You may love the buzz of city life, but animals don’t always see it the same way. As neighbourhoods grow, animals lose the green spaces they once depended on. That means they move into yards, attics, and sheds looking for food, water, and shelter. For many homeowners, this creates daily problems that are both messy and stressful.

So, what are the most common wildlife problems in urban areas? Families often face raccoons in attics, squirrels chewing wires, skunks digging up lawns, and birds nesting in vents. These are more than just annoyances—they bring health risks, property damage, and expensive repairs. You need urban wildlife control solutions to stay ahead of the problem. 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto, we’ve helped thousands of families deal with common urban animal issues. We know first-hand how serious wildlife problems in cities can become if they aren’t addressed quickly.

This guide explores the top problems homeowners face and how professional services keep your home safe.

Why Urban Wildlife Problems Are Growing

As cities expand, animals adapt to survive. Streets, sheds, and rooftops replace forests and fields. With fewer natural homes, animals turn to urban areas to find what they need. Garbage bins, compost piles, and pet food become easy meals. Attics, garages, and sheds turn into new nesting spots.

The result is simple: more wildlife problems in cities. And with each year, the list of common urban animal issues grows longer.

The Most Common Wildlife Problems in Urban Areas

Here are the problems we see most often in cities and suburbs:

Raccoons in Attics

Raccoons are strong, smart, and determined. In the city, they climb roofs, rip off shingles, and squeeze through vents. Once inside, they make nests in insulation, leaving droppings and urine that damage air quality. A raccoon mother with pups is loud, messy, and destructive. Families often lose sleep from the noise above their heads. Without professional urban wildlife control solutions, damage can run into the thousands. They also bring parasites like fleas and ticks, which spread to pets. The longer they stay, the more dangerous and expensive the problem becomes.

Squirrels Chewing Wires

Squirrels don’t just gather acorns—they also chew constantly. Their teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw wood, insulation, and wires. In an attic, this behaviour is dangerous. Chewed wires increase the risk of electrical fires, while shredded insulation raises energy bills. Squirrels also multiply quickly, meaning what starts as one or two can become a colony in no time. They are also loud, scratching and running during the day, which can disturb families. Professional control prevents both safety risks and property damage.

Skunks Digging Under Decks

You know the smell. Skunks wander into yards, especially at night, searching for food. They dig under porches, decks, or sheds to build dens. Besides the odour, skunks can spray pets, damage lawns, and spread disease. In cities, they adapt well to compost piles and garbage, making them frequent visitors. Professional prevention is the only way to keep them from returning year after year. If ignored, their digging weakens decks and sheds, leaving costly repairs behind. Their spray can also linger in clothing, furniture, and even air ducts.

Birds Nesting in Vents

Vents on roofs or the sides of homes make perfect nesting spots. Birds bring twigs, grass, and feathers to build their homes. The problem? These nests block airflow, damage vents, and create fire hazards when near dryer vents. Droppings also build up quickly, carrying bacteria that can spread indoors. For many families, the first sign of a bird problem is reduced air circulation or loud chirping in the walls. Feathers and nesting debris also attract mites and insects, creating another layer of problems for homeowners.

Bats in Rooflines

Bats often enter through tiny gaps in soffits or rooflines. They roost in attics where it’s dark and warm. While bats eat insects, their droppings—called guano—create serious health risks. Guano dust can spread fungal infections when disturbed. Once bats move in, removal requires careful handling, since they are protected species. This is a clear case where only professionals should step in. Left alone, colonies grow quickly, and the buildup of guano can weaken wood and insulation. Professional removal ensures safety for both your family and the bats.

Mice in Basements and Walls

Mice are among the most common wildlife problems in cities. They slip into basements, walls, and kitchens through openings as small as a dime. Once inside, they reproduce rapidly. Droppings, gnawed wires, and contaminated food are just some of the risks. Mice also attract larger animals like snakes and owls, creating a chain reaction of issues for urban homes. Their constant chewing can damage furniture, boxes, and even plumbing. Without quick professional action, a small problem turns into a widespread infestation.

Rats in Garages and Yards

Rats are opportunistic and thrive in dense urban environments. They live in sewers, garbage piles, and even gardens. When they find access to garages or sheds, they chew and destroy anything in reach. Rats carry diseases that threaten both people and pets. Large infestations can feel overwhelming without professional help, which is why urban wildlife control solutions are critical in rat-heavy neighbourhoods. They also burrow into soil and foundations, creating hidden tunnels that weaken structures. Their ability to adapt makes them one of the toughest urban pests.

Pigeons on Rooftops

Pigeons are a familiar sight in cities. They gather in large numbers on rooftops, leaving behind piles of droppings. This waste is acidic, eating away at building materials and creating slippery surfaces on sidewalks. Pigeon waste also carries harmful bacteria and parasites. The longer a flock stays, the harder it is to remove, making prevention key. Their constant cooing and fluttering can also become a daily annoyance for families, especially when large flocks settle near homes. Professional measures are the only long-term fix.

Opossums in Garages or Sheds

Opossums are scavengers that sneak into sheds and garages in search of food. They may look harmless, but they make a mess by overturning bins, leaving droppings, and stealing pet food. In colder months, they nest in storage boxes or insulation. While they don’t usually attack, their presence creates sanitation issues for homeowners. They also carry parasites like fleas and can spread them to pets. Over time, their droppings create foul odours that spread into living spaces.

Coyotes on the Edge of Neighbourhoods

As green space disappears, coyotes adapt to city edges. They feed on garbage, small animals, and even unattended pets. While attacks on people are rare, their presence makes many families nervous. Coyotes are difficult to manage without professional guidance. They show how wildlife problems in cities go beyond small animals and can affect entire communities. Their howls at night can disturb sleep, and sightings during the day often scare children. Professional education and prevention keep neighbourhoods safe.

Why These Problems Matter

You may think these animals are just part of city living, but the risks are real:

• Health: Droppings spread bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
• Safety: Chewed wires create fire hazards.
• Property damage: Roofs, vents, lawns, and insulation all take a hit.
• Stress: Noise, smells, and mess disrupt daily life.
• Costs: Repairs often reach thousands of dollars.

These common urban animal issues aren’t just annoying—they threaten your home and your family’s well-being.

How Skedaddle Helps

You shouldn’t have to face these problems alone. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in safe, effective solutions. We:

• Inspect homes for entry points
• Use one-way doors that let animals leave but prevent re-entry
• Remove contamination such as droppings and damaged insulation
• Seal openings with strong materials to stop future invasions

Our approach keeps families safe while protecting animals, too. That’s why homeowners across Toronto rely on us for urban wildlife control solutions.

Keep Urban Animals Out for Good

The most common urban animal issues—from raccoons in attics to skunks under decks—can feel overwhelming. But there are proven ways to protect your home. Professional urban wildlife control solutions keep animals out, reduce health risks, and save you money on repairs.

You don’t need to let wildlife problems in cities disrupt your life. Request an estimate today to learn how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto can secure your home and give you peace of mind.