It's 5:00am and you hear something running inside your attic. Your first thoughts are "Is it a mouse, a squirrel or a raccoon? What am I going to do? Who am I going to call?" This is a common dilemma that our clients find themselves in.

Certain species of wildlife can be a real nuisance for homeowners. Squirrels can gain entry into attic spaces and chew electrical wiring. Raccoons will climb down chimneys and raise their young inside. Skunks may find the area under your front porch a suitable habitat in which to live. There is nothing like stepping out on your front porch and discovering many baby skunks milling about!

Wildlife left to live in these areas can cause extensive damage to the home and also create a dangerous place to live. When animals chew on electrical wiring in attics a real fire hazard is created. Diseases are also a concern when dealing with wildlife. For example, distemper can be spread to an un-vaccinated family pet. Rabies can also be spread to un-vaccinated pets and even people if a bite occurs. An accumulation of droppings from pigeons or bats roosting in an attic can carry diseases such as histoplasmosis.<

Certain species of wildlife can be a real nuisance for homeowners. Squirrels can gain entry into attic spaces and chew electrical wiring. Raccoons will climb down chimneys and raise their young inside. Skunks may find the area under your front porch a suitable habitat in which to live. There is nothing like stepping out on your front porch and discovering many baby skunks milling about!

Wildlife left to live in these areas can cause extensive damage to the home and also create a dangerous place to live. When animals chew on electrical wiring in attics a real fire hazard is created. Diseases are also a concern when dealing with wildlife. For example, distemper can be spread to an un-vaccinated family pet. Rabies can also be spread to un-vaccinated pets and even people if a bite occurs. An accumulation of droppings from pigeons or bats roosting in an attic can carry diseases such as histoplasmosis.<

Wildlife left to live in these areas can cause extensive damage to the home and also create a dangerous place to live. When animals chew on electrical wiring in attics a real fire hazard is created. Diseases are also a concern when dealing with wildlife. For example, distemper can be spread to an un-vaccinated family pet. Rabies can also be spread to un-vaccinated pets and even people if a bite occurs. An accumulation of droppings from pigeons or bats roosting in an attic can carry diseases such as histoplasmosis.<

What can you as a homeowner do to help prevent wildlife from damaging their home?

Prevention is the key to effectively controlling a wildlife conflict. Have your roof checked for easy access points. Have your chimney inspected and install an approved chimney cap. Make sure to have a qualified wildlife expert ensure there are no animals in the roof, attic, or chimney before you repair these areas.

Check your porches and decks for holes dug under them. If you find a hole, have a qualified wildlife expert check it out to be sure there is not something living under that porch.

Also look for damage to the roof or siding of your home. Look for torn attic vent screens or animal tracks and scratch marks going up the siding or gutter downspouts.

There are many animals that can enter a home and wildlife managers are challenged to resolve them.

Various areas of the country have more than their share of wildlife conflicts and are prone to encounter more problems.

Your home is normally your most valuable asset. With the proper prevention methods, wildlife conflicts will be a rare occurrence. Protect your home with a competent wildlife expert inspection.

Could this be you taking expert care of this wildlife problem?