a safe, elevated den. Birds like swifts will nest on chimney walls, and bats might use them as an access route to the attic. Likewise, dryer vents, stove vents, and bathroom exhaust vents on the side of the house can be invaded if they lack proper covers. Starlings are notorious for stuffing dryer vents with nests, and small mammals can sometimes crawl through these ducts into the house. Installing a chimney cap (with a mesh screen) is essential to keep larger critters out​mdc.mo.gov. For smaller vents, ensure each has a louvered cover or hardware cloth barrier that still allows airflow but blocks animals. Check that your attic fan openings are screened too.

When these animals get inside, the damage can range from minor nuisance to severe property issues. Some of the common types of damage include:

• Chewed Wiring and Fire Hazards: Rodents like squirrels chew wires, as do rats and mice. This gnawing can strip away insulation from electrical wires in attics or walls, greatly increasing the risk of short circuits and fires. According to some insurance and fire safety statistics, a notable percentage of unexplained attic fires are thought to be caused by rodents chewing electrical lines. Squirrels have been directly observed causing attic fires by this mechanism, and it’s one reason an inspector might flag evidence of rodents as a safety concern. Always address wildlife chew damage promptly and consider having an electrician evaluate the wiring if you’ve had a significant infestation.

• Insulation Destruction and Soiling: When animals nest in insulation (whether fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose), they compress and move it, reducing its effectiveness. Raccoons will pat down large sections of attic insulation into a “bed” and often shred HVAC duct insulation for nesting material. The bigger issue is contamination: droppings and urine get absorbed into insulation, leaving stains and odors. Bat guano accumulating on top of insulation can saturate it and even cause drywall ceilings below to stain or sag under the weight. In a crawlspace, animal feces and urine can lead to lingering odors that seep up into the house. Feces of carnivorous animals (like raccoons or skunks) also contain compounds that can cause an intensely unpleasant smell (raccoon feces, in particular, has a rancid odor). Replacement of soiled insulation and thorough disinfecting is often required after an infestation.

• Structural and Wood Damage: Larger animals can damage wood structures while trying to get in or out. Raccoons tearing a hole can splinter wood and leave sections of the roof open to rain, causing water damage and rot. Squirrels or porcupines chewing wood may weaken structural members or at least cosmetic elements like trim, siding, and fence boards​mdc.mo.gov​northernwoodlands.org. Skunks and opossums digging under foundations can undermine soil and, in worst cases, lead to minor settling or cracking in foundation walls. Birds like woodpeckers can drill holes in siding or eaves in search of insects or to create nesting cavities; those holes then invite moisture and other pests. While a single small hole is easy to fix, multiple entry points over years can result in extensive portions of fascia or soffit needing replacement.

• HVAC and Plumbing Damage: Some wildlife gravitate toward the warmth and secluded space of HVAC systems. Raccoons or cats might claw through exposed flexible ductwork in attics or crawlspaces. Mice or snakes can get into air conditioner compressors or chew on coolant lines’ insulation. Animals falling into vent pipes (like a bird down a chimney or a snake into a floor drain) can sometimes cause blockages. A dead animal stuck in a wall or vent will not only decompose and smell, but could obstruct airflow or drainage until removed.

• Personal Property Damage: If animals access living spaces or storage areas, they can ruin personal belongings. Think of rodents shredding stored clothes or papers for nest material, or a raccoon trapped in a garage tearing up upholstery or tipped paint cans. Even in attics, heirlooms or holiday decorations in storage boxes can be chewed or soiled beyond salvage. The urination by many animals can also permanently stain surfaces (for example, bat urine can crystallize into a white powder on furniture or boxes stored in an attic, and raccoon urine can seep into wooden beams).

Considering these many forms of damage, it’s clear that preventing wildlife entry is far better than dealing with the aftermath. A comprehensive home inspection often evaluates not just the obvious structural components, but also looks for signs of wildlife intrusion – things like gnaw marks, nesting materials, animal tracks, or droppings. Catching an infestation early can limit damage and make removal easier.

Prevention and Protection Strategies for Homeowners

Keeping nuisance wildlife out of your home requires vigilance and a proactive approach to home maintenance. Here are effective prevention strategies to protect your property from these critters:

Seal Entry Points: The first line of defense is “building them out.” Walk around your home and identify any openings or vulnerabilities. Use caulk, steel wool, and hardware cloth to seal cracks and holes. For example, cover attic vents and soffits with 1/4-inch wire mesh to stop bats, squirrels, and birds​mdc.mo.gov. Repair or replace rotten wood in eaves or siding – even a small rotten patch can be torn open by a persistent raccoon or enlarged by chewing squirrels. Pay attention to where utility lines or pipes enter the house; pack gaps with steel wool (mice hate chewing it, and it also deters snakes) and then seal with foam or caulk. Don’t forget chimneys: a sturdy chimney cap with a mesh screen is essential to block raccoons, bats, and birds​mdc.mo.gov. Likewise, install approved covers on dryer vents and fan exhaust vents – many home improvement stores sell pest-proof vent covers that allow lint out but keep creatures from climbing in.

Maintain the Exterior: A well-maintained home is a less attractive target. Trim tree branches back at least 6–8 feet from the roof​mdc.mo.gov, so squirrels and raccoons can’t leap onto your roof easily. If you have vines or ivy growing on your walls, be cautious – they can provide a ladder for animals to reach the roofline or even hide gaps in the siding. Keep your yard clean: wood piles, debris, and dense shrubbery against the foundation provide harborage for rodents and snakes. Store firewood off the ground and away from the house to reduce hiding spots. Consider using gravel or rock borders next to foundations instead of deep mulch, which can attract insects that in turn attract skinks and other small prey that snakes seek. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are intact; not only does this prevent water damage, but broken gutters can create gaps at the roof edge or water rot that makes it easier for animals to get in.

Secure Food Sources and Waste: The primary reason wildlife enters human structures is food. Raccoons overturning garbage cans or opossums sneaking into a garage are often drawn by smell. Use animal-proof trash cans with locking lids, or keep garbage in a secure shed until pickup day. Clean up pet food bowls after your pets eat – don’t leave pet food outside overnight, as it’s a buffet for raccoons, skunks, opossums, and even rats. If you have fruit trees, gather fallen fruit promptly so it doesn’t attract nighttime foragers. Bird feeders can unintentionally attract squirrels (for the seed) and subsequently predators like snakes (who come for rodents feeding on spilled seed). You might choose squirrel-proof bird feeders or place them well away from the house. Compost piles, if not properly managed, can also lure critters; use enclosed compost bins rather than open piles that animals can easily raid.

Use Exclusion Devices: In some cases, you know animals are present and you want them out without trapping them inside when you seal holes. Devices like one-way doors can be very handy. For bats, professionals often install one-way eviction tubes or netting: the bats drop out at dusk to feed, but can’t re-enter, and after a few nights you can seal the openings once you’re sure all bats are out​mdc.mo.gov. Similar one-way doors exist for squirrels and raccoons; for instance, a spring-loaded flap can allow a raccoon to push its way out of an attic but then it falls shut and the raccoon can’t get back in. These are best used under guidance of a professional, especially for raccoons (you don’t want to trap babies inside). But they are effective, humane methods to clear animals from a space before permanently closing it up.

Install Fencing or Barriers: In addition to sealing existing holes, sometimes you need to preemptively block areas. For skunks or groundhogs under a deck, install a fine-mesh fence barrier around the perimeter of the deck. It should extend a few inches into the soil (or even better, in an L-shape underground) so the animals can’t dig under easily​mdc.mo.gov. For gardens that are attracting ground squirrels or rabbits (which might then attract larger predators), small fencing can keep those animals from ever approaching the house. If snakes are a big concern (say you live adjacent to a wooded area or waterway), there are “snake fences” of tightly woven mesh you can put at ground level around the property, though for most homeowners, simply sealing the house and controlling rodents will suffice. Sometimes even simple DIY tricks can help – one example from the Missouri Department of Conservation for squirrels is placing a 2-foot wide band of slick metal around tree trunks (about 6 feet off the ground) to prevent climbing​mdc.mo.gov, though this only works if there are no nearby jump-off points for the squirrels.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Make it a habit to inspect your attic, basement, and crawlspace a couple of times a year (or have a professional inspection). Look for new gaps or light shining in from outside, listen for any sounds of scurrying or scratching, and sniff for animal odors. Early detection of wildlife entry can save you a lot of trouble. If you do notice signs, act quickly – a single mouse or one bat can multiply into dozens given time. It’s far easier to encourage one intruder to leave than an entire family that’s settled in. Keep in mind some wildlife problems might require licensed wildlife control operators, especially for protected species (bats, for instance, often have legal guidelines for when and how they can be removed). Your state’s wildlife agency (such as the Missouri Department of Conservation or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) can provide guidance or refer you to permitted professionals if needed.

Finally, educate your family about respecting wildlife boundaries. Teach children not to approach wild animals, even if they seem friendly or lethargic (sick wildlife can be very dangerous). A normally nocturnal animal like a skunk or raccoon seen out in daylight could be ill. In such cases, keep your distance and call animal control. By staying informed and vigilant, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of local wildlife from a safe distance, while keeping their homes secure and disease-free. Remember that a home inspection isn’t just about construction issues – a good inspector in Missouri or neighboring states will also note signs of these critters. At MAKO Home Inspection, we routinely check for droppings, entry holes, nesting evidence, and other red flags indicating unwelcome wildlife guests, because identifying a pest problem is an important part of ensuring a home is truly safe and sound for you and your family.