Animals and rodents are prevalent in the New England region, including Massachusetts. Unfortunately, those animals can make their way into your home without your knowledge. Animals can become a nuisance that lives in your attic, walls, and under the exterior structures around your home too. Identifying what type of animal, you’re dealing with makes it easier to properly get them out of and away from your home. 

Are There Noises Inside the Home? 

The first thing you have to figure out is if an animal is actually inside your home or just around it. Reduce the noise inside your home and listen for scratching, running, and other sounds that could be caused by an animal. The attic of your home is the easiest place for animals to enter and comfortably stay a while. If you hear noises at night, you’re likely dealing with a nocturnal animal like racoons. Squirrels are active during the day and commonly find their way into the attic through holes in the roof or flashing around the chimney. 

Tunnels Outside the Home 

Just because an animal isn’t inside your home, doesn’t mean it’s not a nuisance! Some animals will dig tunnels around the outside of your home. Groundhogs, woodchucks, and moles all dig tunnels. Moles have smaller tunnels and don’t typically eat plants, while groundhogs make larger tunnels and like to snack on flowers. 

Animals Under the Porch 

Animals living under your porch may dig holes or tunnels that you notice, or you might just hear them moving around under your feet. The best way to narrow down what’s living under the porch is to cover the entry point with newspaper. The animal will move the newspaper when they need to get out to find something to eat. Monitor when the paper is moved to determine if you’re dealing with a nocturnal animal or not. Nocturnal animals can include raccoons, opossums, and skunks. Woodchucks are the most likely non-nocturnal culprit living under your porch if the paper is moved during the day. 

Identifying what type of animal is in or around your home will make safe removal of the animal easier. If animals are left in your home, they can cause damage to insulation, wiring, flooring, and so much more! You should never attempt to trap or remove the animal yourself. Contact a professional exterminator who can set a trap and safely relocate the animal once it’s been captured. Attempting to do the job yourself leaves you at risk of getting bitten or harming the animal in the process. Call Baystate Wildlife today to schedule an appointment for animal inspection and removal in your Massachusetts home!