Inspectors vs. Critters: The Wild Encounters We Didn’t See Coming 

When most people think about home inspections, they imagine checklists, flashlights, and maybe a dusty attic or two. 

But for home inspectors? Sometimes, the job turns into a wildlife safari. 🦝 

Welcome to Inspectors vs. Critters, where home inspections get unexpectedly up close and personal with nature’s least invited guests. From raccoons in the rafters to surprise snakes in basements, here’s what happens when the wild decides to move in rent-free. 

🐍 When Nature Meets Real Estate 

Texas homes—especially older or rural properties—can come with more than just square footage. They often include surprise tenants of the furry, feathery, or scaly variety. Here are just a few of the real-life critter encounters we’ve experienced during inspections: 

🐍 Snakes in the Crawlspace 

Crawlspaces are dark, damp, and perfect for—you guessed it—snakes. 

 We’ve found them coiled near pipes, sunbathing on HVAC lines, and one that eyeballed us the entire inspection. 

 Fun fact: Black rat snakes are common in Texas and love basements. Not so fun? They don’t announce themselves. 

🦝 Raccoons in the Attic 

One homeowner “thought they heard footsteps.” We confirmed it—five little masked ones. 

 Raccoons can destroy insulation, chew wires, and leave behind a smelly mess. 

 Pro tip: If your attic smells musty or you hear movement at night, it’s time to investigate—before we do. 

🕸️ Spiders, Hornets, and Angry Guests 

We’ve walked face-first into spider webs, had hornets buzz our helmets, and once opened a panel to find an entire wasp condo. 

 Yes, we kept our cool. 

 No, we didn’t like it. 

🐀 Rodents Behind the Walls 

You’d be surprised what mice and rats can do with a little drywall and a lot of time. Chewed wires, nests in insulation, and droppings galore. 

 Why it matters: Rodent damage can lead to electrical fires and major repairs—and it’s not always visible unless you’re really looking. 

🐾 Why Critter Clues Matter in a Home Inspection 

Even if the animal isn’t there when we show up, the signs usually are: 

• Chewed wires 

• Droppings or urine stains 

• Damaged insulation 

• Entry points in the roof, siding, or foundation 

• Odors or staining in attic or crawlspace areas 

These issues can affect: 

• Structural safety 

• Air quality 

• Repair costs 

• Pest control needs after move-in 

🔦 What We Do (Besides Stay Calm) 

At Kelly Inspection Services, we check every attic, crawlspace, garage, and shady corner where critters love to hang out. We know what to look for, how to document it, and how to help buyers or sellers understand what’s fixable and what’s serious. 

We may not be wildlife control experts, but we are expert spotters—and our job is to help you avoid moving into a zoo. 

🛑 Don’t Let the Wildlife Win 

Texas wildlife is fun to watch from a distance—not so fun when it’s in your HVAC system. 

Book your inspection with Kelly Inspection Services, and we’ll help you spot what others miss—including the four-legged kind. 

Need an inspection that sees past the paint—and straight into the crawlspace? 

 📞 Call Kelly Inspection Services today. We inspect fearlessly (even when it hisses).