7 Ways To Identify Animals In Your Walls
As a homeowner, discovering that you have animals living in your walls can be a distressing experience. Not only can it be unsettling to think about unknown creatures scurrying around in the darkness, but it can also lead to significant damage to your property and potentially even health risks. However, before you can address the issue, you need to identify the type of animal that's taken up residence in your walls. Here are seven ways to help you do just that.
Understanding Animal Behavior
Before we dive into the identification methods, it's essential to understand the behavior of common wall-dwelling animals. Different species exhibit unique characteristics, such as noise patterns, droppings, and nesting habits. Familiarizing yourself with these behaviors will help you narrow down the possibilities and make a more accurate identification.
1. Listen for Noises
One of the most straightforward ways to identify animals in your walls is to listen for the noises they make. Different species produce distinct sounds, such as scurrying, scratching, or chirping. For example, rodents like mice and rats tend to make high-pitched squeaking sounds, while birds might produce chirping or cooing noises.
2. Inspect Droppings and Urine Stains
Another way to identify animals in your walls is to inspect their droppings and urine stains. Different species produce unique droppings, such as shape, size, color, and consistency. For example, mouse droppings are typically small, dark, and pellet-shaped, while rat droppings are larger and more irregular. Urine stains can also provide clues, as different species tend to produce distinctively colored or scented stains.
3. Look for Nesting Signs
Many animals that live in walls build nests using various materials like insulation, paper, or fabric. Inspecting your walls for nesting signs can help you identify the type of animal present. For example, birds might build nests using twigs and leaves, while rodents tend to use shredded paper or fabric.
4. Check for Footprints and Tracks
If you have animals living in your walls, they might leave behind footprints or tracks on surfaces like insulation or drywall. Different species have unique footprints, which can help you identify them. For example, rodents have small, pointed footprints, while birds have larger, more rounded prints.
5. Inspect for Gnaw Marks
Some animals, like rodents, have a tendency to gnaw on surfaces like wood or drywall. Inspecting your walls for gnaw marks can help you identify the type of animal present. Rodents tend to leave behind distinctive gnaw marks, which can be used to identify them.
6. Use Camera Traps
If you're still unsure about the type of animal living in your walls, consider using camera traps. These devices can be placed in areas where you suspect animal activity and can capture images of the animals when they're present.
7. Consult a Wildlife Professional
If you're still unsure about the type of animal living in your walls or if you're not comfortable dealing with the situation yourself, consider consulting a wildlife professional. These experts have the training and experience to safely and humanely identify and remove animals from your property.
Gallery of Animal Identification Methods
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common animals that live in walls?
+The most common animals that live in walls include rodents (mice and rats), birds, and squirrels.
How do I safely remove animals from my walls?
+It's recommended to consult a wildlife professional to safely and humanely remove animals from your walls. They can assess the situation and provide the best course of action.
What are the signs of animal infestation in walls?
+Signs of animal infestation in walls include strange noises, droppings, urine stains, nesting signs, and gnaw marks.