Your home should be a comfortable and safe haven—not a shared space with uninvited wildlife guests. Unfortunately, animal infestations are more common than many homeowners think, especially in regions like the Midwest, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains, where raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, and even moles thrive.
Left unchecked, these pests can cause extensive damage, jeopardize your health, and be tricky to manage. Being proactive and knowing the signs of a wildlife infestation can save you time, money, and headaches. Below you’ll find what to look for, how to prevent infestations, and when to call in the professionals for wildlife control.

Common Signs of an Animal Infestation
Detecting an animal infestation early is critical to minimizing damage and avoiding costly repairs. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to act.
1. Droppings or Urine
One of the most apparent signs of a wildlife infestation is the presence of droppings or urine. Different pests leave behind distinct types of waste. For example, raccoons and squirrels tend to leave droppings in attics or near entry points, while bats often leave piles of guano (droppings) beneath their roosting spots.
Why This Matters
Animal waste isn’t just unsightly. It can carry harmful pathogens like Salmonella or Hantavirus, making infestation cleanup a priority for health and safety.
2. Strange Noises
Hearing odd sounds in your walls, ceilings, or attic is another red flag. Wildlife such as bats in the attic may create rustling, scratching, or fluttering sounds. Similarly, squirrels and raccoons tend to be noisy, especially at night, as they move around searching for food or building nests.
Listen For:
- Scratching or scurrying in your attic or walls
- Chirping or squeaking sounds (common with bats or squirrels)
- Thumping noises, which could indicate larger animals like raccoons
3. Unusual Odors
A wildlife infestation often comes with a strong, unpleasant odor. This could stem from waste, nests, or even the animals themselves. Skunks are especially notorious for their potent scent. If you notice a foul smell that doesn’t go away, it’s worth investigating further.
4. Damage to Property
Wildlife can cause visible damage to your home. Wildlife like squirrels and raccoons may chew through insulation, wood, and even electrical wiring, posing fire hazards. Bats or birds roosting in the attic can damage wooden beams, while animals entering through small gaps may enlarge entry points in your walls or roofing.
Look out for:
- Chewed or gnawed wires, corners, or furniture
- Torn insulation in your attic
- Holes or entry points in walls, vents, or under your roofline
5. Nesting Materials
Finding piles of twigs, leaves, grass, or shredded material? Many pests, such as squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons, gather these items to create warm nests in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
Tip: Inspect areas like your attic or garage for signs of shredded paper, fabric, or nesting debris.
Common Wildlife Pests and Their Specific Signs
Different pests leave behind unique traces. Below are some animals that you’re more likely to encounter in the Tennessee and Smoky Mountains regions, along with the typical signs that suggest they are the culprit of your infestation:
Raccoons
- Large, scattered droppings
- Thumping and rustling noises at night
- Damage to roofing or insulation in the attic
Squirrels
- Chewing marks on wires, wood, or furniture
- Daytime scampering sounds in walls or attics
- Shredded nesting material
Bats
- Guano piled below roosting sites
- High-pitched squeaking noises at dusk or dawn
- Greasy stains near small entry points
Skunks
- Foul, unmistakable odor
- Shallow holes dug in the yard (skunks forage for grubs)
- Tracks leading to crawl spaces or under decks
Moles
- Raised ridges and mounds of soil in your lawn
- Dead patches of grass caused by disrupted root systems
- Mushy or bouncy spots on lawn
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Home
Keeping wildlife out of your home requires a mix of proactive maintenance and good habits. Here’s how you can deter pests effectively.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, or holes in walls, vents, roofing, and attics. Seal these openings with durable materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
Keep Your Space Clean
Wildlife is attracted to food and water sources. Regularly clean up trash, secure garbage bins, and store food in airtight containers. Pet food should also be removed immediately after feeding.
Maintain Your Yard
Trim back branches near windows and roofing, clear out clutter like woodpiles, and ensure there’s no standing water in your yard that might attract pests.
Install Barriers
For added protection, consider installing screens on vents, chimney caps, and heavy-duty fencing around gardens or crawl spaces.
What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation
If you’ve noticed the signs of a wildlife infestation, avoid taking matters into your own hands. Handling wildlife can be dangerous, and improper removal can lead to further damage or health risks. Instead, rely on the services of a licensed wildlife removal and control company.
Professional Animal Removal
Professional wildlife control experts are trained to identify, remove, and prevent pests safely. They use humane methods to remove and relocate animals, plus they can assist with infestation cleaning to ensure your home is restored back to its original condition.
Whether it’s raccoons in the attic, bats roosting overhead, or skunks hiding under your deck, a professional company can help quickly and effectively.
Looking for help in the Midwest, Tennessee, or the Smoky Mountains? Reach out to Smoky Wildlife Control today for expert infestation removal services.
Infestation Cleaning and Repairs
After the wildlife has been removed, thorough cleaning and repair work is crucial to restore the affected space. This involves sanitizing the area to eliminate any bacteria, parasites, or odors left behind, which can pose serious health risks. Additionally, damaged areas such as chewed wires, insulation, or structural elements need to be carefully repaired to prevent further issues. Professionals can ensure the space is properly cleaned, sanitized, and restored, reducing the risk of another invasion and keeping your home safe and secure.
Key Points
Wildlife infestations can pose serious risks to your health, safety, and property, but with vigilance and proactive measures, they are preventable. Recognizing the signs of intrusion—such as unusual noises, odors, or property damage—early on is key to minimizing harm. By sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can protect your home and family from unwanted pests.
Remember, addressing an infestation promptly and thoroughly can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. If you suspect wildlife has invaded your space, don’t hesitate to contact expert wildlife removal services to ensure the problem is handled safely and effectively. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it!
Got nuisance animal problems? Allow us to help. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured animal removal and control in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our trusted team specializes in humane wildlife control and thorough infestation cleanup. Request an estimate, today.
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