Wildlife Problems in Texas Homes
Urban and suburban expansion brings homes into closer contact with wildlife. Raccoons, opossums, skunks, and other animals adapt remarkably well to human environments—finding food, water, and shelter around our homes.
While these animals are normally beneficial for controlling insects and rodents, they become serious problems when they take up residence in attics, crawl spaces, or under structures. They cause property damage, create health hazards, and pose risks to pets and family.
Wildlife removal is more complex than pest control. These animals are protected by state and federal regulations, requiring humane treatment, proper licensing, and often relocation. DIY attempts are dangerous, illegal, and rarely successful.
Common Nuisance Wildlife in Texas
1. Raccoons
Gray-brown fur, black "mask," ringed tail. 10-30 lbs. Highly intelligent and dexterous. Tear off shingles and soffits to access attics. Active at night. Aggressive when cornered or protecting young. Primary rabies vector.
2. Opossums
Gray to white fur, pointed face, rat-like tail. 4-15 lbs. North America's only marsupial. Take up residence under decks, sheds, crawl spaces. Generally docile but will hiss and show teeth when threatened. Rarely carry rabies.
3. Skunks
Black with white stripes, bushy tail. 4-10 lbs. Dig under foundations, porches, sheds. Spray when threatened—odor extremely difficult to remove. Dig holes in lawns searching for grubs. Rabies carrier.
4. Armadillos
Armored shell, 8-17 lbs. Dig extensive burrows under foundations, driveways, landscaping. Destroy lawns searching for insects. Active day and night. Can damage underground utilities. Carry leprosy (rare transmission).
5. Feral Cats
Domestic cats living wild. Form colonies around food sources. Spray urine marking territory. Fight loudly at night. Carry diseases transmissible to pets. Difficult to trap—very wary of humans.
Identification Guide
Size Range
Opossums/Skunks: 4-15 lbs | Raccoons: 10-30 lbs | Armadillos: 8-17 lbs
Activity Period
Most are nocturnal—active at night, hide during day
Tracks
Raccoon: hand-like | Opossum: star-shaped | Skunk: five toes with claws
Behavioral Patterns
- Nocturnal activity—most problems occur at night
- Seek shelter in enclosed, protected spaces
- Attracted to food sources—garbage, pet food, bird feeders
- Establish territories and return to den sites repeatedly
- Have seasonal breeding periods when more aggressive
Signs of Wildlife Activity
Auditory Evidence:
- Scratching, thumping, or walking in attic or walls at night
- Vocal sounds—chittering (raccoons), hissing (opossums), squealing (fighting)
- Sounds of babies—chirping, crying (spring/summer)
Property Damage:
- Torn shingles, damaged soffits, or holes in roof/fascia
- Disturbed garbage cans—lids removed, contents scattered
- Holes dug under decks, sheds, or foundations
- Damage to lawns from digging (armadillos, skunks)
- Pet food disappearing from outside bowls
Physical Evidence:
- Droppings—size, shape, and location vary by species
- Tracks in mud or soft soil around property
- Greasy rub marks where animals squeeze through openings
- Nesting materials in attic or crawl space
- Strong musky odor (skunks) or ammonia smell (urine)
- Flattened grass paths to den entrances
Health & Safety Risks from Wildlife
Disease Transmission
- Rabies: Raccoons and skunks are primary carriers. Any bite or scratch requires immediate medical attention. Fatal if untreated
- Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease from urine-contaminated water. Causes flu-like symptoms, kidney damage
- Raccoon Roundworm: Parasite eggs in feces. Can cause serious neurological damage if ingested
- Histoplasmosis: Fungal infection from breathing spores in contaminated soil or waste
- Salmonella & E. coli: Bacteria from waste contaminating surfaces
Parasites
- Fleas, ticks, and mites from wildlife infest homes and pets
- Ticks carry Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and other illnesses
- Fleas from wildlife spread to pets and humans
Property Damage
- Structural damage from entry holes and nesting
- Chewed wiring creating fire hazards
- Destroyed insulation reducing energy efficiency
- Foundation damage from burrowing
- Landscape damage from digging
- HVAC damage from debris in vents
Aggressive Behavior
- Mothers protecting young are extremely aggressive
- Cornered animals will attack pets and humans
- Raccoons can seriously injure or kill small pets
- Skunk spray causes temporary blindness and severe discomfort
Legal Considerations for Wildlife Control
Protected Wildlife
Most wildlife species are protected by Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations. Removal, relocation, and exclusion must comply with state and federal laws. Violations can result in significant fines.
Licensing Requirements
- Wildlife control requires proper licensing and permits
- Relocation must follow specific regulations
- Cannot relocate to public land without permission
- Some species cannot be relocated at all
- Must use humane trapping and handling methods
Baby Wildlife Complications
If baby animals are present, removal becomes more complex. Orphaned babies cannot survive alone. Legal and humane removal requires:
- Waiting until young are mobile and can leave with mother
- Hand removal and reunification with mother outside
- Licensed wildlife rehabilitator for orphaned young
- Never separate dependent young from mother
Professional Wildlife Removal & Exclusion
Effective wildlife control requires specialized knowledge, proper equipment, licensing, and experience. DIY attempts are dangerous and often violate regulations.
Our Wildlife Control Protocol
Comprehensive Inspection
Identify species, entry points, damage, and whether young are present. Assess risks and develop removal strategy
Humane Trapping & Removal
Live trapping using species-appropriate traps and baits. Check traps regularly. Handle animals safely. Follow regulations for relocation or disposal
One-Way Exclusion Devices
For some situations, exclusion doors allow animals to exit but not re-enter. Effective when young are present
Entry Point Repairs
Seal all entry points with heavy-gauge materials animals cannot breach. Repair damaged soffits, vents, foundations
Preventative Exclusion
Identify and seal potential entry points before wildlife exploits them. Install chimney caps, vent guards, foundation barriers
Cleanup & Decontamination
Remove waste, nesting materials, and contaminated insulation. Disinfect affected areas. Eliminate odors that attract new animals
Habitat Modification
Recommendations to make property less attractive—secure garbage, remove food sources, trim vegetation, eliminate water sources
Wildlife Removal Cost Expectations
Costs vary based on species, damage severity, accessibility, and number of animals
Common Questions
Q: Can I trap and relocate wildlife myself?
It's legal to trap nuisance wildlife on your property, but relocation requires following specific regulations. Improper relocation stresses animals and spreads diseases. Professional removal ensures legal compliance and humane treatment.
Q: What should I do if I find a baby animal?
Don't touch it. Mother is likely nearby. If baby appears injured or orphaned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Never attempt to raise wildlife—it's illegal and dangerous.
Q: Will repellents keep wildlife away?
Commercial repellents provide minimal, temporary results. Wildlife quickly habituate to sounds, lights, and odors. The only effective long-term solution is physical exclusion and eliminating attractants.
Q: My pet was bitten by a raccoon. What should I do?
Seek immediate veterinary care. Raccoons are primary rabies carriers. Your pet may need rabies booster and wound treatment. Contact animal control to report the bite—raccoon may need to be tested for rabies.
Safe, Humane Wildlife Removal
Don't risk your safety or legal violations.
Let licensed professionals handle wildlife problems.