Common attic pests include mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, bats, or birds. These creatures can present health risks and potentially serious damage to your property. The management of these animals should be entrusted to competent individuals who are experienced in animal control. Determining the type of pest in your attic is crucial.
Have you noticed droppings in your home? They could be from rats, mice, squirrels, or raccoons. You might also have spotted rats in the attic.
Our experts in Rodent Control and Wildlife Removal use tried-and-true methods. They use these to tackle and stop rat or mouse infestations. This can save you money and stress in the future.
Identifying the Type of Animals in Your Attic
The presence of an unwelcome animal in your attic is undeniably problematic, but what specific dangers do these creatures pose?
It’s clear that unwanted animals in your attic are a problem. But what specific risks do these intruders pose?
- Structural Damage – Many animals can damage your attic. They may chew and scratch at walls and floors. This can harm insulation, ductwork, wiring, and sheetrock.
- Their excrements, when left unaddressed, can result in a foul smell and further damage to wood and sheetrock, especially under heat.
- Disease – Attic-dwelling animals can introduce diseases into your household, affecting you, your family, or your pets. Common attic dwellers can harbor mites, ticks, and fleas that can infest your home. Contact with their urine and feces can also lead to disease, as can dust contaminated by their presence.
- Disturbance – The activities of these animals can be disturbing. When they feed, mate, or communicate, they can create noise. This can disturb your family’s peace, especially as many of these animals are active at night.
Here are some telltale signs of animal infestation:
- Nocturnal noises – vocalizations, scurrying, scampering, thumps
- Exterior property damage or clear entry points
- Unusual water leaks – animals can damage or chew into water lines for hydration
- Unexpected electrical issues – rodents like squirrels and rats, being natural chewers, can damage wiring
- An ammonia-like odor around your home – attributed to the urination of the resident animal
The following clues can aid in identifying the intruding species:
- The volume of the noise
- The timing of the noise
- The nature of the sounds
- Available entry points
- Evidence of animal droppings
Handling Unwelcome Wildlife in Your Attic
Wild animals find attics to be safe places. They can hide from bad weather and raise their young there, typically between March and October. If you suspect a wild animal has made a home in your attic, you may notice certain signs.
Here are some tips to help you. They can assist you in identifying the animal living in your attic and deciding what to do next.
Identifying Squirrels and Raccoons in Your Attic
Daytime noises suggest a squirrel, which is diurnal, whereas nocturnal noises often signal a raccoon.
Uncertain about the animal type? Search for clues in your attic. Squirrels may leave behind leaves or nuts, and their droppings are typically smooth and oval-shaped.
In contrast, raccoons often create “latrines” or specific areas for urination and defecation. A greasy stain on the ceiling below the attic may also indicate a raccoon presence.
Consider sprinkling a band of all-purpose flour around your attic’s perimeter and checking for footprints the next day. Squirrel tracks usually measure 1 to 1 ½ inches long, while raccoon tracks range from 2 to 3 inches.
Recognizing Mice and Rats in Your Attic
The animals most likely to inhabit your attic are rats or mice. Mice and rats are another common pair of pests you may encounter in your attic. These rodents are primarily nocturnal, so you’re likely to hear them scurrying around after dark.
To identify whether you have a mouse or rat problem, observe their signs. Mice often leave behind tiny, rod-shaped droppings and may cause visible damage to stored items with their gnawing. Rats, being larger, leave bigger, capsule-shaped droppings and might create more noticeable damage with their stronger teeth.
Professional Assistance in Wildlife Removal
If an animal is living in your attic, don’t try to trap or handle it yourself. You could get bitten. Contact the professionals at On Demand Pest Control.
Consider scheduling a free rodent control inspection. As all living creatures require food, water, and shelter to survive, it’s not surprising that critters seek refuge in residential properties. With the continuous shrinkage of wildlife habitat due to industrialization, an increased wildlife population is to be expected.
