When Wildlife Moves In

How to Protect Your Health and Home from Displaced Critters After A Big Event

After Hurricane Helene swept through, many of us in the Southern Appalachians were left assessing damage – not just to our homes, but to the landscape we share with the region’s rich wildlife.

Storms, wildfires, and other severe events can destroy animal habitats, push contaminants into new areas, and disrupt the delicate balance between humans and nature. And when that happens, it’s not unusual to find wild animals turning up in places they usually don’t belong—like our basements, attics, crawl spaces, or even our living rooms.

In the aftermath of recent events in Buncombe and Henderson Counties, we’ve seen an uptick in wildlife turning up inside our homes. No doubt, if you’re hearing mysterious noises in the attic or finding strange droppings in the crawl space, you’re not alone. 

If you’re like me, you love living close to nature. But, when raccoons start nesting in your attic or snakes show up in your ductwork, it’s hard not to worry, especially about your family’s health. So let’s talk about the critters most likely to invade our homes in the wake of a historic hurricane like Helene, and the health risks they might bring. Most importantly, let’s focus on what we can do about it.

Who’s Moving In? Common Post-Storm Invaders

Creatures whose habitats are destroyed by hurricanes, heavy storms, landslides and flooding are left scrambling for dry ground and safe shelter. Additionally, increased urban development occurs in areas like South Asheville, Arden, and Flat Rock, and animals have fewer wild spaces in a retreating habitat.

Residents in Buncombe and Henderson counties are reporting higher-than-usual calls for animals like bats, raccoons, and snakes entering homes after recent storms.

The Top Wildlife House Guests in WNC

Here are the most common critters we see invading homes in the Asheville–Hendersonville region after major weather events:

• Raccoons: Frequently found in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces, especially in older homes in neighborhoods like Montford or Kenilworth.
• Bats: Common in the Blue Ridge area, they often roost in attics or behind shutters. Bat calls have spiked in areas near Bent Creek and Etowah.
• Snakes: As heavy rain flushes them out of the forest, snakes may seek shelter in ductwork, basements, or HVAC systems—especially in homes near wooded areas like Fletcher or Fairview.
• Rodents (Mice & Rats): Seen year-round, but especially problematic post-storm when food is scarce and insulation is damp.
• Squirrels: Frequently enter through roof vents or damaged eaves—this is a top issue in homes near Biltmore Forest and Laurel Park.
• Opossums: These nocturnal guests often settle under porches or sheds and may go unnoticed until their scent becomes an issue.

Hidden Health Risks You Should Know About

It might seem like a minor inconvenience to have a squirrel in the attic or a snake in the crawl space. But wild animals aren’t just messy houseguests—they can pose serious health threats:

• Diseases: Raccoons and bats can carry rabies. Rodents may transmit hantavirus, salmonella, and other microscopic parasites. Even their droppings can become airborne and spread illness.
• Parasites: Wildlife often brings fleas, ticks, and mites into the home. Ticks, in particular, are common in WNC and can transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Respiratory Risks: Droppings and nesting materials can degrade air quality, especially when animals invade HVAC systems or attics.
• Allergens & Mold: Moisture and contamination from wildlife intrusion can trigger allergies and increase mold risks in vulnerable areas like basements and crawl spaces.
• Air Quality Concerns: Animal droppings and urine can accumulate in insulation or ductwork, leading to dangerous mold growth or contamination of your indoor air.
• Structural Damage: Animals can chew wires, tear up insulation, or even weaken wooden structures—all of which can be expensive to repair and increase risk of electrocution or fire.

Simple, Smart Steps to Reclaim Your Space

The good news? You don’t need to panic—and you don’t need to go it alone. There are straightforward, effective ways to manage wildlife incursions without putting yourself or the animals at risk.

At A Healthier Home, we encourage homeowners to “think like a critter.” In other words, “where would I go, what would I do if I were a ______________.” Of course, you fill in the blank. 

Then, take a look around. Here’s what to check.

1. Do a Thorough Inspection

After high winds or heavy rain, take a walk around your property. In Asheville and Hendersonville, especially in older homes or wooded neighborhoods, look for:

• Broken vents, soffits, or siding
• Gaps around windows and doors
• Signs of droppings, nests, or scratching in attics or crawl spaces
• Odd smells or unusual noises, especially at night

2. Seal It Up

Prevention is key. Patch up holes, screen over vents, install chimney caps, and repair weatherstripping. Use weatherproof materials to close gaps around pipes, vents, windows, and crawl space doors. In Western NC, metal mesh screens over attic vents and chimney caps are often a smart investment. Make sure your attic and crawl space are properly sealed.

3. Declutter and Deter

• Store pet food indoors.
• Clean up outdoor trash promptly.
• Keep yards and sheds tidy to eliminate nesting areas, especially right around the house

This is especially important in rural areas like Mills River or Swannanoa where wildlife is abundant.

4. Call In Professionals

If you suspect animals have entered your home, don’t try to remove them yourself—especially bats, raccoons, or snakes. Choose a licensed wildlife removal expert in Buncombe and Henderson counties who is familiar with your area’s ecology and trained to handle these situations humanely and safely.

Often, we find evidence of wildlife in homes during our healthy home exams; in some cases, air quality testing is recommended. These tests can be critical to protecting your health if droppings or contamination are present. 

5. Monitor Your Health

If you or a family member starts experiencing respiratory symptoms, rashes, or unexplained fevers after a wildlife intrusion, let your healthcare provider know. Mention possible exposure to animal droppings or mold—especially if you’ve recently cleaned up after an unwanted house guest. 

Regional Recovery: We Can Co-Exist with Nature Responsibly

In Asheville, Hendersonville, and across WNC, wildlife is part of what makes our home special. But in periods of crisis, such as recovery after a hurricane or severe event, we’re met with new challenges. Essentially, we need to adapt to the ways animals might behave when their natural homes are disrupted.

At A Healthier Home, we believe every family deserves to live in a safe, healthy home. If you’re dealing with wildlife incursions, you’re not the only one—and there are safe, sustainable steps you can take to restore peace and cleanliness to your space.

Need help? We’re here to answer your questions, connect you with resources, and provide guidance tailored to your home and life. Together, we can protect your home—and the wildlife that we love—now and for years to come.