What to Do If You Have Animals in Your Attic | Houston Homeowner’s Guide

How Do Animals Get Into Attics in Houston?

Most wildlife entry into homes happens through small, overlooked openings like:

• Gaps in the roofline or soffits
• Unsealed attic vents or chimneys
• Broken siding or fascia
• Poorly sealed HVAC or utility lines
• Damaged roof shingles after storms

In Houston, high humidity and seasonal rain can deteriorate materials and widen these access points over time. Once a critter finds its way in, it may invite others or return year after year — unless your home is professionally sealed.

Which Animals Commonly Invade Attics in Houston?

The most common attic invaders Critter One Houston removes include:

Raccoons – Strong, smart, and often destructive. They rip insulation and tear into ductwork.

Squirrels – Enter through small holes and chew wiring, insulation, and wood.

Bats – Enter through vents or roof gaps and leave toxic droppings (guano).

Rats & Mice – Nest in insulation, chew wires, and reproduce rapidly.

Birds – Nest near vents and leave debris or droppings.

Signs You Have Animals in the Attic

Early detection can prevent thousands in repairs. Watch for these signs:

• Scratching or running sounds, especially at night or early morning
• Droppings or urine stains in the attic or ceilings
• Chewed wires, insulation, or wooden beams
• Foul odors or increased pest activity in the home
• Animal sightings near rooflines or eaves

Why Animals in the Attic Are a Serious Risk

 Fire Hazards

Rodents and squirrels are notorious for chewing electrical wires, increasing the risk of attic fires.

 Health Concerns

Animal droppings and urine can lead to airborne illnesses like hantavirus or histoplasmosis, particularly from bat guano.

 Structural Damage

From chewed beams to shredded insulation, animals can cause extensive, expensive damage — and most homeowners don’t know it until it’s too late.