Have you noticed strange noises in your attic or messy damage near your walls? Finding signs of wildlife in your home can be a real worry, especially when you have pets to protect. Wild animals bring risks like diseases, bites, or scratches that could harm your furry friends. Thankfully, there are ways to keep everyone safe and handle the problem quickly.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Upper Arlington, we know how stressful this can be for pet owners. Luckily, wildlife and pet safety is entirely possible with the right steps. You don’t have to share your home with unwanted wildlife, and you can protect your pets from wildlife effectively with careful planning and professional help. 

Below, we’ll share practical advice on how to handle wildlife in your home and keep your furry, feathered, or scaly family members safe.

Understanding the Risks of Wildlife in Your Home

Wildlife in your home isn’t just creepy; it’s dangerous. Wild animals carry diseases like rabies, fleas, and ticks. They can claw, bite, or scratch if they feel threatened, putting your pets in serious danger. Some animals, such as raccoons or squirrels, can also create physical hazards in your home by chewing through wires or damaging insulation.

Your pets may be curious about the unfamiliar creature in your home, but their natural instincts could lead to trouble. Investigating or chasing after wildlife could result in injury for your pets or spread germs and parasites throughout your home. Protecting your pets from wildlife starts with recognizing these risks and taking steps to minimize exposure.

Signs You Have Wildlife in Your Home

Before you can take action, you need to know if there’s a problem. Here are some common signs of wildlife in your home to watch for:

• Scratching or scurrying sounds from the walls, attic, or crawlspace.
• Strong, unpleasant odors (hinting at droppings or urine).
• Visible damage to vents, siding, or other exterior entry points.
• Nesting materials like shredded insulation, paper, or fabric.
• Unexpected hostility from your pets, especially barking or whining.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to take action quickly. That’s where we come in. Our expertise in wildlife in home solutions ensures that we remove the problem while keeping your pets and family safe.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe When Wildlife Moves In

Now that we’ve established the risks, how do you actually keep your pets safe if wildlife is already inside your home? Here are some actionable steps that can make a big difference.

Create a Safe Space for Your Pets

The first thing to do is to separate your pets from the wildlife as much as possible. Move your pets to a part of the house far from where you hear or see the animal. Close doors to keep them contained and safe until the situation is resolved.

If you have smaller pets in cages or tanks, make sure their enclosures are secure and out of reach. The stress of a wild animal’s presence can agitate pets, so keep the area calm and monitor them closely.

Address the Entry Points

Wildlife doesn’t just wander into houses by accident. They find openings like cracks, chimneys, or broken vents and make themselves at home. The best way to protect your pets from wildlife is by stopping animals from getting inside in the first place.

One of our highly effective solutions at Skedaddle is installing one-way doors on these entry points. These allow the animal to leave your home safely, but block them from getting back inside. It’s a completely humane way to deal with the problem, and it guarantees your home becomes wildlife-free without causing harm.

Avoid Direct Contact with Wildlife

It’s tempting to chase the animal out yourself, especially if it appears harmless. But attempting to handle wildlife without professional tools or training puts both you and your pets at risk. Direct contact can spread diseases, injuries, and even more chaos if the animal feels cornered.

We highly recommend calling professionals like our team to remove the animal safely. We have the tools, training, and knowledge to ensure wildlife in home solutions are handled properly with no harm to you, your pets, or the animals.

Secure Food and Trash

Wildlife is often drawn into homes by the scent of food. Make sure all pet food is sealed in secure containers and not left out at night. Take the trash out regularly and use bins with tightly fitting lids to discourage scavengers.

If you already have an issue with wildlife in your home, securing food sources can help stop the problem from worsening. This simple step can go a long way in protecting your pets and your home.

Have Professional Wildlife Inspections

Sometimes, wildlife problems aren’t immediately obvious. Regular professional inspections of your home can reveal entry points or signs of intruders before they become major issues. We at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offer thorough inspections to find and fix vulnerabilities throughout your property.

By being proactive, you can stop wildlife problems before they threaten your pets. Inspections are especially valuable in areas like Upper Arlington, where homes are close to natural habitats.

The Role of Professional Help

While it can be tempting to try to handle wildlife problems on your own, DIY methods often fall short. Without the right tools or expertise, these tactics can be ineffective or even dangerous. Wildlife may come back, or they may lash out if they feel trapped or cornered.

We take pride in offering expert, humane solutions to wildlife problems. Our one-way doors ensure animals leave your home without any chance of return. We also seal up entry points to keep your home safe for the long term.

Our approach focuses on wildlife and pet safety, ensuring your furry companions can enjoy their home without wild disruptions. When you trust us to handle the situation, you can rest assured that your pets, your family, and your property are in good hands.

Preventing Future Wildlife Problems

Once the wildlife has been removed, taking steps to prevent future issues is essential. Here are some ways to wildlife-proof your home and protect your pets from wildlife in the future:

• Seal Up Holes or Cracks: Inspect your walls, attic, and foundation for possible entry points and repair them.
• Install Chimney Caps: These prevent animals like raccoons or squirrels from sneaking into one of your home’s most vulnerable areas.
• Trim Trees Near Your House: Overhanging branches offer easy access to your roof for climbing animals.
• Keep Outdoor Spaces Tidy: Rake leaves, trim bushes, and secure garbage bins to create an environment less attractive to wildlife.

These preventive measures protect not just your home but also your pets from future risks.

Take Charge of Wildlife and Pet Safety Today

Your pets deserve a safe, secure home, free of wildlife and the dangers it brings. If you’ve spotted signs of wildlife in your home, don’t hesitate to take action. Professional help from Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Upper Arlington can ensure the problem is handled safely and effectively.

Request an estimate today to start protecting your home and your pets. With Skedaddle, your wildlife and pet safety is our top priority.