Noises in Your Attic? What Are the Most Common Attic Pests?

If you suspect that you have pests in your attic, don’t attempt to get rid of them yourself.

Whether you hear scurrying, scratching, or other strange sounds above your head, hearing any noises in your attic could indicate that you have a pest problem. Squirrels, bats, raccoons, and rodents often find attics to be an ideal environment. And when they make your attic their home, they can damage stored items, gnaw through electrical wires, and leave droppings, which can make your attic a breeding ground for insects and diseases.

Common Attic Pests

• Rats – Rats are among the most common types of pests you are likely to find in your attic. Especially during cold, winter months, rats look for warm places, and they may seek refuge in your attic. The best way to identify them is by their droppings. If you manage to get a look at them, rats are generally larger than mice, having a longer and thicker tail.

• Mice – Mice and rats have many similarities, but mice are smaller in size, and many of them have adapted to live close to humans rather than live in the wild. Because they are smaller, mice can easily access your attic by climbing up the wall and squeezing their bodies through the tiniest of spaces.

• Squirrels – Squirrels can be even more damaging than rats or mice. They are experts at gnawing and chewing through your walls, wood, insulation, and electrical wires. They are generally more active during the day. You will likely hear them rustling around during the early morning and evening.

• Bats – Bats can easily become a serious issue to deal with in your attic. They get in by squeezing through very tight spaces or flying in through gaps along the roofline. They don’t gnaw on anything, but they do produce many droppings that have a very pungent odor. Their droppings can pose a serious health problem. Not only do the droppings smell bad, but contamination can lead to diseases such as histoplasmosis.

• Snakes – Snakes rely on external factors to keep warm, which means they might look for places in your home to stay warm. They can get into your home without you knowing it, and because they are quiet, you won’t be able to hear any noises from them. While most snakes are harmless, some snakes are venomous and pose a danger to humans and pets.

Attic Pest Control

If you suspect that you have pests in your attic, don’t attempt to get rid of them yourself. B & D Pest Solutions uses a combination of trapping and poison to get rid of your pests problems, as we’ve found this is the most effective way to get rid of your infestation truly. Once they are exterminated, we handle the clean-up and disposal.