Suddenly hearing noises coming from your attic while you are in bed at night can be an alarming and traumatizing experience. While scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds most likely belong to a displaced wild animal, it can be difficult to know what specific type of critter is keeping you up at night. Here are a few common pests that may be the culprit and ways you can get rid of whatever critter is living in your attic.
Common Invasive Animals that Nest in Attics
The following pests are commonly known to infest residential attics.
- Rats and mice often scurry about at night and leave lots of evidence of their presence through droppings, insulation damage, chew marks, and dark, oily rubbings along the walls and floors.
- Squirrels are known toscamper about attics in the early mornings and evenings. To identify the presence of squirrels, look for gnaw marks and scratches on beams and floors, large brown droppings about 1/3 of an inch long, and nesting materials like leaves and sticks.
- Raccoons are nocturnal, so you’ll hear their loud, heavy movements during the night. The mischievous mammals are also known to growl, chatter, and leave a path of destruction that is often littered with trash, tracks, and feces.
- Bats typically don’t make much noise unless their infestation consists of a large colony. You’ll likely first notice the presence of bats when they enter or leave your home at dawn or dusk through holes or vents in your attic. However, their feces (or guano) also emits a powerfully foul smell that is very identifiable and toxic.
Trusted Wildlife Removal Services in Tampa, FL
Rely on the wildlife experts at Critter Control® of Tampa to figure out exactly what has taken up residence in your attic, and get rid of those pests quickly and effectively. We also provide essential services to remove any sign that they were there, such as replacing contaminated insulation and eliminating the smell. More importantly, we take the necessary steps to ensure your attic pests can’t return. For more information on our animal removal services or to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate, call Critter Control® of Tampa today at (813) 328-6646.
