For the most part, wild animals prefer the outdoors where there’s plenty to eat and shelter is abundant. However, some animals prefer to live near humans. Animals like mice, rats, squirrels, and raccoons are commonly found in and around homes. While having any of these pests inside your home can be unnerving and scary, it’s worse if the critter is stuck between the walls. Getting a stuck animal out of the wall can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.

What Kinds of Wild Animals Get Into Walls?

Understanding the behavior, nesting habits, and potential hazards of common attic invaders can help you address the issue effectively. Here are some frequently encountered animals:

Raccoons: Raccoons are known for their dexterity and often enter attics through loose or damaged vents, rooflines, or chimneys. They can tear off shingles or chew through weak points to gain access. Inside, they cause significant damage and create a mess with their droppings, urine, and nesting materials.

Squirrels: Squirrels are particularly fond of nesting in attics during colder months. They enter through small openings or gaps in the roofline or fascia boards. Squirrels can chew on electrical wires, insulation, and wooden structures, posing fire hazards and causing structural damage.

Bats: Bats often roost in attics, usually in large numbers. They can enter through gaps as small as a quarter of an inch. Their droppings, known as guano, accumulate and create a foul odor. Bats can also carry diseases like rabies, posing health risks.

Birds: Birds build nests in attics, especially in vent openings or damaged areas. Their nesting materials can block vents, causing ventilation issues. Bird droppings can lead to stains, foul odors, and potential health hazards.

Rodents: Rats and mice are common attic invaders. They squeeze through small gaps and cracks, and their gnawing can damage wiring, insulation, and stored belongings. Rodents also pose health risks by contaminating surfaces with their droppings and urine.

If you suspect any of these animals are living in your attic or walls, it is crucial to address the issue promptly. Professional wildlife removal services like Trutech can help you safely and effectively identify and remove these unwanted guests while implementing preventive measures to avoid future infestations.

How Do Animals Get Stuck in Walls?

When a raccoon or squirrel gets in between your walls, it’s likely because they were in the attic and either climbed or fell into the wall opening. Rodents can also enter the wall this way, but it’s more likely that they will chew a hole into the wall as an access point. No matter how an animal gets into your wall, you want it out as quickly as possible to avoid damage to your home. 

Understanding the Signs of Animal Infestation in the Wall

Recognizing the signs of animal infestation can help you take appropriate action to protect your property. Here are three common indicators:

Nocturnal Animal Sounds: Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noises primarily during the night can indicate nocturnal animals like raccoons, squirrels, rats, or bats residing in your attic or walls.

Visible Droppings or Urine Stains: Animal droppings or urine stains can provide clues about the type of animals present in your home. Inspect your attic or walls for small, pellet-like droppings or dark stains that could indicate rodents or other small mammals.

Gnaw Marks on Electrical Wires or Insulation: Rats and mice often gnaw on electrical wires and insulation. Chewed or frayed wires and damaged insulation in your attic or walls are signs of an animal infestation.

If you encounter any of these signs, address the issue promptly. Ignoring an animal infestation can lead to further damage and potential health risks. Contact a professional wildlife removal service like Critter Control of the Triad to safely and effectively handle the situation.

How Do Get an Animal Out of the Wall Safely

If you’re hearing telltale scratching and chewing sounds, squeaks, and other noises inside your walls, odds are there are animals inside. They’re chewing through the wood, scratching up the drywall, and ruining your insulation with their urine and feces. Getting them out of the wall is imperative, but it’s not easy. A few things that you can try include:

• Locate the entry point and install a one-way trap to catch the critter as it tries to leave. This works for squirrels, raccoons, mic,e and rats equally. 
• Continue to set the trap until you aren’t catching any more critters and then seal the hole to keep others from entering.
• If you suspect that the animal has a nest in your wall, you may need to use a saw to cut a hole to gain access to the nest so you can remove it.
• Removing dead animals from inside your wall isn’t a fun task, but if you don’t your home will be permeated with the smell. Again, use a saw to cut a hole to find and remove the animal.

If you’re not sure where the animal is, what kind of animal you’re dealing with, or how to get rid of it, don’t try to take care of it on your own. You could end up injured or bitten by the animal. It isn’t worth the risk. Contact the pest control experts at Critter Control of the Triad

 for fast, professional, safe animal and wildlife removal.