Noises In Your Attic | Mice, Rats, Squirrels, Raccoons, and Possums
There’s still two more months of winter left which means critters will be on the hunt for dry and warm places to keep warm. Did you know that one of the most common places these critters tend to hide is in the attic? Having wildlife in your attic can not only cause severe damage to your home but can also become a health risk for you and your family. Keep reading for tips on how to differentiate the noises coming from your attic.
Rats & Mice
Rats and mice are nocturnal animals, which means that they become extremely active during the nighttime when everything else is quiet. These pests will usually make scratching sounds and will run around, often up and down walls. They will often make their nests along access panels and hatches where they can keep warm.
Rodents are known to chew electrical wires, and damage wood and pipes. They’re also known to tear down your home’s insulation and make it their home. If you come across brown grease stains and/or see urine and fecal droppings you probably have rats or mice. Usually you’ll find a trail of dropping or dropping in the insulation.
Squirrels
Squirrels are usually active during the daytime, more specifically early in the morning and before dusk. You’ll often hear fast scurrying or scratching during those times of the day. these critters tend to look for a warm place to stay in late winter and early spring.
They too can cause a lot of damage to your attic. Squirrels usually make two-inch entry holes, sometimes even several holes, and usually leave behind a chewed perimeter. They also tend to chew through wood beams and electrical wires in your attic. Squirrel and mice/rat feces look very similar. Tell them apart by looking out for chewed nuts or other debris. With time, squirrel droppings get a lighter, chalky red or brown color something that isn’t true for other pests.
Raccoons & Possums
Raccoons and possums are very likely to come into your attic in late winter and early spring. Not only will they be trying to find shelter to stay warm but they’ll also be trying to find a safe place to give birth to their babies. You will often hear heavy thumping or scratching sounds mostly at night since both of these pests are nocturnal. Some common noises are vocal chirps from baby raccoons or hissing and shrieking from possums. Sometimes, the mother possum makes a clicking sound to call their babies.
As for dropping, raccoons tend to be on the larger side. They are often confused with dog feces. You will often find berries in their droppings which will make them a little easier to identify. Possum feces is very similar to dog feces. A great way to tell whether you’re dealing with a possum is by looking for curling of the edges which is a unique characteristic of theirs.
These two pests create large entry holes that are usually torn open. They usually cause torn ducts and damage your home’s insulation. It is important to seal and repair any entry points that these pests have created to prevent them from coming back.
Alcon Pest Control would be happy to assist you with any type of intruders you might have going on in your attic this winter. We can come out and do a comprehensive analysis of your home. Our experienced technicians will be happy to answer all of your questions and concerns. We customize our program to achieve the greatest success possible. Have Alcon Services come out and do a Yearly Inspection, don’t let wildlife hang out in your home while you’re out at work! Get your free quote today!
Contact Alcon Services Inc. Termite and Pest Control at 972-417-3527
