When you’re in the process of buying a new home, whether it’s a century-old gem or a modern marvel just completed, there’s a critical aspect of the inspection process that often goes overlooked: wildlife control. It’s an easy miss in the long home buying checklist, but one that can save you considerable hassle and unexpected expenses down the line. If a wildlife invasion is not caught before purchasing a home, you could be left looking for who to call for squirrel removal or raccoon control. 

Today, we’ll explore why wildlife inspections are crucial when purchasing a home and provide actionable tips on conducting a thorough property check for signs of uninvited animal guests. Plus, we’ll introduce you to our humane two-way door removal process at Skedaddle, designed to safely and effectively resolve any wildlife issues your future home might have. Continue on and learn more about our wildlife control in Bowie, and why it is such an important step in your home-buying journey. 

The Importance of Wildlife Inspections

Wildlife invasions don’t discriminate by age or design when it comes to homes. From squirrels nesting in the attic to raccoons setting up shop in the basement, these critters can cause significant damage and pose health risks to the occupants. That’s why incorporating a wildlife inspection into your home-buying process is as essential as checking the plumbing or electrical systems.

Performing a wildlife inspection might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be integrated seamlessly into your overall home inspection routine. Here are some tips to guide you:

1. Examine the Exterior

Start with a thorough walk-around of the property. Look for any signs of entry points that animals might use to access the home. These can include cracks in the foundation, gaps in the roofline, or holes near vents and utility entries. Don’t forget to inspect outbuildings, such as sheds and garages, as these can also harbor wildlife.

2. Check the Attic and Basement

These areas are prime real estate for critters seeking shelter. Look for droppings, nesting materials, or signs of chewing on wood and wires. Stains on the ceiling can indicate bats or squirrels in the attic, while a musty odor might suggest raccoons or rodents in the basement.

3. Inspect the Landscaping

Overgrown vegetation can provide cover for wildlife to move closer to your home. Check for burrows or evidence of digging in the garden, which could indicate the presence of mice or burrowing animals.

4. Listen and Smell

Sometimes, the presence of wildlife is detected by the senses. Listen for scratching, scurrying, or vocal noises within the walls or ceilings, especially at dawn and dusk when many animals are more active. A strong, unpleasant odor can also be a telltale sign of an animal infestation.

Wildlife Control In Bowie: How Skedaddle Can Help

If your inspection uncovers or even suggests the presence of unwanted guests, you may be left wondering how to remove wildlife. This is when it is time to call in the professionals. At Skedaddle, we specialize in humane wildlife control solutions. Our team is trained to identify and safely remove any critters from your future home using our innovative two-way door removal process. This method allows animals to exit the property without harm, preventing them from re-entering.

Here’s an inside look at how our team of experts approaches wildlife control and removal, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners.

Initial Inspection 

Our process begins with a comprehensive inspection of your property. Our trained technicians meticulously examine your home to identify the species of wildlife present, assess the extent of the infestation, pinpoint entry points, and evaluate any damage caused by the animals. This detailed assessment allows us to devise a tailored removal strategy that addresses the specific challenges posed by the wildlife in your home.  

Upon completing our thorough evaluation, the next critical step in our process involves a detailed discussion with the homeowner. We take great care in explaining our findings comprehensively, ensuring the homeowner is fully informed about the situation at hand. This includes identifying the type of wildlife present and the extent of the infestation, pinpointing how the animals gained entry, and highlighting any damage caused. Our goal during this discussion is to inform and provide peace of mind by outlining our proposed solutions. By making homeowners aware of every aspect of the situation, we empower them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their property and the steps necessary to resolve the wildlife issue effectively and humanely.

Humane Removal 

Following the inspection, our team employs humane and effective techniques to remove the wildlife from your property. Our approach not only adheres to local wildlife regulations but also to our commitment to ethical treatment of animals. Whether dealing with squirrels in the attic, raccoons in the chimney, or any other uninvited guests, our goal is to resolve the situation with compassion and expertise.

Our humane removal techniques are rooted in the principle of causing minimal stress to the wildlife involved, ensuring their safety while effectively addressing the issue at hand. A key component of our approach involves the use of one-way doors, ingeniously designed devices that permit animals to leave the premises on their own but prevent their re-entry. This method is particularly effective because it respects the natural behavior of the animals, allowing them to exit at their own pace without harm. Once outside, these one-way barriers ensure that the wildlife cannot return, thereby solving the problem in a manner that is both humane and effective. This technique exemplifies our commitment to ethical wildlife management, prioritizing the well-being of the animals while securing the homes of our clients.

Exclusion and Prevention

Merely removing the wildlife is not enough; we also take proactive steps to prevent future invasions. Our technicians will seal off the identified entry points using durable materials designed to withstand attempts by wildlife to re-enter. We also provide homeowners with advice on how to mitigate factors that may attract wildlife to their property in the first place, such as accessible food sources or shelter opportunities. This preventive approach is key to ensuring that your home remains wildlife-free in the long term.

Damage Repair and Sanitization

Wildlife intrusions are not just a nuisance; they can lead to significant property damage and contamination, creating an unhealthy living environment for homeowners. From gnawed electrical wires that pose fire hazards to compromised structural integrity and destroyed insulation, the aftermath of a wildlife intrusion can be both costly and dangerous. Recognizing the breadth of these issues, Skedaddle goes beyond mere wildlife removal to offer extensive repair services tailored to address any harm inflicted by the animals. Whether it’s patching up holes in the roof, replacing chewed wires, or installing new insulation, our team is equipped to handle all aspects of property restoration.

Furthermore, the presence of wildlife indoors often leads to contamination from droppings and urine, which can harbor harmful pathogens and create unpleasant odors. Skedaddle tackles this issue head-on with a thorough sanitization process, meticulously cleaning the affected areas to eliminate health risks and restore the cleanliness and safety of your home. Our sanitization efforts are comprehensive, ensuring that every nook and cranny is addressed, from attic spaces where animals may have nested to crawl spaces that could have been compromised.

Our comprehensive cleanup process is designed with the homeowner’s well-being in mind, aiming to restore not just the physical state of the home but also the comfort and peace of mind of its occupants. By addressing both the visible damage and the unseen threats posed by wildlife intrusions, Skedaddle ensures that your home is returned to a safe, secure, and comfortable state, allowing you to move forward without concern for the health and safety of your family.

Education and Support

Throughout every stage of our wildlife control and removal process, the Skedaddle team is committed to being more than just service providers; we aim to be your trusted advisors and support system. We understand that dealing with wildlife intrusion can be stressful and confusing, which is why we prioritize open communication and are always ready to address your concerns, clarify procedures, and offer reassurance. Our experts are not only skilled in humane wildlife removal but are also knowledgeable about the behaviors and habits of various wildlife species. This expertise allows us to share valuable insights with homeowners, educating them on recognizing early signs of wildlife presence and effectively mitigating risks.

More than just solving the immediate problem, our goal is to empower you with knowledge and strategies for wildlife prevention. This includes practical advice on securing potential entry points, guidance on making your property less attractive to wildlife, and tips for maintaining a safe and secure environment. By providing this education, we help you become a proactive participant in protecting your home, reducing the likelihood of future wildlife encounters. Our approach is collaborative and supportive, ensuring that you feel informed and confident in your ability to keep your home wildlife-free. This commitment to education and support underscores our mission to not only resolve current wildlife issues but also prevent future incidents, fostering a safer, more harmonious coexistence between homeowners and the wildlife around them.

Protecting Your Investment

A wildlife inspection is an indispensable part of home-buying, protecting your investment and ensuring a safe, animal-free living environment. By following the inspection tips outlined above, you can take proactive steps to identify potential problems before they escalate. And should you need assistance, Skedaddle is here to help with effective, humane wildlife control solutions. Remember, it’s not just about buying a house—it’s about securing a home free from unwelcome wildlife guests.

In the long run, incorporating wildlife inspections into your home-buying checklist is a smart move that could save you time, money, and peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Skedaddle for a professional inspection and enjoy the comfort of your new home with the assurance that it’s truly your own space—free from wildlife invaders.