Who's in the Attic?

Ever had a quiet moment in your home and heard rustling, scratching, or squeaking of some kind? Wondering if you are losing your mind or, if possibly, there are creatures hiding out in your home, specifically in the attic? This is the time of year when wildlife begin to search for warmth, and access to food and water. Unfortunately, your home may be an attractive alternative to the cold, wind, and precipitation of the outdoors. So once you realize that something is up there, you'll need to find out Who's in the attic?Attics make particularly good hiding places for several reasons including: many homeowners do not frequent the area, there are ample places to build a nest, and the heat of the home will keep wildlife safe and warm all winter. Ok, so it is not what you want to hear, but we have solutions for removing and preventing future invasions. First, we need to determine which creature or creatures are taking refuge in your attic. Here is a quick list of possible culprits.

• Raccoons - If you are hearing noises during nighttime hours such as rustling and scratching, you most likely have a raccoon or flying squirrel living in your attic. Raccoons and flying squirrels are nocturnal animals, meaning they are usually only active at night. If a raccoon is living in your attic, you may see areas called latrines which are where a raccoon urinates and defecates in the same spot regularly. Raccoons generally do all their evacuations outside, to avoid attracting predators due to any scents. However, sometimes they do create latrines inside, so this is something to watch for. An oily stain on a ceiling may be your first clue that there's a latrine above.
• Squirrels - If you are hearing noises during daylight hours you most likely have a squirrel living in your attic. Squirrels are typically only active during the day, and their activity patterns cease as soon as it has become dark outside. If a squirrel is living in your attic, you may see leaves and debris such as nuts stashed around the attic. You may also see squirrel droppings left behind, which are usually smooth and oval in shape.
• Rats and Mice - Rodents can find their way into your home using openings as small as a dime. That means if you have any gaps in your foundation or near windows, doors, or vents, you may have left your home open to rodent infestation. If you hear light footsteps at night or in the walls, or see small droppings around your home, or even if you see chewed items when you investigated the attic, you may have a mouse or rat problem.
• Bats - Bats tend to be less noticeable in sound but are often discovered because they make their way into the living areas of the home or the smell of their guano (droppings) alert you to their presence.

If you have unwanted guests staying in your attic, call Pest-End Exterminators Toll-Free: 800-287-4321 Phone: 603-382-9644 Phone: 978-794-4321