We compiled real customer calls and broke down the most common wildlife signs by species. Some people reported more than one sign of a nuisance wildlife problem (26% reported more than one sign of an animal infestation).
Most Common Signs of Raccoons
When homeowners noticed a raccoon infestation, they saw the evidence. People either saw the raccoon, noticed physical damage, or found raccoon droppings.
| Reported Evidence of Raccoon Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Raccoon(s) | 65% |
| Saw Raccoon Damage | 24% |
| Heard Raccoon Noises | 22% |
| Saw Raccoon Droppings | 10% |
| Strong, mysterious odor | 1.4% |
Most Common Signs of Squirrels
When people have a squirrel problem, they usually see the squirrel or hear squirrel noises in the attic or walls.
Reported Evidence of Squirrel Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Squirrel(s) | 57% |
| Heard Squirrel Noises | 32% |
| Found Squirrel Droppings | 4% |
| Strong Ammonia Odor | 2% |
| Urine Stains | 1% |
Most Common Signs of Bats
People rarely hear bats during a bat infestation. Homeowners usually see the bats flying out of their house, find the entry gaps, or notice piles of bat guano in their attic.
| Reported Evidence of Bat Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Bat(s) | 67% |
| Saw Entry Gaps | 25% |
| Found Bat Guano | 22% |
| Heard Bat Noises | 15% |
| Urine Stains | 1% |
Most Common Signs of Snakes
When homeowners call with a snake problem, it is almost universally because they saw a snake in their house.
| Reported Evidence of Snake Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Snake | 93% |
| Saw Entry Gaps | 13% |
| Heard Snake Noises | 2% |
| Found Physical Evidence | 1% |
Most Common Signs of Skunks
When someone sees a skunk on their property, whether in their yard or under the deck or shed, they will call in. 78% of people with a skunk problem report they saw the skunk.
Reported Evidence of Skunk Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Skunk | 78% |
| Skunk Odor or Sprayed | 31% |
| Found Entry Gaps or Damage | 10% |
| Heard Skunk Noises | 9% |
Most Common Signs of Rats
Homeowners call for a variety of reasons when they suspect a rat infestation. The usual problems are visual: seeing a rat, finding droppings, or noticing rat damage. Hearing rat noises is a noticeable issue. Rats are nocturnal, and people hear scratching, gnawing, and scurrying noises.
Reported Evidence of Rat Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Rat | 56% |
| Found Entry Gaps | 31% |
| Found Rat Droppings or Urine Stains | 21% |
| Strong Odor | 18% |
| Heard Rat Noises | 18% |
| Found a Dead Rat | 5% |
| Saw Rat Damage | 5% |
Most Common Signs of Mice
Reported Evidence of Mouse Infestation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Saw a Mouse | 56% |
| Found Entry Gaps | 34% |
| Found Mice Droppings | 31% |
| Heard Mouse Noise | 19% |
| Noticed Strange Odor | 13% |
| Found Mice Damage | 9% |
Most Common Combination of Signs of Wildlife
About 26% of customers reported more than one sign of an animal problem.
| Sign Combination | Of Total |
|---|---|
| Saw Animal + Entry Gaps | 20% |
| Saw Animal + Heard Animal Noise | 9% |
| Saw Animal + Noticed an Odor | 8% |
| Saw Animal + Found Damage | 7% |
| Found Damage + Entry Gaps | 7% |
| Saw Animal + Droppings | 6% |
| Saw Animal + Damage + Entry Gaps | 3% |
| Entry Gaps + Heard Animal Noise | 3% |
Data compiled from a sample size of 1,593 phone calls.