Some night owls who stay up late may hear scrambling, scurrying, scratching, or the occasional clattering of something being knocked over. We don’t really believe in ghosts because we know more often than not, these “bumps” in the night are pests setting up shop in your attic. There are many types of pests, some very surprising, and you need to know what they are and what you can do right now to quiet your home down.
Getting the creeps? Call us now at 413-566-8222.
The pests in your attic are usually these common suspects
Some of these pests are what you expect—like squirrels— but some of the less frequent stowaways will surprise you!
- Squirrels: Tree squirrels will keep to hollowed-out cavities during the summer but seek the warmth of your home during chillier months. Once they get into your insulation, it can be very difficult—and expensive—to get them out.
- Bats: Sometimes called rats with wings, bats will gain entry to your attic through gaps in siding and keep quiet during the day. A bat infestation can be far more than a nuisance because some species are actually endangered and protected by state law.
- Raccoons: These devious critters can scramble up siding, downspouts, and trees to gain access to your roof. Their surprising upper body strength lets them rip open vents, pull up shingles, and even push open windows. They’ll feast on your trash then use your attic to crash.
- Mice: These common house pests like to live in dim, quiet places like basements but even attics! Attics typically have optimal nest materials such as boxes of packing peanuts, insulation, and discarded clothing. Mice excel at climbing so scurrying up a branch to gain access to your home is not difficult.
- Rats: Some species of rats are very good at getting access to your attic through, obviously, the roof. They like attics for the same reasons as mice but are even more capable of getting inside. They can squeeze through incredibly small holes and gnaw through almost any material: wood, siding, aluminum, and drywall.
Prevention goes a long way to keeping your home quiet
Here are some everyday tips you can implement to prevent pests from gaining access and hunkering down.
- Thoroughly inspect the exterior of your foundation for cracks, gaps, and holes.
- Use silicone caulk to seal any openings that are visible. Not only will this help prevent rodents from accessing your home this way, but it’ll also reduce the moisture that attracts other pests.
- Inspect your gutters and downspouts for instability and places rodents can enter your home. Gutter guards can prevent mice and rats from gaining access to your attic and crawlspaces.
- Cut tree branches that come close to the house to remove additional entry points. Rodents have great climbing and jumping abilities!
- Call a professional. Prevention is the best medicine, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Additional Reading:
We ain’t afraid of no ghost (or pest). Our team at Graduate Pest Solutions specializes in prevention. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!