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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 bird seed. 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 mites, 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.
Preventing or dealing with wildlife in your home can be difficult, but these tips should help:
- Know your pest! If you properly identify the species, you can learn about its habits, preferences and needs to develop the best control strategies. Your local Cooperative Extension Service or state wildlife agency can help.
- Find out how the animals are getting into your home. These entrances can often be blocked with wire mesh or sheet metal. Special caps are available to block chimneys.
- Keep your garbage in a secure container that cannot be opened by wild animals.
- Keep pet food in places that cannot be reached by wild animals. Leaving bowls of pet food outside or on a porch can attract skunks, possums, and raccoons.
- Always read and follow all label directions carefully if you use animal repellents or other pesticides. Make sure the product is designed for use in your home and for the type of wildlife you want to control.
- Mothballs are not meant to be used to repel animals, and may pose serious risks to people, pets and the wildlife if they are used this way.
- Many animals, including most birds and their nests, are protected by state and federal laws. Always check with your state wildlife agency before disturbing, trapping or poisoning a wild animal to make sure you are doing it legally.
- If you don't know what to do, try reviewing the resources below or the local fact sheets on pests in your area. Your local cooperative extension service office may also be able to provide some advice on controlling the problem.
- If you are concerned about disease or the risk of being bitten or injured, consider seeking professional help.
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (7:30am-3:30pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Information on Specific Types of Wildlife
Additional Resources:
- Wildlife Damage Management - University Cooperative Extension System (eXtension.org)
- State Contacts, Fish & Wildlife Officials - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife - University of Georgia Extension
Bats
- Bats and Rabies - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Bats and their Control - Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
- House Bats - Washington State University Extension
- Little Brown Bat - Oregon State University Extension Service
- Bats In and Around Structures - University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
- Bat Damage Management - University Cooperative Extension System (eXtension.org)
Birds
- Wildlife Species Information: Birds - University Cooperative Extension System (eXtension.org)
- Chimney Swifts - Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Cliff Swallows - University of California Statewide IPM Program
- Problem Birds Around Homes and Farmsteads - Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service
- Controlling Birds Around Farm Buildings - Penn State Cooperative Extension
- Backyard Bird Problems - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tree Squirrels
- Tree Squirrels - Penn State Cooperative Extension
- Controlling Tree Squirrels - Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service
- Tree Squirrel Damage Management - University Cooperative Extension System (eXtension.org)
- Animal Pests in the Garden - Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
- Tree Squirrel Damage Control - Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service
- Tree Squirrels - University of Illinois Extension
Skunks
- Managing Skunk Problems - Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control
- Dealing with Skunks - University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
- Skunks: Damage Prevention and Control Methods - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Controlling Skunks - Michigan State University Extension
- Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Skunks - University of California Statewide IPM Program
Raccoons
- Raccoon Damage Management - University Cooperative Extension System (eXtension.org)
- Raccoons - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Raccoons: Preventing and Controlling Property Damage - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Managing Raccoon Problems - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Animal Pests in the Garden: Squirrels and Raccoons - Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Last updated June 27, 2011
