Wildlife
Sounds in an attic and holes in a lawn can have several explanations. Explore species and common questions about wildlife around buildings, with attention to identification and location-specific rules.
151 questions · Page 1 of 5
CockroachesAmerican cockroach droppings vs mouse droppings: what should you check?Learn how to tell American cockroach droppings apart from mouse droppings using simple physical cues, and find out what steps to take next.StarlingsAre European starlings invasive?Learn whether European starlings are invasive, how to identify them, and what practical steps you can take to manage them safely.GroundhogsAre groundhogs and woodchucks the same animal?Discover whether groundhogs and woodchucks are the same animal, learn how to identify their burrows, and understand effective exclusion methods.SparrowsAre house sparrows invasive?Learn whether house sparrows are invasive, how to identify them safely, and what steps to take for management.VolesAre meadow voles different from other voles?In practice, no. Meadow voles cause the same damage and need the same steps as other voles. Telling them apart takes skull or tooth checks.OpossumsAre opossums dangerous?Learn whether opossums are dangerous, how to identify them by their tracks, and practical ways to manage them safely around your home.OpossumsAre opossums good to have around?An exploration of whether opossums are beneficial to have around yards, detailing their habits, identification, management, and safety protocols.OpossumsAre opossums nocturnal?Discover whether opossums are strictly nocturnal, why they sometimes wander in daylight, and how to manage them safely.Mice & RatsAre roof rats common in attics?Learn why roof rats are common attic invaders, how to identify them correctly, and what practical steps to take next.SkunksAre skunks dangerous?Skunks rarely attack, and the spray is a last resort, but they are a main carrier of rabies in North America. Here is how to stay safe.StarlingsAre starlings aggressive?Learn the truth about starling aggression, how to identify these birds through the seasons, and practical ways to protect your property and native birds.GroundhogsCan groundhogs climb?Learn the truth about groundhog climbing abilities, how to spot the signs around your property, and what to do next.OpossumsCan opossums get rabies?Learn the truth about opossums and rabies, how to identify their behavior and tracks, and what steps to take for safe removal.Mice & RatsCan rodents be in walls without being seen in living spaces?Learn why rodents hide in walls without entering living spaces, how to identify their presence through indirect signs, and what steps to take next.Mice & RatsCan white-footed mice carry hantavirus?Learn whether white-footed mice carry hantavirus, how transmission happens, and safe cleanup steps.SparrowsCan you remove a bird nest with eggs in it?Learn why you cannot remove bird nests with eggs, how to identify species legally, and what steps to take safely.SparrowsChipping sparrow vs house sparrow: what is different?Learn how to tell the difference between chipping sparrows and house sparrows, why it matters for your home, and how to handle them legally.Mice & RatsDeer mouse droppings: why does cleanup require caution?Learn why cleaning up deer mouse droppings requires extreme caution, how to identify the mess, and what steps to take safely.MolesDo moles eat plant roots or disturb them while tunneling?Learn whether moles actually eat plant roots or simply disturb them while tunneling, and find out how to accurately diagnose and manage lawn damage.OpossumsDo opossums eat mice?Yes, opossums eat mice now and then, but they are lazy foragers. They are more likely to come for spilled birdseed or pet food.SkunksDo skunks carry rabies?Learn the facts about skunks and rabies, how to identify behavioral signs safely, and what steps to take after an encounter.SkunksDo skunks dig burrows in the ground?Learn whether skunks dig burrows, how to identify their presence, how to exclude them safely, and when to call professionals.SkunksDo skunks kill chickens?Learn whether skunks kill chickens, how to identify coop intruders, and practical ways to protect your flock safely.StarlingsDo starlings kill other birds?Yes. European starlings fight other birds for nest sites in spring, puncturing eggs and killing nestlings inside birdhouses.VolesDo voles eat grubs?Discover whether voles eat grubs, how to identify yard damage, and practical ways to manage vole problems safely.RaccoonsDoes bleach belong in water used by wildlife, pets or plants?Explains why bleach does not belong in water used by wildlife, pets, or plants, and how to safely handle outdoor contamination.Mice & RatsField mouse in a house: what does the common name actually tell you?Learn what the term field mouse actually means, how to identify wild mice in your house, and what practical steps to take next.SquirrelsFlying squirrels vs other squirrels in an attic: what signs help?Learn how to tell if you have flying squirrels or tree squirrels in your attic by examining noises, droppings, and entry points, plus safe exclusion steps.Mice & RatsHouse mouse vs deer mouse: what can a homeowner reliably identify?Learn how to reliably identify house mice versus deer mice, understand the risks, and take practical steps for control and safe cleanup.SparrowsHouse sparrow vs house finch: how can you tell?Learn how to tell the difference between house sparrows and house finches, understand the legal protections, and protect your home safely.RaccoonsHow are birds removed from an attic legally and safely?Learn how to legally and safely remove birds from your attic, including identification tips, one-way door exclusion methods, and when to call professionals.Pocket GophersHow are pocket gophers managed?Learn how to manage pocket gophers effectively, identify their mounds, and know when to call a professional.BatsHow big is a big brown bat?Learn the actual size and behavior of the big brown bat, how to identify an infestation, and the safe, legal steps for removal.BatsHow big is a little brown bat?A little brown bat's body is about the size of an adult thumb. It can squeeze through gaps as narrow as a quarter inch.SkunksHow can you discourage skunks from sheltering under a deck?Learn how to humanely discourage skunks from sheltering under your deck using exclusion barriers and proper property maintenance.RaccoonsHow can you identify raccoon activity around an attic?Learn how to accurately identify raccoon activity around your attic, what signs to look for, and when to call a professional.