How Wildlife Finds Its Way Into Your Home

Wildlife may be fascinating to observe in the great outdoors, but when these creatures start finding their way into our homes, the charm quickly fades. Many types of wildlife—squirrels, raccoons, bats, mice, and more—are surprisingly adept at finding ways into our living spaces. They take advantage of small cracks, gaps, and structural vulnerabilities to seek out warmth, food, and shelter. Understanding common wildlife entry points can help homeowners safeguard their properties and prevent unwelcome guests from making themselves at home.

Roofs, Attic Spaces, And Chimneys

Roofs and attic spaces are two most popular entry points for wildlife, offering easy access to shelter and warmth. Many small animals are skilled climbers and jumpers, often reaching roofs by leaping from nearby trees or climbing utility lines. Once there, they can explore for potential entry points to settle into attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys.

Squirrels are especially known for making their homes in attics. These nimble creatures can leap up to ten times their body length, easily reaching roofs even from a distance. Once there, they exploit gaps around boards or loose shingles, which may give way to gaps and openings big enough for them to squeeze through. Squirrels are persistent chewers, gnawing at wood, siding, and even metal flashing if needed, creating entryways into attics where they build nests.

Raccoons are drawn to attics for their warmth and safety, particularly in the winter months. With dexterous paws and significant strength, raccoons are known to pry open soffits, tear through shingles, and widen any existing gaps in roofing materials. They can fit through openings as small as four inches in diameter, meaning even slight roof damage can create an opportunity for these clever animals. Raccoons often target attic spaces for denning, especially if they’re raising young.

Bats also use attic spaces and are drawn to high entry points where they can roost undisturbed. They only need an opening as narrow as half an inch wide to squeeze through, which can be found around vents, chimneys, or gaps between shingles. Bats can be beneficial outdoors as natural insect controllers, but in the attic, they can pose health hazards due to their droppings, which can lead to respiratory issues.

Chimneys are essentially man-made caves, and many animals are drawn to these protected, enclosed spaces. Birds, squirrels, and raccoons frequently attempt to enter homes through chimneys, especially if the chimney isn’t capped or if an existing cap is damaged.

Birds are among the most common chimney intruders. Some birds, like chimney swifts, are naturally inclined to roost and nest in vertical spaces, making chimneys an appealing substitute for hollow trees. Once inside, these birds build nests, which can create blockages and even fire hazards when the fireplace is used.

Raccoons also find chimneys to be safe nesting spots and will climb down inside to make a den. Their natural climbing ability allows them to scale the vertical walls of a chimney, and if they’re raising young, they may become territorial, posing additional risks to homeowners who attempt to remove them.

Squirrels occasionally enter chimneys as well, sometimes accidentally, when exploring or attempting to escape predators. Once inside, they often find it difficult to climb back out, causing a stressful situation for both the animal and the homeowner.

To prevent these unwelcome guests, installing a professionally-fitted chimney cap is essential. Chimney caps keep animals out while allowing smoke to escape freely. Regularly checking the condition of the chimney cap can ensure there are no weak spots that wildlife could exploit.

Gaps Around Windows, Doors, And Vents

Gaps around windows, doors, and vents are common entry points for smaller wildlife. As homes age, these areas may develop gaps that become ideal entrances for pests.

Mice are especially adept at slipping through tiny spaces—if you can fit a pencil into a gap, a mouse can likely squeeze through it too. A mouse only needs a hole about the size of a dime to get inside, making even minor gaps around window frames or poorly-fitted doors a risk. Once inside, mice can quickly establish nests in walls, attics, or basements, reproducing rapidly and creating bigger issues over time.

Rats also exploit gaps around doors, particularly those in garages or basements. They only need a hole the size of a quarter to access indoor spaces. Rats often chew on wood, expanding minor gaps they find to fit their bodies through. They’re drawn to basements and crawl spaces where they can access warmth and potential food sources.

Insects can also enter through small openings in walls or around vents, particularly if they’re searching for protected areas to establish hives. Even small gaps in siding or ventilation can allow entry, which can lead to nests in walls or attic spaces if not addressed quickly.

Weather-stripping around doors and windows, installing metal grates over vents, and regularly inspecting seals can help to deter these smaller pests from taking up residence inside.

Foundation Cracks And Crawl Spaces

The foundation of a home is often overlooked, but cracks and gaps in this area can provide an easy path for wildlife to get inside. Many critters often use these spaces to access basements or establish dens beneath the home.

Groundhogs are burrowers that create complex tunnel systems, sometimes causing structural damage to foundations and driveways. They’re drawn to spaces under decks, porches, or sheds where they feel protected and close to the ground.

Skunks are also drawn to low spaces and can fit into small openings. They might burrow under sheds or decks, looking for quiet places to raise their young. While skunks are generally harmless, their odor can quickly become a problem if they feel threatened near the home.

Sealing foundation cracks with caulking and wire mesh can prevent animals from entering your home at ground level. Installing hardware cloth around decks and sheds can also deter burrowing animals from getting underneath.

Garages, Basement Doors, And Other Entry Points

Garages and basements often contain stored food, pet food, and other attractants, making them a magnet for wildlife. Left open, these areas provide easy access for a variety of animals.

Raccoons are known to enter garages if they detect food sources, while squirrels might use them as temporary shelters during inclement weather. Snakes are also known to take advantage of open garages or basement doors, particularly in colder months when they seek warmth.

For the best protection, always close garage and basement doors securely, and consider using rubber seals along the bottom of doors to prevent small animals from slipping through.

Roof vents and HVAC exhaust vents are common, unnoticed entry points that animals can exploit to enter attics and crawl spaces. Birds are especially attracted to these areas, building nests inside vents that provide warmth and shelter. Bats and squirrels have also been known to enter through roof vents, attracted by the warmth that escapes from the house.

Installing metal mesh over these vents can keep animals out while allowing air to flow freely. Regular inspection of these areas is key to ensuring there are no gaps or signs of wear.

Preventing wildlife from entering your home is about more than convenience—it’s essential for protecting your home’s structure and your family’s safety. Wildlife can cause significant damage to wiring, insulation, and walls, and many species carry diseases that can impact human health.

At Wildlife Services, we know how important it is to keep your home secure from all types of wildlife. Our team specializes in identifying potential entry points and providing effective solutions to prevent animals from gaining access to your living spaces. By reinforcing your home’s defenses, we help you maintain a safe, comfortable environment for your family. Contact Wildlife Services today for a comprehensive inspection and the peace of mind that your home is protected from unwanted intruders.