Dealing with wildlife intrusions in your home or business can be stressful, but a professional wildlife removal inspection is the first step to resolving the issue. At Covenant Wildlife, we understand how unsettling it can be to share your space with unwanted critters, and we’re here to make the process smooth, transparent, and effective. A thorough inspection not only identifies the problem but also lays the foundation for humane and lasting solutions.
Here’s what you can expect during a wildlife removal inspection and how our team works to protect your property and peace of mind.
Why Is a Wildlife Inspection Necessary?
Wildlife issues often involve more than meets the eye. While you might notice droppings, odd noises, or damage, these signs are just the tip of the iceberg. An inspection is crucial because it:
- Identifies the Species: Different animals require different removal and prevention strategies.
- Pinpoints Entry Points: Determining how animals are accessing your property is essential for effective exclusion.
- Assesses Damage: Wildlife can cause structural damage, chew through wires, and create health hazards.
- Prepares a Plan: A detailed inspection informs a tailored removal and prevention strategy.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Questions
Before the inspection begins, we’ll start with a conversation about the issues you’ve observed. This step helps us understand the scope of the problem and identify potential culprits. Be prepared to answer questions such as:
- When did you first notice signs of wildlife?
- Have you seen or heard specific animals?
- Are there particular times of day when the activity is most noticeable?
- Have you noticed any unusual smells or droppings?
- Is there damage to your property, such as gnawed wires or torn insulation?
Your input is invaluable for guiding our investigation.
Step 2: Exterior Property Inspection
Wildlife often enters homes and buildings from the outside. Our team will start by examining the exterior of your property to identify potential access points and problem areas. This includes checking:
- Rooflines and Eaves: Squirrels, raccoons, and bats often enter through damaged shingles, loose vents, or gaps in soffits.
- Foundation and Crawlspaces: Small animals like mice and rats can squeeze through tiny cracks or gaps.
- Doors and Windows: Worn weather stripping or broken screens can allow wildlife to slip inside.
- Vegetation and Landscaping: Overhanging branches, untrimmed hedges, or cluttered yards can provide animals with easy access to your home.
During this phase, we document evidence such as droppings, paw prints, chewed wood, or claw marks.
Step 3: Interior Inspection
After completing the exterior assessment, we’ll move inside to investigate the areas where wildlife may be active. Common indoor inspection areas include:
- Attics: Rodents, squirrels, and raccoons often nest in attics, chewing through insulation and wires. We’ll look for nesting materials, droppings, and damage.
- Basements and Crawlspaces: These areas are popular hiding spots for wildlife, especially if they’re dark and moist.
- Kitchens and Pantries: Food sources attract animals like mice and rats. We’ll check for droppings, gnawed food packaging, or grease marks along walls.
- Walls and Ceilings: Odd noises such as scratching or scurrying may indicate wildlife activity behind your walls or above your ceiling.
Using specialized tools like flashlights, ladders, and thermal cameras, we thoroughly inspect hard-to-reach spaces.
Step 4: Identifying the Culprits
The next step is determining which species of wildlife is causing the issue. Based on the evidence gathered, our experts can identify the animal(s) and their behavior patterns. Here’s how we recognize some common culprits:
- Squirrels: Look for chewed wires, shredded insulation, and activity during the day.
- Rats and Mice: Droppings, greasy rub marks, and gnaw marks are typical signs.
- Raccoons: Entry points on roofs, large droppings, and overturned trash cans are key indicators.
- Bats: Guano (bat droppings) near entry points and squeaking noises in attics.
- Birds: Nesting materials in vents or eaves and droppings near access points.
Correctly identifying the species is essential for crafting a humane and effective removal plan.
Step 5: Damage Assessment and Health Hazards
Wildlife can cause more than just inconvenience—they can compromise the safety and integrity of your home. During the inspection, we assess:
- Structural Damage: Chewed wood, damaged insulation, and weakened foundations.
- Electrical Hazards: Rodents, in particular, are notorious for chewing through electrical wires, which can pose a fire risk.
- Health Risks: Many animals carry diseases, parasites, or bacteria that can harm humans. For instance, bat guano can spread histoplasmosis, and rodent droppings can transmit hantavirus.
This assessment allows us to prioritize repairs and recommend sanitation services if necessary.
Step 6: Customized Removal and Prevention Plan
Once the inspection is complete, our team will develop a detailed plan tailored to your situation. This plan includes:
- Removal Strategies: Depending on the species, we may use live traps, exclusion devices, or deterrents to remove animals safely and humanely.
- Sealing Entry Points: After removing the animals, we seal gaps, cracks, and other access points to prevent future intrusions.
- Sanitation and Repairs: If necessary, we’ll clean affected areas and repair any damage caused by the wildlife.
- Ongoing Prevention: We may recommend installing deterrents such as chimney caps, vent covers, or fencing to protect your property in the long term.
At Covenant Wildlife, we prioritize humane practices and work to ensure animals are relocated safely to appropriate environments.
What You Can Do to Prepare
To make the inspection process as efficient as possible, here are some steps you can take beforehand:
- Clear Access: Remove obstacles near attics, crawlspaces, or other areas we’ll need to inspect.
- Note Problem Areas: Write down any signs of activity you’ve noticed, such as noises or damage, and share this information with our team.
- Secure Pets: If you have pets, keep them in a safe, secure area during the inspection to avoid stress or interference.
What Sets Covenant Wildlife Apart?
When you choose Covenant Wildlife for your inspection and removal needs, you can count on:
- Expertise: Our team has extensive experience handling a wide range of wildlife issues.
- Humane Practices: We prioritize the safety and well-being of both our clients and the animals we remove.
- Comprehensive Service: From inspection to prevention, we provide end-to-end solutions for your wildlife concerns.
- Customer Focus: We take the time to educate our clients, ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout the process.
Conclusion
A professional wildlife removal inspection is the cornerstone of effective wildlife management. By thoroughly assessing your property, identifying the problem, and implementing targeted solutions, Covenant Wildlife ensures your home or business is safe, secure, and critter-free.
If you’re dealing with unwanted wildlife, don’t wait—contact Covenant Wildlife today to schedule your inspection. Together, we’ll restore your peace of mind and protect your property for the future.
