Do you hear frequent noises, sounds, and disturbances coming from your attic? Crawling, scurrying, and running noises are almost 100% rodents or other wildlife loose in your attic. To prevent these critters from ruining your home, check out some facts and details below.
Signs of Intrusion
Rodents, raccoons, and squirrels can all carry different diseases that can threaten your family’s health. These nuisances can also chew through electrical wiring, posing a potential fire hazard. The first and foremost approach is to keep them completely out of your attic. Many times, though, it’s too late. So look for these signs:
- Urine or droppings (feces)
- Insulation that’s been disturbed, moved, or even formed into a nest
- Nests made of leaves, paper, and pine straw
- Sounds coming from your attic at night (squeaks or pitter-patter of feet)
- Ducts that appear damaged or torn by animals
- Animal sounds like purring, hissing, snarling, screams, etc
What to Do
First off, don’t panic. Although not ideal, creatures in the attic are a pretty normal thing and happen to a lot of your neighbors also. These intruders are capable of damage and can be quite the nuisance. But if action is taken promptly, so they are controlled, trapped, and excluded quickly, normal life will soon resume. Avoid contact with any critters you’re not 100% comfortable touching, call Attic Kings instead!
Types of Animals
Animals like skunks and raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and worse. They’ll defend themselves with claws, teeth, and spraying if they feel threatened. There are times when these vermin will leave on their own, but if they got in once, they can again, and that’s when you call a professional. Once removed and sealed out for good, you should make sure home gets inspected for rotted wood, holes gnawed, and other evidence of damage from the unwanted guests.
Rats and mice build nests in attics where there is easy access in and out (like a hotel). Conventional rat traps and or baited traps are good methods for removing these rodents. If you aren’t comfortable with this, call a professional, they’ll be sure to take care of your attic and your family. Though these creatures are small, they can wreak major havoc in your home. It’s best to get a complete solution from Attic Kings to ensure against their return.
Chittering noises, running sounds, and insulation that’s gone AWOL are signs of squirrels. Locate the entry points (usually soffit or roof vents and eave gaps). A sheet of steel mesh in the entryways into the attic can deter squirrels, but getting them out is key. Once removed, the scurrying sounds will cease and you’ll know your attic is safe and secure. Many homeowners use traps in attics, but they aren’t as effective as actually having squirrels removed and excluded.
Raccoons can enter your attic via loosened shingles or openings, through the roof, and by entering your eaves. Capable of ripping shingles off and chewing holes in buildings, raccoons are ferocious versus buildings. An exclusion device that’s called a one-way door or exit tunnel can help raccoons or other smaller rodents get out of your attic, but will not allow them back in. Your technician will be able to determine if an exit tunnel is right for your attic or situation, as all are different. The months between March and July might mean there are babies present. If that’s the case, special care must be taken for their removal to comply with local environmental laws.
No matter what kind of critter you have in your attic, be sure to get it removed ASAP. This will help to minimize damage and the spread of disease in your home. If you suspect unwanted animals in your attic or crawlspace, please seek professional help from Attic Kings today!