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
The presence of animals in your attic isn’t just a nuisance but a clear and present threat to the structural integrity of your home, and the health of your loved ones. The stealthy movement of raccoons, the gnawing habits of squirrels, or the incessant chirping of birds can quickly turn your tranquil residence into a chaotic wilderness. More so, the diseases these critters carry and the damage they wreak could lead to costly repairs.
Navigating the maze of wildlife removal could be a daunting task but not when you have On Demand Pest Control by your side. With our professional help, evicting these uninvited guests becomes a hassle-free endeavor. Our seasoned technicians employ humane and effective methods to ensure your attic is reclaimed and fortified against future invasions.
Our expansive service umbrella covers both Southeast and Southwest Florida, extending our expertise to cities like Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Pompano Beach, Naples, and Fort Myers. The safety of your attic, the serenity of your home, and the health of your family are paramount to us.
Your Trusted Partner in Wildlife Control
At On Demand Pest Control, we transform your wildlife predicaments into solutions. No matter the extent of the infestation, our promise remains steadfast—to restore the comfort and safety your home deserves.
Are you grappling with an animal intrusion in your attic? The time to act is now. Reach out to us for an unrivaled professional intervention that not only addresses the problem at hand but lays a solid foundation for a wildlife-free living space. Your peace of mind is just a call away.
Contact Us today for a comprehensive inspection and a customized wildlife control plan tailored to the unique needs of your residence. Your home in Southeast or Southwest Florida awaits its tranquility, and we are here to ensure it’s restored and maintained.
