You’re hearing noises—perhaps in your walls or maybe from up above in your attic. But anytime you attempt to investigate, you don’t see animals. Yet, you’re convinced there’s something living in your home with you.

If you’re hearing strange noises from your walls or attic, you’re probably right. It’s probably not just the wind. But all wild animals are skilled at hiding and staying away from predators, so it can be tough to pinpoint exactly what wildlife is in your home.

If you suspect you have birds and bats in your home, check out these telltale signs that are left behind by these animals. These signs of birds and bats in the home will tell you whether or not your suspicions are right.

1. Bird Nests

Birds build nests. If there are birds in your home, you’ll expect to find a nest somewhere hidden. Check your fan vents. This is one of the most common places for nest building because these vents are high up on the home and typically go unnoticed by homeowners.

If this is the case, it’s best to remove the abandoned nest and seal off access to prevent future re-entry because the birds will likely manage to find their way to other parts of your home if the construction of your home isn’t completely infallible.

2. Piles of Bat Guano and Urine Marks

Bat guano (feces) is quite easy to spot if you know what to look for. Though guano looks like mouse droppings, there are a few key differences. For one, bat guano is larger. The droppings are also black and crumbly—if you look closely, they might appear shiny and you might be able to see insect parts.

The most obvious differentiator, however, is the location of the guano. If you have bats in the home, the droppings will be near the roost’s entrance—on the windowsill, on the wall, on the porch, or below wherever it is the bats are entering your home from. Bats are creatures of habit and will congregate in one place year after year, so you can expect see a large accumulation of guano in one spot.

Similarly, you will likely be able to see bat urine stains on indoor walls if you start looking. These stains are particularly noticeable on metal surfaces and light-coloured walls. The stains will look like long exclamation marks.

3. Soffit/Fascia Damage

Bats often get into homes through soffit intersections and fascia boards. Check your roof to determine if you have any damage in these areas. If there is damage, you will need a professional to block off the sections with the appropriate materials, or re-entry will likely occur.

It’s important to note, however, that bats won’t tear or gnaw through any part of the roof to get in—if the damage is extensive, you likely have another type of wildlife problem, like raccoons living in your attic. Bats will use small holes that already exist.

4. Birds Hanging out on Your Home’s Overhang

Many older homes have large overhangs. Birds often make these overhangs their home. If you’re seeing birds flying in and out from under your window overhangs, you need to consider that they’re inside your attic as well.

Homeowners rarely inspect overhangs. Over time, they’ll become damaged and holes may be created. Birds will use these holes to get into your home.

5. Rub Marks on Your Walls

Greasy rub marks are a telltale sign that you have bats in your home. You’ll find these rub marks on the outside of your home, around the holes or cracks that the bats are using to get in. As they use the holes or cracks to enter and exit, they squeeze their bodies through, leaving the greasy stains.

If you’ve identified any of these signs of birds and bats in the home, call a wildlife removal company immediately to deal with the problem safely, humanely, and permanently. You shouldn’t attempt to manage the wildlife situation on your own; this can be dangerous to you and those living in your home.

Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!

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