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Problem Wildlife in the House




Wild animals need food and shelter just like people. Animals may move into basements, attics, or garages in search of a place to live. They may also be attracted to food such as garbage, pet food, or birdseed. When this happens, it's not safe for the people or pets in the home or the wildlife. Wild animals can damage electrical wiring and destroy insulation. They can also carry diseases like rabies, or parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home. Never approach a wild animal and keep children and pets away from all wildlife. Contact your local animal control officer if you suspect a wild animal is sick.

Prevention Tips:

  • Know your pest! Its habits, preferences and needs will determine your control strategy. Your local County Extension Service or state wildlife agency can help.
  • Periodically check for openings in the roof, under the porch, or to the basement. Cover or seal openings to prevent wildlife problems.
  • Keep your garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. A metal container may be needed to keep out persistent wildlife.
  • If pets are fed outside, empty their bowls after they are finished eating. Store pet food indoors or in heavy-duty containers.

Control Tips:

  • Find out how the animals are getting into your home. Block entrances with durable materials like wire mesh or sheet metal.
  • Seal all cracks and openings, including holes for wiring. A persistent animal can widen almost any crevice or opening.
  • Birds or other animals may get trapped in chimneys or use them to enter your home. Special caps or dampers are available to block chimneys.
  • Many animals enter homes by way of the roof. Trim overhanging branches at least 8 to 10 feet away from the home.
  • State and federal laws protect many animals, including most birds and their nests. Always check with your state wildlife agency before disturbing, trapping or poisoning a wild animal.
  • If you are concerned about disease or the risk of being bitten, consider seeking professional help. Many counties provide 'animal control' services.
  • Mothballs are not animal repellents. If you choose to use a pesticide, always follow the label. Try a lower toxicity product first. Only use products designed for use in your home and for the type of wildlife you want to control.

Information on Specific Types of Wildlife

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Last updated February 14, 2025

Wildlife in the House

  • Identify your pest. This will help you learn about its habits and needs for the best control strategy.
  • Exclusion is key. Locate and seal up any holes or entry points animals are using to enter the home.
  • Chimneys can be capped with special covers or dampers. Do not cover chimneys until all animals are gone.
  • Some animals can reach the attic from the roof. Trim overhanging branches at least 8 to 10 feet away from the home.
  • Use a tight-fitting lid on all garbage bins. Metal trashcans may be required to keep out determined wildlife.
  • If pets are fed outside, empty their bowls after they are finished eating. Store pet food indoors or in heavy-duty containers.
  • Outdoor pets can attract predators. Be sure pets have sturdy shelters, especially if left out overnight.
  • Many animals, like most birds and their nests, are protected by law. Check with your state wildlife agency before you remove an animal.
  • Never corner a wild animal. Contact a professional if an animal seems sick or scared.
  • Mothballs are not animal repellents.
  • If you choose to use a pesticide, read the label before you buy. Try a lower toxicity product first.
  • If you have a pesticide product in mind, have your label handy and click here for information about that product.
These images are graciously allowed to be used by NPIC by Bugwood.org. Images included in the Bugwood Network Image Archives (ForestryImages.org, IPMImages.org, Invasive.org, and InsectImages.org) are made available under a Creative Commons license. Individual photographers retain all rights to images included in the archive.

County Extension Offices

Through its county agents, the Cooperative Extension Service gives individuals access to the resources at land-grant universities across the nation. These universities are centers for research in many subjects, including entomology (the study of insects) and agriculture. Each county within the United States has an Extension office, which is staffed with agents who work closely with university-based Extension specialists to deliver answers to your questions about gardening, agriculture, and pest control.



Information on Specific Types of Wildlife

Additional Resources:

Bats

Birds

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Raccoons

Skunks

Tree Squirrels



NPIC answers common questions asked by the public about pests and pesticides. This information is intended to be educational in nature and helpful to consumers for making informed decisions about pesticide use.

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