Wildlife Archives • EcoCare Pest Control

7 Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem

by Ken VahnDijk | Mar 27, 2023 | Infestations, Rodents, Wildlife

Updated: March 27, 2023

The squirrels running around your neighborhood are harmless, right? Generally speaking, yes – squirrels are very common here in the Portland area, especially the Western Gray Squirrel, and will typically keep to themselves.

On the other hand, our wildlife control team has worked with countless homeowners who have gone months without realizing the damage these “harmless neighborhood squirrels” are inflicting on their property.

The key is to stay aware of squirrel activity around your home so you can catch and control any issues right away. In this blog post, we’re outlining 7 tell-tale signs of squirrels wreaking havoc on your home.

Dealing With A Squirrel Problem? We’ll Take Care of the Issue Naturally.

Learn more about our approach to squirrel removal and control.

1. Strange noises around your home

If you’re paying attention, there’s a good chance you’ll hear a squirrel before you see any visual evidence. This is especially true during the winter or rainy months when you’re less likely to notice exterior signs of squirrel problems. Throughout the year, keep your ears open for unusual noises in your home. The two most common types of sounds you’ll hear are:

Scurrying and scampering
Scratching or chewing (squirrels inside your home will chew on everything from wood beams to drywall and electrical wiring!)

Squirrels often make their nests in attics, so you’ll likely notice these sounds coming from your ceiling. However, don’t discount these noises if you hear them in other areas of your home, such as your chimney.

2. Damage around your home

Inside your home, evidence of squirrel damage can be difficult to see. Most of the interior issues caused by squirrels are hidden away in your attic or walls. Take a peek in these areas and you may notice…

Teeth marks in wires, wood, and walls
Chewed electrical wires
Nests in your insulation
Wood chips scattered everywhere
Air vent damage

While you may not immediately notice if a squirrel is chewing up the inside of your attic and walls, it’s easier to spot signs of squirrel damage around the exterior of your home. If you suspect a squirrel problem, an inspection of your property will be very telling! Some things to look for include…

Holes in your shingles
Roofline damage
Chew marks on the outer panels of your home
Ripped open garbage bags or garbage scattered around your yard
Damage to bird feeders
Chewed up outdoor furniture
Chewed bark on young trees
Eaten garden plants

3. Squirrel droppings in your garage or attic

Squirrel droppings are a great indicator of an infestation issue and are most often found in your garage, attic, or near entry points around your home. However, identifying squirrel droppings can be difficult, as they look similar to other critters like bats, raccoons, and rats.

If you notice any type of droppings around your home, exercise caution. Wildlife droppings of any kind carry dangerous diseases and bacteria, such as salmonella. Avoid coming into contact with these droppings. Instead, immediately call a wildlife control company to come inspect the issue and identify the culprit.

4. A foul, decaying smell

If squirrels are finding their way into your home, there’s a good chance some of them aren’t making it out. Some squirrels get stuck while others are just too young to fend for themselves. Whatever the reasoning, soon these squirrels will die and start to decay. Many of our customers call us when they suddenly notice a strong, terrible odor in their house. This can be the smell of a dead squirrel stuck under your home, in your walls, or up in your attic. This squirrel needs to be found and removed in order to rid your home of this unpleasant smell. Pro tip: If you’ve tried to take care of a squirrel problem on your own by using a poison, you’ll likely eventually be faced with dead squirrels (and a horrible smell) inside your home. It’s always better to call an expert to take care of the issue naturally in order to avoid this issue.

5. Squirrel footprints

Squirrel tracks are fairly easy to identify. They’re small, with the front paws having 4 toes and the back having 5. In the winter, you may notice tracks in the snow or mud. During the rest of the year, you can often see tracks from their wet feet on your deck or driveway.

If you want to do some extra sleuthing, put a piece of cardboard covered in flour in the area you suspect the squirrels are inhabiting. If you have a squirrel problem in that area, you’ll soon notice tracks in the flour.

6. Signs of water damage on your walls or ceiling

Have you noticed water damage on your ceiling or walls? We hate to tell you this, but it might not be water damage at all, but rather signs of a squirrel population living in your attic. The longer a squirrel lives in your home, the more feces and urine it produces. If left unnoticed, eventually this waste will build up and seep into your insulation and wood. Just like water damage, this can cause staining, peeling, and bubbling in your walls.

7. Squirrel fights around the neighborhood

Seeing squirrels fighting in your yard doesn’t inherently mean you have a squirrel infestation, but it’s a good indication your home is at risk. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have all the great natural resources a squirrel needs to live a long and happy life. However, if a squirrel population is too large in one area, these critters will start fighting to defend their resources and rights to survival.

What to do if you have a squirrel problem

Identifying if your home has a squirrel problem (or is susceptible to a squirrel problem) is the first step in managing the issue. From there, it’s all about removing the squirrels currently living in your home and causing problems followed by exclusion work to prevent any future access. Here in Portland and Vancouver, there are laws dictating how you can control squirrel populations around your home. For example, did you know it’s illegal to:

Relocate squirrels from one property to another
Keep a squirrel as a pet

Additionally, if you notice a squirrel in your home anytime between the months of March to September, you can assume there’s a nest of baby squirrels somewhere in your home.

Choose preventative and eco-friendly wildlife control methods

Squirrels are so common here in the Pacific Northwest that many homeowners never consider how they might be causing problems for their property. However, now that you do know, make sure to take a preventative approach to protecting your home and family. At EcoCare Pest Control, our experienced wildlife exterminators take a careful 3-step approach to helping you control the squirrel population around your home. We’ll stop the issue at the source and keep squirrels around your home from causing any more damage.

Have Questions About Working with Our Team? Get Answers!

Read our Frequently Asked Questions

How to deal with Raccoon Problems and Damage

by Ken VahnDijk | Sep 8, 2022 | Home Care, Pest Control, Wildlife

Large pest cause serious issues here in Portland, OR. Whether it’s a raccoon, squirrel, or other large pest, your safety and your wallet could be affected in substantial ways if wildlife have decided to take up residence in your home. In this post, we’ll go over what types of large pests you need to be on the lookout for, as well as the issues caused by these critters. Is your home overrun with wildlife? EcoCare Pest Solutions can help get rid of them today. Contact us today or visit our wildlife page to learn more.

What type of wildlife causes home damage?

Just because an animal is cute doesn’t mean it can’t cause serious damage to your home. Wild animals will do what they please in order to survive – even if that means inflicting damage to your property.

Many homeowners don’t even know that some of these animals can do damage to their home. Since most large pests only do damage when they’re out of sight, some issues are a mystery until the pest is caught in the act.

Before we get into the issues that large pests can cause, here are the large pests you need to worry about coming onto your property and wreaking havoc:

Raccoons: One of the most damaging pests,Raccoons have adapted to living with humans and are drawn in by the convenience of trash cans and human shelter
Squirrels: Despite their size, Squirrels cause a lot of issues around Portland homes, including spreading disease and destroying property
Opossums: Opossums are known for entering a space and nesting, stealing food, and leaving waste, causing serious damage and creating unpleasant odors
Bats: Generally making a home in your attic or chimney, Bats can cause real problems in your home. In addition to carrying rabies and other diseases, Bats will leave droppings and cause unpleasant odors around your home.

Think your home or property has been infiltrated by a large pest? Get the help you need to safely and effectively remove them from your property. Remember, just because they haven’t caused issues yet does not mean they won’t in the future.

Learn More About Wildlife Pest Control

6 problems caused by raccoons and other large pests

Electrical damage

Large pests love burrowing into walls and ceilings. The shelter and warmth are particularly great for them in the wet and cold weather of Vancouver winters. Unfortunately, this can damage your electrical wiring. If pests have indeed gotten into your walls, then your electrical system may be compromised. Critters chew through electrical wires, leaving exposed wire and unsafe conditions in your walls. This can mean big trouble. Did you know that 9% of fires are started by electrical issues? And since you can’t even see if it’s happening, the risk is particularly potent.

Insulation damage

While the large pests are in your walls, electrical wires aren’t the only thing they’ll be chewing on. Another common target of large critters is insulation. Chewing through the insulation in your walls and ceiling will lead to less effective insulation in your home and a weakened structure. They may even leave a nest in your insulation! Even critters just walking around will lead to a bad situation, as compressed insulation is not as effective and will need to be replaced. Thousands of dollars in replacements could be in your future.

Damage to your lawn and garden

Even if these animals don’t reach the inside of your home, plenty of damage can be inflicted on the outside of your home as well. Raccoons and Squirrels love to dig holes in lawns to hide their treasures, leading to destroyed lawns and plenty of lawn care costs you otherwise would never have to worry about. They’ll also dig up garden plants and other vegetation and chew on young tree bark. Worst yet, Raccoons are known to dig into and rip trash bags, spewing trash about your property. Once they’ve done this once, they’ll keep at it as they now know it’s a source for food.

Spread of disease

Simply put, one of the top ways for disease to spread into your home is through large wildlife entering your home and wreaking havoc. If wildlife have found their way in and made a home, they’ll be leaving droppings and urine. This waste will be left mere feet from where you live and breathe daily, causing respiratory issues and potential spread of disease. One possible disease is baylisascaris, a type of roundworm that can damage your nervous system or cause serious injury. Many large pests also carry rabies, meaning even their presence on your property can cause serious injury or death. Signs that a Raccoon or other large pest has rabies includes:

Disorientation and unsteady walking
Uncommon voices, such as screeching or chattering
Drooly and frothy mouths
Paralyzed hind legs and difficulty moving

Pests exhibiting these symptoms are incredibly dangerous, especially to pets! If you see any wildlife exhibiting these symptoms it’s imperative you seek an experienced pest extermination team as soon as possible.

Lowered air quality

In addition to potentially giving you a disease, the feces and other waste deposited in your wall will leave the air quality in your home putrid. At first you will notice just a stink, which will only get worse and worse as time goes on. Even once you identify the issue, solving the problem completely will be hard since it will be difficult to identify the exact location it’s coming from. Other sources of rotting smell is food they’re storing decaying and going bad, and eventually the critters themselves dying in the walls and decomposing. The last thing you want you and your family to be doing is breathing in this air and having to smell the unpleasant odor day and night.

Exterior damage to your home

Lastly, large pests and wildlife can do a number on the structure of your home. Particularly troublesome areas include:

Roofs
Siding
Crawlspace
Deck

In order to get into your walls and attic space they’ll be coming in through your walls and siding. This means destroyed roof shingles, holes in your siding, and and damage to your roofline. This damage can lead to serious water and moisture damage around your home as the holes allow the environment access to your home. Plus, even more pests will have easier access. Fortunately, you’ll see these issues easier than others, and can address the problem once you see signs such as chew marks on your siding or loose shingles on your roof.

Call EcoCare Pest Solutions at the first sign of trouble

Pests do not just go away. A proactive response to large pests infiltrating your property is the only long-term solution to keeping your home safe and free from dangerous wildlife. EcoCare Pest Solutions can help with your wildlife infestation with our proven and eco-friendly approach to wildlife pest control. We’ll remove the infestation and prevent future issues as well. Contact us to get started or to have any questions answer on our pest and wildlife control services.

Storing Your Prized Possessions: How to Prevent Pest and Wildlife Damage

by Ken VahnDijk | Dec 4, 2020 | Pest Control, Wildlife

Everyone has those items that are special or essential to them — the family photograph, the favorite sweater, the chocolate truffles you’ve been saving for a bad day. So it’s understandable you’d want to keep these things protected and pest-free, but maybe don’t know where to start.

In this blog post, we’ll review some tips for how to prevent pests and wildlife from damaging your stuff, and how to safely store items in common household areas.

Clothing

When it comes to protecting your clothing, the two biggest pests you need to worry about here in the Pacific Northwest are Clothes Moths and Silverfish. They are attracted to dark, warm corners of your home and love chewing up your clothes, especially natural fibers like wool, silk, or cotton. Contrary to popular belief, adult moths actually don’t eat your clothes — but the larvae from the eggs they lay do.

Let’s look at a few tips for storing your clothes to protect them from pests.

Tip #1: Don’t forget to deep clean your closet a few times each year

A key part of pest control in any home is prevention. When it comes to the dark corners of your closets, that means taking time every 2-3 months to perform a deep clean. Our short checklist includes:

Vacuuming your closet’s corners, baseboards, and floors
Wiping down your closet walls
Picking up any clothes off the floor
Taking a quick look over your clothes (especially less worn ones) for signs of pest damage

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your closet will help deter pests from the area and can help you spot signs of potential entry points later on.

Tip #2: Only store clean clothes

Silverfish are attracted to human food, and therefore clothes with food on them. Clothes Moths have also been known to choose clothing — even synthetic fabrics — with organic food matter on them. That’s why it’s important to make sure your clothes are clean and clear of stains before you shove them back into your closet.

Be extra careful with any clothing you purchase from a vintage or second-hand store too. Always make sure to wash and dry any secondhand or hand-me-down items before introducing them into your closet, especially if they are made of wool.

Tip #3: Use natural cedar to repel pests

You might be tempted to try mothballs to keep pests away from your clothes, but did you know that they release chemicals into the air that are toxic to both humans and pets over long periods of time?

Instead, consider storing cedar blocks or cedar chips with your clothes, or investing in a cedar-lined closet or wardrobe. Cedar smells great to most humans, but Clothes Moths and Silverfish simply don’t like it and will avoid it.

Two important things to note about using cedar as a pest repellant:

Cedar loses its scent over time, so if you use it, set a reminder to lightly sand down the cedar every 2-3 months or so
Cedar releases an essential oil that repels pests but also effectively stains your clothing. Keep cedar from directly touching your clothing to prevent staining.

Tip #4: Try hanging lavender with your clothes

Like cedar, lavender also releases a scent that Clothes Moths and Silverfish can’t stand. And it can make your clothes smell good, too! One easy way to protect your clothes from pests using lavender is to hang or store lavender sachets with your clothing. Alternatively, you can dab lavender essential oil onto cotton balls and hang them near your clothes.

Tip #5: Store precious or susceptible clothing in airtight bags

For clothing items you absolutely adore but don’t wear very often, consider storing them in an airtight bag, a garment bag, or a dry, airtight container. Look for something without holes or gaps in it — the idea is to block adult moths from getting into the container and laying eggs on your prized clothing. If there is a hole or a crack, simply tape it closed for extra security.

Food

Have you ever experienced the disappointment of going to eat some cereal and finding it covered in ants? Or discovered gnaw marks through the wrapper on that chocolate bar you were stashing for later? Mice, Ants, Fruit Flies, and Spiders are all common pests that infest kitchens around the Portland metro area.

Here are some tips for how to keep them away from your food:

Store your bulk food in airtight containers
Keep kitchen surfaces clean — wipe up any spills and crumbs right away
Don’t leave food sitting out or dirty dishes piled up
Use a trash can with a sealed lid in your kitchen, and make sure to empty it regularly
Store pet food in a sealed container
Clean out your pantry every few months, and wipe down the shelves to keep them clean
Don’t leave fruit sitting out for too long

Attic and basement storage

Whether you’re wanting to protect your coveted Christmas decoration hand-me-downs from your great grandmother or simply trying to free up some extra space in your house, when you decide to store items in your attic or basement, it’s important to plan how you will keep them safe.

To do this, consider what exactly you’ll be storing in the basement/attic.

Do store	Don’t store
Seasonal decorations	Food
Unused pots and pans or other kitchen items (as long as they’re clean)	Clothing
Suitcases and other infrequently used travel items	Important documents or photographs

Especially here in the Pacific Northwest, know that your basement runs the risk of flooding or developing moisture that can damage stored items. The same is true for the attic if the roof leaks or the temperature changes. Not only that, but due to their dark, moist, and unfrequented nature, basements and attics are often ideal places for pests and rodents to hide.

Keep your items safe by:

Stowing items in plastic containers with lids rather than cardboard boxes. Cardboard can attract some pests, like Cockroaches, Silverfish, and Termites, especially if it gets wet.
Store items in the basement off of the ground. If the basement does flood, this can help keep your items dry, and elevating your bins will eliminate easy access for rodents.
Check for signs of pests or rodents before you bring storage there, and for every few months afterward. If you notice signs of an infestation, work with your local pest control company to eliminate the problem and further prevent them in the future.

Outdoor items

To keep pests from infesting stored items in your garage, your garden shed, or generally around your home, it’s important to:

Keep clutter, garbage, standing water, and compost away from your house or shed. The idea is to eliminate things that will attract pests and rodents and encourage them to come closer inside. Make sure your garbage, recycling, and yard waste bins are securely closed at all times, and that compost is situated at least 10 feet away from your house.
Don’t store food in the garage — it should be stored inside in airtight containers inside your home
Keep items off of the floor. Store items in plastic bins on shelves, and hang tools, bikes, and lawn equipment up on sturdy hooks to help keep things clean and harder to reach.
Seal up any noticeable openings. Walk around the interior and exterior of these spaces to look for any place a pest or rodent might enter. Keep in mind mice can fit through holes the size of a dime!

Need help? Contact EcoCare today

There are many things you can do at home to prevent pest infestation and help keep your treasured items safe. But if you’re really worried about them, a licensed, experienced pest control company can be a lifesaver!

Here at EcoCare, we’ve been helping Portland and Vancouver-area clients prevent and eliminate infestations for more than 15 years. We’d love to help you too!

Common Causes of Insect & Wildlife Infestations in Portland Homes

by Ken VahnDijk | Feb 3, 2020 | Bugs, Infestations, Wildlife

Pests don’t want to be pests, it’s just their nature. They’re simple creatures looking for food, warmth, and safety. Unfortunately, your home is a prime target, offering everything these pests are looking for.

But how do they get into your home? Let’s find out!

Structural issues

Proper home maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of a pest infestation in your home stemming from issues involving:

Roofs

Leaks, loose or broken shingles, damaged insulation, and other areas in need of repair are a common cause of both insect and wildlife infestations. Damaged roofs are an easy access point for opportunistic critters. Plus, most people don’t spend much time on their roofs or in their attics, so it’s easier for an infestation to go unnoticed and take hold.

Gutters

When we’re not getting much rain, your home’s gutters can be a nesting spot for many types of bugs. During the wetter times of the year, leaky and clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage on your home’s roofs, eaves, siding, and even the foundation. Water-damaged spots are softer and might make it easier for bugs and pests to get inside your home. Standing or pooled water also attracts bugs and pests.

Basements

Basements have lots of nooks and crannies for pests to hide. Plus, they offer easy access from your yard. Like your roof, they’re often not inspected and maintained as well as they should be. Cracks in your home’s foundation caused by tree roots, water damage, or other issues are among the most common ways pests get into your home.

Vegetation

Whether for nesting or as a source for food, pests and animals are attracted to trees, bushes, shrubs, gardens, and other plant life. When vegetation is too close to the home, or when a tree branch touches or hangs over your home, it increases the risk of pests finding their way onto and into your house.

Pruning and trimming vegetation, as well as inspecting plants for signs of pests, are good ways to reduce your risk of infestation. In some cases, diseased, decaying, dead, or damaged trees and plants may have to be removed as they are particularly likely to attract pests.

Gaps and holes

Rodents like Mice and Rats can squeeze through even very tiny spaces. An adult rat only needs ½” of space to fit through and mice, being smaller, need even less! Sealing holes, gaps, and cracks, particularly around your roof, crawl space, doors, windows, and foundation can help eliminate this common source of rodent infestations.

Firewood

If your house is the city of Troy, then firewood (or anything you store outside and bring inside) is the Trojan Horse! Ants, Spiders, and other pests love to nest in firewood piles and can hitch a ride and get inside your home when you bring wood in from outdoors. Additionally, a firewood pile placed against your home as protection from the elements can also attract bugs and hide signs of infestation on your home itself. Think about it: How often do you look behind your woodpile?

Pets

Indoor/outdoor cats are well-known for causing flea infestations. But even a dog on a walk can bring bugs in from outdoors. Keeping your pet clean and brushed is a good way to keep an eye out for bugs. But also watch for itching and scratching or other common signs of insect infestation if you have a pet.

Travel

The most common source of Bedbug infestations in single-family homes is widely believed to be travel. You’ll find Bedbugs in airports, buses, and especially hotel rooms. It’s easy enough for them to get into your luggage and clothing, hitching a ride back home, and causing a frustrating and itchy infestation.

When traveling:

Avoid storing luggage or clothing on the floor of a hotel room
Check the seams and edges of the mattress for signs of Bedbugs
Look for red/brown dots on bedsheets, a common sign of Bedbug activity
Be aware that Bedbug bites are usually itchy and frequently come in groups of 3, often in a straight line

If you’re returning home from an area known for Bedbugs, inspect, wash, and dry your clothes when you get home. You can also spray shoes and luggage with alcohol, just to be extra safe!

Seasonal changes

As winter days get colder and shorter, we see more infestations of Rats, Mice, and Ants as these creatures look for food and warmth. During the summer, Fleas and Hornets tend to be more common as they’re more active during warmer weather.

The best way to combat seasonal pests and the recurrence of pest infestations is with our Pest Insurance program. You’ll get 4 seasonal inspections and eco-friendly treatments to prevent and eliminate nearly 40 common Portland-area pests.

How can you stop pests from infesting your home?

Preventing pest infestations in your Portland area home is challenging. It’s a constant battle that requires regular home maintenance and preventive measures. Here at EcoCare, we offer pest inspections, and eco-friendly pest control services that are effective and safe for people and most pets. We work throughout the Portland and Vancouver metro areas.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help protect your home from pests, let’s talk! Contact us online today.

What Portland Homeowners Need to Know About Rodent & Wildlife Infestations

by Ken VahnDijk | Feb 13, 2018 | Infestations, Pest Control, Rodents, Wildlife

While internet sensations like Pizza Rat and Rocket Raccoon may paint a friendly picture of rats, raccoons, and other wildlife, I’d still wager that you don’t want these creatures destroying your property.

For instance, you probably wouldn’t enjoy waking up to scratching noises in the ceiling, a bat flying through your bedroom, or glass bottles shattering as these “friendly” critters rummage through your garbage. Unfortunately, here in the Pacific Northwest, these are all very common scenarios.

In today’s blog post, we’ll outline what Portland homeowners need to know about rodent and wildlife infestations. You’ll learn the more serious damage these creatures can cause, what to look for, and how to (safely and properly) handle an infestation.

Have questions along the way? Give us a call at (503) 222-5566. We’re here to help!

Rodents and Wildlife Can Cause Serious Damage to Your Home

Dealing with a rodent or wildlife infestation in your home is more than a nuisance; it’s a safety issue. These creatures are frequently the cause of fire hazards, foundation issues, diseases, and bugs.

We recently shared about the costly structural damage rodents and other pests inflict on homes throughout the PNW. Below we’re sharing a recap of some of the most common issues caused by rodents and wildlife.

Rats, Mice, & Bats Cause Insulation and Electrical Damage

Rats, mice, and bats all love to make their home in your insulation. Can you blame them? It’s the perfect warm, quiet, and cozy spot to sleep. When these critters tear through and chew holes in your insulation, the result is a weakened structure and a home that isn’t properly protected from the elements.

These creatures will also chew through anything that’s in their way, including electrical wires. Electrical fires accounted for 9% of all fires from 2011-2015. Often, rodents and pests are the cause of these electrical home fires.

Possums and Raccoons Leave Holes Everywhere

A dug up lawn or garden may not endanger your family, but it is frustrating. Raccoons will dig holes to hide food or other treasures, and opossums like to look under your yard for bugs to eat.

More seriously, raccoons are avid explorers and will stop at nothing to get into your house or attic if it looks interesting. They may even suddenly crash through your ceiling one day! These critters are often the cause of siding damage, broken glass, and holes in your roof or under your house.

Rats and Raccoons Steal and Destroy Your Property

Racoons are sneaky little bandits. If you have something they want, they’re going to take it (or try to, anyway). Take the rogue raccoon who broke into a liquor store in Tennessee, stealing spirits and causing a lot of damage. These creatures are mischievous!

Rats and mice are also known for sneaking into your home and stealing food or other tiny objects, gnawing on whatever they want along the way.

All Rodents & Wildlife Bring Bugs and Disease

In addition to all the above, keep in mind that all these rodents and wildlife carry various diseases and bugs. Raccoons and bats are common carriers of rabies and rats can transmit diseases like salmonella and hepatitis. Not to mention these creatures often also have parasites, fleas, and ticks and can be dangerous to your pets.

The Best Way to Prevent a Rodent or Wildlife Infestation

There are simple steps you can take to prevent rodents and wildlife from taking over your home. However, keep in mind that no matter how careful you are, a critter may still decide that your house looks interesting and is worth exploring. In these cases, it’s best to:

Keep up with home repairs – Don’t let holes, leaks, or other damage go untreated. Sealing up these spaces and keeping your home in good shape will help prevent rodents and wildlife from viewing your home as a good nesting spot and getting inside.
Maintain your yard – Cut back trees, keep ivy trimmed, add tree guards to your trees. All these can prevent critters from crawling up and onto your roof.
Store food properly – Unsealed food, food left on counters, or pet food sitting in the open is very attractive to rodents and wildlife.
Secure your garbage cans – Make sure your garbage cans are always closed. Don’t leave trash sitting out in bags. Keep the area around your garbage cans clean and clear.

Signs That Your Property Has a Rodent or Wildlife Problem

Aside from actually seeing a rat or opossum scurrying around your house and property, how do you know if you’re dealing with a one-off situation or are on the verge of an infestation?

Generally, if you begin to notice these critters on a recurring basis, it’s a good sign you have a problem. However, there are other specific things to watch out for, including:

Animal noises and droppings – Do you frequently hear scurrying or scratching noises in your walls or ceiling? You may also notice urine stains on your ceiling, floors, and walls, or find animal droppings in your pantry, attic, or living spaces.
Signs of internal or external damage – Around your house, look for holes in your siding, fences, and lawn. Garbage strewn about or broken glass is another sign. Inside, keep an eye out for teeth marks, frayed wires, or wood chips.
A foul smell – Creatures living in your home will soon start to stink up the place. This can come from their urine and droppings, old food they’re storing, or from those that have died in your walls or attic.

Never Try Removing these Animals on Your Own– It’s Dangerous

One of the most important things Portland homeowners need to know about a rodent or wildlife infestation is this: trying to trap and remove these creatures on your own can be very dangerous.

Raccoons can be aggressive. Rats may bite when provoked. Bats may attack if they feel threatened.

If we can leave you with one piece of advice today, it’s to never handle bats, raccoons, or other wildlife on your own. There’s simply too much risk involved. If you’re dealing with a rodent or wildlife issue, it’s best to work with an experienced Portland exterminator.

Always Clean Up after a Wildlife or Rodent Infestation

Did you know that simply removing the animals from your home is not enough? There are a series of steps that need to happen in order to repair damages and prevent a future infestation.

For example, rats and bats can leave behind feces and urine in your home, contaminating your insulation with dangerous viruses and parasites. Plus, the scent of a previous infestation can also attract other species. This needs to be removed and cleaned up to keep your home and family safe.

How We Can Help You Handle a Rodent or Wildlife Infestation

Whether you’re facing a full infestation or dealing with a just couple stubborn raccoons, we can help.

Here at EcoCare, we take a proven and eco-friendly approach to rodent and wildlife control and extermination, not only removing the infestation, but preventing future issues as well. We even partner with a sister construction company to perform larger, more technical cleanup and repairs.

Have questions about working with us? Visit our FAQ page to learn more. Or contact us. We’d be happy to hear from you, answer your questions, and help you take care of your rodent or wildlife issue.