There are many factors to consider when you decide to buy a new home, from its location to its size and cost versus value, but one facet people often overlook is how local wildlife might have impacted the property. Squirrels, mice, rats and even birds can present a problem once you move in, or they may have already caused issues before you are even handed the keys. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to assess whether there is an ongoing wildlife issue and to ensure you practice wildlife prevention in the future once you buy a new home, and we at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help.
1. Consider the Location
Many animals that have adapted to live near people or make themselves comfortable in a human home are clever and learn quickly that human dwellings can provide them with food, water and shelter from predators and the elements. The location of a home may affect the types of wildlife you might see, but there are a number of animals that can survive in both rural and urban settings:
- Rodents
- Raccoons
- Birds
- Squirrels
- Skunks
- Bats
These types of animals are widespread across the country. Learning about which species are common in an area can help you look out for what you are most likely to encounter when you buy a home there.
If you want to buy a home that includes farmland or is located near a farm, keep in mind that barns and sheds can be attractive to wildlife, especially when colder weather begins. Rodents and raccoons may be looking for spots to birth and raise their babies, so this is something to consider when you are looking at a rural locale.
If you plan on having farm animals, grain, hay and other food sources may attract wildlife as well, so inspect any storage areas carefully. Consider whether any of these areas will need repairs, such as replacing loose doors and adding rodent-proof screens around windows.
In an urban setting, take note whether your new abode is in a newly developed neighbourhood close to forested land, or whether you are looking in an established urban centre. In recently developed neighbourhoods, your new home may have been built in an area wildlife would normally call their own, causing them to break into homes without realizing the land is now populated by another species. In urban centres and downtown areas, rats, mice, and raccoons have risen in population due to abundant food sources and hiding places. Both pose their own issues, but the more educated you are while looking, the more likely you are to notice any signs of wildlife activity.
2. Look for Signs of Wildlife
As you look through a prospective new home, you are probably concerned with the plumbing, electrical, the condition of the roof and other factors that might affect your decision to buy. While these can be important, looking for signs that wildlife has made itself comfortable in the home can prevent problems later on. Checking the attic can give you specific clues about the presence of rodents like rats, mice and squirrels, as they often tear up insulation to make nests, leave droppings throughout the attic space and chew on wooden beams and even wiring to file down their teeth.
If the home’s roof shows signs of being repaired or patched, consider having it inspected to ensure no animals can enter through holes or pry up the flashing to gain entrance to your attic. Raccoons are clever and have nimble hands making this task quite easy to them. Nests, tunnels and signs of food caches can all be signs that you may need a humane wildlife removal service to perform a deep inspection of the home before you buy.
3. Call for an Inspection
If you find what you believe to be signs of wildlife in the home you want to buy, our professional inspection services can support you in several ways, including the verification of wildlife presence there and options for having it removed.
For example, if you find signs of nesting material in your attic and worry that rodents are making themselves at home inside the walls, a proper wildlife inspection can verify this. Our professionals can let you know the extent of the issue and what might be involved to remove the animals. Calling our inspection and removal team can also keep you and your family safe, as trying to handle or remove any wildlife on your own can put you in danger of being scratched or bitten, and disturb contaminants that could make you very ill.
4. Ask About Wildlife Prevention Measures
If you decide to buy a home and have concerns about wildlife issues, you can gain peace of mind by asking our wildlife control team about what types of preventative measures you can take to protect it. Cutting back tree branches and tall grass, putting up garden fencing and properly storing food can all discourage wildlife from wanting to share your home with you. Our team has put together plenty of blogs about how to deter and spot signs of wildlife to ensure new homeowners have all the information they need to protect themselves, their family, and their property.
Buying a new home is a major investment and a serious commitment. Working with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help to ensure your property’s safety and retain its value. Contact us today for further information and let us know how we can help make your new house feel more like home.
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