Pest Library
Wildlife
Squirrels, raccoons, bats, skunks and groundhogs around the home.
Overview
Wildlife complaints follow the seasons: squirrels in attics in late winter and again in late summer, raccoons looking for denning space in spring, bats in attics through the summer, and groundhogs and skunks burrowing under sheds, decks and porches.
The evidence is usually noise, damage at a roofline or a burrow opening rather than sightings. Wildlife work is regulated in New York and often requires a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator.
What to look for
Identify the pest
Compare what you found with these wildlife reference materials.
Gray squirrel
The most common attic and soffit intruder in Hudson Valley neighborhoods.
Raccoon
Strong enough to pull open soffits, vents and roof edges to reach attic space.
Groundhog
Digs large burrows beside decks, sheds and foundations.
Bat
Bats use very small gaps at roof edges; never handle one.
Signs of activity
Most homeowners find the evidence before they find the pest. These are the things people usually notice first.
Burrows
Wide openings with fresh soil fans beside structures indicate active digging.
Attic nesting evidence
Flattened runs, disturbed insulation and stored material point to attic activity.
Roofline and soffit openings
Torn soffit panels, lifted shingles and gaps at the roof edge are common entry points.
Chewed openings
Enlarged, rough openings around vents and trim usually mean repeated animal access.
Photos can help narrow down a pest problem, but many pests and signs of activity look similar. A photograph should not be treated as a definitive identification or diagnosis. Photo sources and credits.
Does this look familiar?
Pest signs aren't always easy to identify from pictures. Send us a photo of what you're seeing and tell us where you found it — we'll take wildlife into account.
Why they're common in the Hudson Valley
- Extensive woodland, parkland and river corridor habitat sits directly against residential neighborhoods.
- Mature trees overhanging roofs give squirrels and raccoons easy roof access.
- Older homes and outbuildings offer soffit gaps, uncapped chimneys and open crawlspaces.
Signs of activity
- Heavy scratching, thumping or rolling sounds in the attic — louder than rodents
- Chewed or torn soffit, fascia, roof edge or ridge vent
- Droppings or a strong odor in an attic or crawlspace
- Burrow openings under a deck, shed, porch or slab
- Insulation disturbed, matted or pushed aside
Where you'll find them
- Attics, soffits, ridge vents and chimneys
- Under decks, porches, sheds and additions
- Crawlspaces and garages
- Yard burrows near foundations and outbuildings
Why it matters
- Wildlife can cause significant damage to roofing, insulation, ductwork and wiring.
- Droppings and nesting material create sanitation issues and can introduce parasites.
- Bats and rabies-vector species have specific legal handling requirements in New York — do not attempt removal yourself.
Prevention
- Trim branches back from the roof
- Cap chimneys and screen attic, gable and dryer vents with sturdy metal
- Repair damaged soffit, fascia and roof edges promptly
- Install barriers or trenched screening around deck and shed skirting
- Secure trash containers and remove outdoor food sources
When to get an inspection
- You hear large-animal activity overhead, especially during the day
- You see damage at the roofline or a burrow at the foundation
- You suspect bats — do not disturb them; handling is regulated
- You need entry points identified and sealed after removal
Something bigger in the attic or under the deck?
If the activity keeps coming back, an on-site inspection is the reliable next step.