The impact of wildlife on your home’s structure and your health

Wildlife is an essential part of our ecosystem, but when these animals invade our homes, they can cause significant damage to both our health and our property. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of wildlife on your home’s structure and your health.

 

1. Structural Damage: Animals such as squirrels, rats, and raccoons can cause significant damage to your home’s structure. They can chew through wires, insulation, and even wooden beams, which can compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. This damage can be expensive to repair and may even require extensive renovations.
2. Damage to Attics and Crawl Spaces: Wildlife such as bats and birds can invade your home’s attic or crawl space, causing damage to insulation and ductwork. Their droppings can also cause a health hazard, as they may contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
3. Health Risks: Wildlife can also pose a significant health risk to you and your family. Animal droppings can contain harmful pathogens that can cause serious illness, especially if they’re left untreated. Additionally, animals like rats and mice can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
4. Pest Infestations: When wildlife invades your home, they often bring with them a host of other pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These pests can spread disease and cause irritation and discomfort to both humans and pets.
5. Fire Hazards: Animals like squirrels and raccoons often build their nests in attics and crawl spaces, which can pose a significant fire hazard. These nests can be made of highly flammable materials like dried leaves and twigs, which can easily catch fire if exposed to heat or electrical wires.
6. Damage to Landscaping: Wildlife can also cause damage to your landscaping, from digging up gardens to destroying lawn and yard furniture. Additionally, animals like deer can damage trees and shrubs, which can be costly to replace.
7. Unpleasant Odors: When animals invade your home, they can leave behind an unpleasant odor. This can be caused by their droppings or urine, or by the animals themselves. These odors can be difficult to remove and may require professional cleaning.
8. Allergies: Some people are allergic to animal dander, which can be a significant health risk when animals invade your home. Dander can be spread through the air and can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.
9. Psychological Effects: Dealing with a wildlife infestation can be stressful and traumatic, especially if the animals have caused significant damage to your home. This stress can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being, leading to anxiety and depression.
10. Financial Costs: The financial costs of a wildlife infestation can be significant. From the cost of repairs to the cost of cleaning and extermination services, dealing with a wildlife infestation can be expensive. Additionally, the damage caused by wildlife can reduce the value of your home, making it more difficult to sell if you decide to move.

 

In conclusion, wildlife can have a significant impact on your home’s structure and your health. From causing structural damage to posing health risks and creating fire hazards, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent wildlife from invading your home. If you suspect that your home has been invaded by wildlife, it’s important to contact a licensed and insured animal removal company in Toronto to handle the situation safely and effectively. Additionally, taking preventative measures like sealing up holes and gaps in your home’s exterior can help reduce the likelihood of wildlife invading your home in the first place.