What are signs that an animal is living in my attic or crawl space?

Wildlife intrusion is more common in the fall than most homeowners expect, since animals like raccoons and squirrels are actively looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Attics and crawl spaces are ideal for them because they're quiet, insulated, and rarely disturbed.

Signs we tell homeowners to watch for:

• Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds, especially at night or early morning
• A musty or ammonia-like smell, which often points to droppings or urine buildup
• Visible entry points, like gaps near the roofline, damaged soffits, or torn vent screens
• Insulation that looks matted down, displaced, or torn apart in one area
• Staining on ceilings or ceiling tiles, which can mean an animal has been nesting near a plumbing or electrical penetration

The tricky part is that wildlife damage isn't always just about the animal itself. Droppings, urine, and nesting materials can lead to contamination and structural damage that's easy to miss until it's extensive. If you're hearing noises or noticing a smell, it's worth having someone take a real look rather than guessing.