How to Determine Which Animal is in Your Basement

Written By Leah LeitowPublished on 11/26/2021Updated on 11/3/2025

Do you sometimes hear strange noises coming from your basement at night? Or even during the day? Do screeching and banging sounds keep you up? Do not worry, you probably don’t have a burglar in your basement, but you do have some unwanted guests.

If an animal has moved into your Michigan home, you are probably wondering whether you are dealing with a mouse, something bigger, or something scarier like a snake.

Luckily, there are some ways you can determine which creature has inhabited your space. After you have discovered signs of the animals, call an expert who will remove them and help you sleep more peacefully at night.

Get Your Free Estimate

Rodents

Even the smallest cracks in your foundation walls can become entry points for mice and other rodents. As temperatures drop, these pests seek warmth and shelter, making your dark, quiet basement an ideal hideout year-round.

Once inside, rodents can nest in walls, chew through insulation, wood, and wiring, and leave behind droppings and damage throughout the space. Whether it’s mice, rats, chipmunks, or squirrels, each can wreak havoc in different areas of your basement. Sealing foundation cracks quickly is the best way to keep them out and protect your home from costly repairs.

Snakes

It is safe to say that no homeowner would like to run into a snake in the dark. While these creatures cannot damage your home in any way, they can harm you, your loved ones, and your pets if they feel like they are in danger.

Snakes love warm places, so if they have moved into your basement, you will find them in your sump pump battery, hiding in the HVAC system, and anyplace else where temperatures are higher. If your basement is not finished, spotting a snake can be tricky.

Raccoons

These animals are pros at making a mess out of things. Their tiny paws are ideal for destroying the insulation and ruining the drywall. Pregnant raccoons can also inhabit your basement looking for a place to give birth.

While droppings on the floor are a telltale sign of raccoon activity, noise is a more obvious one. Raccoons are noisy creatures, and you will surely hear them if they are in your basement. If there is a raccoon in your home, do not try to remove it on your own. Angry or scared raccoons can scratch you, so call a professional instead.

Bats and Birds

Sometimes intruders have wings, which can be a problem for you. Bats and birds usually don’t enter your basement on purpose, as mice do. Instead, they see an open door and fly in, only to realize that they are trapped. Birds can cause some damage while looking for a way out. They will bump into everything in their way and hit the windows many times thinking they are openings.

Both animals will leave droppings everywhere and they can bring various diseases into your home.

Removing Unwanted Animals from Your Home

If you’ve found an animal in your basement, you’ll want it gone fast, and for good reason. Rodents and other pests can ruin insulation, drywall, and stored belongings while spreading disease and leaving behind waste. The best way to remove them is to call a licensed exterminator or animal control specialist.

Once your basement is pest-free, it’s time to prevent future invasions. Water attracts pests, so the best way to prepare your home is by ensuring it’s properly waterproofed and sealed. Foundation cracks, leaks, and damp areas all create easy entry points and nesting spots. Contact the professionals at Foundation Systems of Michigan for a free inspection. Our experts can repair foundation damage, install waterproofing solutions, and help keep your basement dry, sealed, and pest-free for the long term.

Get Your Free Estimate

FAQs

What should I do with my belongings if my basement gets wet?

Remove and dry any wet items immediately to prevent mold growth; items severely damaged may need to be discarded.

Should I be concerned about minor moisture in my basement?

Even minor moisture should not be ignored as it can indicate early signs of a bigger problem and can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Why is my basement leaking in the winter?

In winter, the thawing of frozen ground and snow can create excess water around your foundation, which can lead to leaks.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.