The 10 Most Common Creatures That Might be Living in Your Attic
Most of us love the idea of having an attic; a potential solitary space where you can hide away for some me-time. Or maybe an area where your children can build in-door forts on rainy days. But have you ever heard inexplicable noises right above you? Your attic is the ideal hide-away for not only your family, but a list of various small animals, insects and pests.
Lets take a look at the 10 most common animals in the attic:
1. Termites
One out of every five attics in the United States is infested with termites. Search your attic for any signs of powdery wood residue. This residue will be found wherever these creatures prefer to feed, and let's face it; attics are a feast for them! Unfortunately there is no quick DIY method to rid your attic of termites. It is best advised to call in a professional pest control/exterminator who will then fumigate your attic with specialized chemicals. Learn more here.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches can enter through almost any size of opening, no matter how small it may seem. These creatures prefer to set up house in your attic, because there they can breed to their heart’s content. Although it may seem impossible to get rid of cockroaches, it is easier than you may realize. Anti-cockroach spray is widely available at most retailers. Buy yourself a good supply and proceed to spray every nook and cranny of your attic. Just bear in mind that a once-off treatment will not be enough (especially if they are German cockroaches). You have to repeat the exercise up to four times to ensure all these creatures (and their eggs) are truly exterminated.
3. Birds
It is easy to determine whether your attic is the nesting place for birds. Although they may be in temporary hiding, their droppings or feathers will surely give them away. When birds make themselves known (they are famous for choosing “flight”), simply use a broom to shoo them out the same window they chose to enter in the first place.
4. Mice and Rats
These critters do not prosper out in the wild and prefer to stay close to human dwellings. These creatures are the cause of endless destruction. They will gnaw their way through almost any obstacle in order to create safe passages, and leave their droppings just about everywhere. Because rats (www.atticpestauthority.com/rats-in-attic) can gain entry into most spaces through any small opening, the best method of ridding your attic of them is to block all possible entryways, and then place specifically designed traps in strategic places – preferably in places where your children and domestic pets cannot reach it. These mice can cause quite an issue in your home, and you need to get rid of them as soon as possible.
5. Snakes
Some snakes can climb their way up any structure and therefore, into your attic. It is very difficult to know whether you have these unwanted guests in your attic – up until such time you come across a shed snakeskin. Never attempt to remove a snake on your own. Call the experts that deal with such creatures on a daily basis.
6. Possums
These creatures are less likely to be found in your attic, but only because of their size. However, when they find an opening big enough to squeeze through, they will set up house. Possums have a very distinct smell, so it won’t be too long before they are found out. Fortunately they are very slow movers; therefore, trapping them is the best way to remove them from your attic.
7. Hedgehogs
Similar to possums, hedgehogs need large openings to gain entry to an attic. They will make their presence be known by means of quills that can be found on the floor. Find a way to trap these creatures, and then release them back into nature.
8. Bats
Bats are clever little creatures that can squeeze into your attic by means of minute openings in the roof line. They are mostly quiet beings, but you will see them flying about when they feel disturbed. How do you get rid of them? Block all entry points and use a one-way exclusion door which won’t allow them to find their way back inside. Read more here: www.atticpestauthority.com/bats-in-attic
9. Raccoons
Raccoons are masters at climbing and will continue to rip and tear through screens and shingles until they gain entry to your attic. The droppings of these creatures are so large that it can be compared to the size of a kitten or puppy. The only way to effectively get rid of raccoons, is to trap them. Once the creature has been removed, ensure that all possible entryways have been sealed off in a secure manner to prevent them from clawing their way in again.
10. Squirrels
Squirrels are the most common pests found inside your attic (right here). Their cute appearance may lead you to think they are harmless, but they can cause the same potential damage as rats. If you find signs of nests crafted from paper and twigs, you can be sure Mr Squirrel is hiding out somewhere. You can trap these creatures as well and release them back into nature. If they keep eluding you, you can install an exclusion door through which they will be able to leave, but not regain entry. At the same time, ensure you block all potential openings through which they may find their way back in.
If you do not feel comfortable quick DIY method, help is always at hand. Search your local directory to find an expert who will be able to deal with your specific attic friend in a very effective manner. Although some of the creatures mentioned may sound harmless, you have to bear in mind these animals and insects are potential carriers of all types of diseases, and their droppings alone may pose a health risk to you and your family.
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