While they may seem cute, what they leave behind is anything but adorable.

According to an Angie’s List poll, more than three quarters (77%) of respondents say an uninvited animal has invaded their home. A third of those say the animal caused damage to their property. Unwanted animals can bring a variety of problems into your safe haven.

Raccoons and squirrels can chew up the insulation on wires, creating a potential fire hazard. They can also infest a home with fleas. Bats can take up residence in your attic and leave behind potentially disease-ridden guano. A bird ripped a hole in the corner of a Boston members’ roof and caused $500 worth of damages.

Some people will try chasing the animal out, but a cornered animal can be dangerous or in some cases, rabid. In these situations, it’s probably better to call a professional. Ask what the company does to address the problem and get estimates.

It’s also a good idea to ask about additional fees if a revisit is necessary. How do you know if a pest if living rent-free in your home? Angie suggests checking these areas:

• Attic: Check the attic floor and insulation for animal feces. Look for any outside light leaking in, which will indicate holes. You can test if a hole is being used by an animal placing flour in front of any holes and checking for footprints or stuff the hole loosely with a paper towel. If it gets pushed in or out, assume an animal is present. Even if the paper stays in place or you have no flour footprints – close the hole up.

• Roof & siding: Look for loose vent screens, warped siding or holes. Make repairs once you have checked the attic and cleared out any critters. • Chimney: Check the chimney from the roof to see if any animals are inside. An easy way to keep animals out is to install a chimney cap. Keep your flue closed when not in use.

• Pipes: Look inside your home behind appliances and anywhere else pipes enter. These are common entry points for mice.

• Pet doors: While these can be a great convenience for you and your pet; they can also be an entryway for unwanted wildlife. Consider electronic pet doors instead of the traditional flaps.

• Trash: Just like people, animals are drawn to the smell of food. Always secure trash containers. Put out trash the morning of collection instead of the night before.

• Trees & landscape: Keep trim limbs trimmed and away from your house. Accessible branches give animals a gateway to your roof. Cover and secure compost piles.

• Take a walk: Mice can get through a crack as small as a quarter of an inch big. Check the perimeter outside your home for holes, gaps and deteriorated weather stripping.