It can be unsettling when you hear strange noises from underneath your house. Unwanted animals under your house can cause damage, create unpleasant odors, and even pose health risks to your family.
Whether it’s rats, skunks, opossums, snakes, or stray cats, addressing the problem promptly and effectively is crucial. Keep reading to find out the steps to identify the problem, humanely get rid of animals under the house, and prevent them from returning.
Identifying the Problem
Different animals require different removal strategies, and correctly identifying the culprit is the first step to effective removal.
- Raccoons: Look for signs such as overturned garbage cans, raccoon footprints, and scattered food remains. Raccoons are nocturnal, so noises at night might indicate their presence.
- Skunks: The most obvious sign of a skunk is their strong, unpleasant odor. You may also notice shallow holes in your yard where they dig for grubs.
- Opossums: Opossums tend to make hissing or growling noises and may leave droppings that resemble those of a small dog.
- Stray Cats: Cats are likely to leave claw marks and fur around entry points, and you might hear meowing or purring.
Why Animals Are Attracted to the Space Under Your House
Common reasons why animals are attracted to the space under your house include:
- Shelter: The space under your house provides warmth, shelter from the elements, and safety from predators.
- Food Sources: If there’s easy access to food, such as garbage or pet food, animals will be drawn to your property.
- Breeding Ground: Many animals seek out quiet, undisturbed spaces to raise their young.
Legal Considerations Before Taking Any Action
Before taking any action, it’s important to be aware of local wildlife laws and regulations. Some animals are protected, and there may be restrictions on how they can be removed or relocated. For example:
- Protected Species: Some animals, such as certain birds or endangered species, are protected by law. Removing them without permission can result in fines or other penalties.
- Relocation Laws: In some areas, relocating wildlife is illegal or requires a special permit. Always check with local authorities before attempting to relocate an animal.
Humane Ways to Remove Animals Under the House
Removing animals from under your house requires care and consideration, as many species are protected by law, and inhumane treatment can lead to legal consequences and ethical concerns.
Live Traps
Live traps are a common and effective method to capture and relocate animals without harming them. Here’s how to use them:
- Choose the Right Trap: Make sure the trap is appropriately sized for the animal you’re trying to capture.
- Bait the Trap: Use food that is attractive to the specific animal. For example, raccoons are drawn to fish or cat food, while skunks might be lured by peanut butter.
- Monitor the Trap: Check the trap frequently to ensure the captured animal is not left in distress.
- Relocate the Animal: Once captured, relocate the animal to a suitable location far from residential areas.
Repellents
Repellents can be effective in driving animals away without the need for trapping. There are different types of repellents, such as:
- Chemical Repellents: These include sprays that deter animals by creating an unpleasant smell or taste. Some are designed specifically for certain animals, such as skunk repellent or carbolic acid for snakes.
- Natural Repellents: Ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic, and hot peppers can be mixed into a spray to deter animals. These are non-toxic and safe for use around pets and children.
- Ultrasonic Repellents: Devices that emit high-frequency sounds can irritate animals, encouraging them to leave the area. These are particularly effective for rodents and small mammals.
Exclusion Methods
Exclusion involves sealing off entry points to prevent animals from getting under your house in the first place or re-entering after being removed.
- Inspect the Perimeter: Look for holes, gaps, or weak spots in your foundation, vents, or skirting.
- Seal Entry Points: Use metal mesh, caulk, or concrete to block these potential entryways. Ensure there are no animals inside before sealing.
- Install Barriers: For extra protection, consider installing hardware cloth or lattice around the base of your house.
Preventing Future Animal Infestations
Once you’ve successfully removed animals from under your house, it’s essential to take steps to prevent them from returning. Here’s how you can keep your home animal-free:
Eliminate Food Sources
Animals are often attracted to your property by food. Taking the following measures can help:
- Secure Garbage Bins: Use animal-proof garbage cans and keep them tightly sealed.
- Remove Pet Food: Do not leave pet food outside overnight, as it can attract animals.
- Clean Up Fallen Fruit: If you have fruit trees, regularly pick up fallen fruit to prevent attracting wildlife.
Maintain Your Yard
Keeping your yard tidy and well-maintained can make it less appealing to animals:
- Trim Bushes and Trees: Overgrown vegetation provides cover and shelter for animals.
- Remove Woodpiles: Woodpiles can attract rodents and other small animals.
- Fill in Burrows: If you notice burrows or holes in your yard, fill them in promptly to discourage nesting.
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular inspections around your house to ensure that no new entry points have been created and that your exclusion methods are holding up.
- Check Foundation Vents: Ensure that all foundation vents are covered with sturdy mesh.
- Inspect the Skirting: If your house has skirting, make sure it’s in good condition and free of gaps.
- Monitor for Signs of Return: Be alert for signs that animals may be trying to return, such as disturbed soil or new odors.
When Should You Contact a Professional?
Even though you can perform many animal removal tasks yourself, there are some circumstances where hiring an expert is preferable:
- Dangerous Animals: If you suspect the presence of a dangerous animal like a venomous snake, it’s best to call a wildlife removal expert.
- Large Infestations: If there are multiple animals or a large infestation, professional help might be necessary.
- Persistent Problems: If animals keep returning despite your efforts, a professional can assess the situation and provide a more permanent solution.
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Final Words
So, you can see that removing animals from under your house depends on the animal you’re trying to remove. Start by identifying the animal, choose a removal method that suits the situation, and take preventive measures to ensure they don’t return.
And, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional to handle the situation safely and legally. Be careful and good luck!
