5 Smart Creatures That Only Need a Tiny Crack to Enter Your Home

While all creatures serve a purpose on this planet, they have absolutely no business being inside your walls. They can be very damaging to your house’s structure, and if they find a way inside your home, they can affect your peace of mind. They could also find a way to your kitchen and your food, which would be a serious health hazard. That’s why you should be able to recognize any noises that would indicate their presence inside your walls.

1. Mice and rats

The first sign that mice or rats have entered your walls are noises or very small footsteps late at night. These rodents are also known to chew on electrical cords and insulation, so that should be a clear indication of their presence. Another sign is food packages that have been chewed on or droppings around the house. Mice find their way around your home very easily, and if you notice even one dropping, there are probably many of them living very close to you.

What to do: First, you need to make sure that there are no holes or cracks in the exterior of your home. Also, if you have ivy on your walls, you might need to reconsider since rodents can climb through them and into your home. But, the main advice is to keep your home generally clean and throw all of your trash away. Dirt and the smell of trash attracts mice and rats more than anything else.

2. Squirrels and chipmunks

A squirrel will probably enter your home by digging a small hole with a diameter of around 2 inches. They often get trapped inside the walls and try to find a way to get out by chewing through any wood they find. Their molars are big, and they can create a lot of damage around your home if you don’t locate the intruders soon enough. They sleep through the night, so they will make all of their noise during the day and before dusk.

What to do: Squirrels usually enter homes from the roofline, and that’s why people often find them in their attic. If you are sure that this creature has entered your house, you can set up a trap with a few peanuts inside. Once the squirrels are caught, you will need to take them far away from your home and release them into the woods.

3. Bats

Bats are nocturnal beings that spend their time outside during the night and sleep during the day. This means that if you ever hear them in your walls, it will be right before dusk as they are preparing to leave. But the only way you will hear them is if you have a large infestation of them, since only a few bats won’t create any big noises. While they are usually attracted to attics where it is cool, they might also find their way into your walls.

What to do: Bats hate light and will try to stay away from it as much as possible. So, if you can put bright lights in spaces where they may try to rest, this would be a good first step in your effort to get rid of them. However, if they are already in your walls, this will probably be hard to do, so asking for a professional’s help might be your only option. Keep in mind that they might need to cut the wall open in order to remove the bat infestation.

4. Raccoons

It’s female raccoons, with their babies, that often get inside your walls, so they can have a safe spot away from danger. And in order to find food, they will dig holes in your walls and steal from your kitchen. It is easier to notice these intruders because they make loud walking sounds and their babies make various other noises. They don’t try to be quiet, and they will eat your electrical cords and insulation if they have to create an exit and entry point.

What to do: The first step is to knock on the side of the wall where you hear the noises. The raccoon might get scared and leave. But if it stays there, at least you will know exactly where it is located. Then, you will need to contact a professional in order for them to inspect the situation and act accordingly.

5. Opossums

Opossums enter houses by climbing, so you may need to check the exterior of your house for entry points, including the roof. They also are quite loud, making themselves noticeable through hissing and shrieking. It is very possible that they will start scratching your walls if they are trapped inside, and if they manage to get out, they will run for your pet’s food. The last and most unpleasant sign that you have an opossum infestation is the smell of their defecation, which can be appalling.

What to do: In order to prevent their appearance in your home, you can start by inspecting your house frequently. You can also fix any gaps or holes that could be entry points for them. Your vents might also need to be covered with a mesh covering. However, if they still manage to get inside, you should contact professionals to deal with the issue.

Bonus: Snakes can find their way in through your toilet.

• There’s a snake in my toilet.

Have you ever discovered any creatures in your walls? What were they and how did you get rid of them?