As spring arrives, you might encounter some unexpected tenants during home inspections. From birds nesting in chimneys to snakes hiding in crawlspaces, wildlife in houses can cause structural damage, create health hazards, and sometimes, just give you a good scare. Here’s a guide to the most common animals home inspectors find, the issues they cause, and advice to give homeowners.
Birds in the Chimney or Attic
Birds like starlings and pigeons often sneak into chimneys and attics looking for a safe, quiet place to nest. But once they settle in, they can cause problems. Nests can block airflow and even create a fire risk. Their droppings are acidic and can slowly damage wood and other materials. If you spot twigs or feathers near vents or hear chirping coming from the chimney, you might have some feathery squatters.
Impact: Blocked vents, fire hazards, odors, and potential for mites or lice infestations.
Solution: Homeowners should install chimney caps and seal attic entry points to prevent nesting.
Rodents: Mice and Rats Behind the Walls
Mice and rats can wiggle through the smallest cracks and set up camp behind walls. Once inside, they chew on just about anything—wires, insulation, even drywall. This can lead to fire risks or serious damage. Plus, their droppings smell bad, spread germs, and hurt the air quality in the home.
Impact: Electrical hazards, contamination, and structural damage.
Solution: Encourage homeowners to seal gaps, set traps, and consult pest control if necessary.
Animals Home Inspectors Find Include Snakes in the Crawlspace
A dark, damp crawlspace is the perfect hideout for snakes, especially in spring when they emerge from winter hiding spots. While most snakes are harmless, it can be pretty unsettling to spot one right next to you while maneuvering through a crawlspace. In some areas, venomous species like copperheads can pose a real danger to home inspectors.
Impact: Potential bites, general creepiness, and damage to insulation and HVAC ductwork.
Solution: Add screens to crawlspace vents and remove food sources (like rodents) that attract snakes.
Gophers, Moles, and Groundhogs Tearing Up Yards
These burrowing critters cause extensive damage to lawns and landscaping. Groundhogs, in particular, are known for digging under foundations, which can compromise a house’s structural stability.
Impact: Uneven yards, weakened foundations, soil erosion, damage to underground utilities, and increased pest activity.
Solution: Homeowners can use ultrasonic devices and natural repellants as deterrents, build fencing to keep them away from the property, or trap and relocate them humanely.
Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels love attics for warmth and shelter. The trouble? They chew on everything—including electrical wiring—which is a recipe for a house fire. Plus, their droppings and urine can lead to unpleasant odors and health risks.
Impact: Electrical hazards, soiled and damaged insulation, and noise disturbances.
Solution: Install vent covers and trim overhanging branches to limit squirrels’ access to the home.
Raccoons in the Crawlspace or Attic
Raccoons are intelligent and strong enough to rip through vents, shingles, and soffits to gain entry. They often nest in attics or crawlspaces and leave a mess with their droppings, which can contain dangerous parasites.
Impact: Structural damage, health hazards, and strong odors.
Solution: Secure trash bins, repair entry points, and consider professional removal if needed.
Bats in the Eaves are Animals Home Inspectors Find
Bats are great for controlling insects, but when they roost in eaves or attics, they create serious air quality issues. Bat guano (droppings) is toxic and can lead to respiratory diseases like histoplasmosis.
Impact: Disease risk, strong odors, and structural staining from droppings.
Solution: Install bat houses away from the home to encourage relocation and seal entry points after they leave.
Termites and Carpenter Ants
Though not quite as startling as a raccoon or snake, wood-destroying insects like termites and carpenter ants are some of the most destructive pests. Termites quietly eat away at wooden structures, while carpenter ants weaken it by tunneling inside.
Impact: Structural damage, costly repairs, and home value reduction.
Solution: Regular termite inspections, moisture control, and prompt pest treatment.
For home inspectors, wildlife encounters are part of the job—sometimes funny, sometimes a bit of a surprise, but always important to note. By identifying these common critters and understanding their impact on homes, you’ll help your clients keep their homes safe and secure.
So, the next time you’re crawling through a dark attic or checking under a deck, keep an eye out for furry—or scaly—inhabitants that might be making a mess.
FAQs About Animals Home Inspectors Find
What should I do if I encounter an animal during an inspection?
Remain calm and avoid direct contact. If the animal is in an area you need to inspect, inform the homeowner and recommend professional wildlife removal.
How can I tell if an animal has been living in a home without seeing it?
Look for droppings, nesting materials, chewed wires, musty odors, and entry holes around the home’s exterior.
Should I report animal-related issues in my home inspection report?
Absolutely! While most home inspectors aren’t pest control specialists, noting evidence of wildlife activity helps homeowners address problems before they escalate.
Are there any legal issues with removing animals from a home?
There can be. Some species, like bats and certain birds, are protected by law. Always advise homeowners to check with local wildlife authorities before taking action.