Dealing with Animals in Your Attic: Expert Advice from Rodent Solutions

Have you ever wondered, “Do I have an animal in my attic?” Maybe because you’ve heard strange noises in the middle of the night? If you do hear noises in the attic, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and business owners face this issue. It’s a common problem to have animals in your attic in Florida.

At Rodent Solutions, we specialize in rodent exclusions for homes and businesses in Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and other surrounding areas. Let’s dive into what attracts animals to your attic, when they are most active, and how they get in there.

Common Animals Found in Attics

There are several types of animals that love attics. Here are the most common ones we tend to find:

Squirrels and Flying Squirrels

Squirrels are active during the day and love to chew on wires and wood. They often enter attics to create nests, especially during their breeding season (October through February). If you hear scratching and scurrying during daylight hours, you might have squirrels.

Raccoons

Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They can cause a lot of damage by tearing up insulation, chewing on wires, and even ripping through ducts. Raccoons are also known to carry diseases such as rabies and roundworm. You should contact a wildlife removal company if you have raccoons living in your attic.

Mice and Rats

Rats and mice can squeeze through small entry holes. These rodents reproduce quickly, causing a big infestation. They are active mostly at night and early morning, and can create a lot of noise and mess. Mice droppings and urine can also pose health risks.

Bats

Bats also come out at night and can carry diseases like rabies. They often enter attics through small gaps and roost in colonies. Bat guano (droppings) can accumulate and create health hazards, including respiratory issues from fungal spores. Bats also like to take shelter in soffit.

Birds

Birds can make nests in attics and cause a mess with their droppings. They can also bring in mites and other parasites. Birds often find their way into attics through gaps in soffits, vents, or damaged roof areas.

What Attracts Animals to Your Attic?

Shelter

Animals seek a safe place away from predators and harsh weather. Your attic provides a perfect shelter, especially during storms or extreme temperatures.

Warmth

During colder months, your attic can be a warm, cozy place for animals. Insulation and stored items create a comfortable environment for nesting and staying warm.

Food Sources

If there’s easy access to food nearby, like garbage or bird feeders, animals will be more attracted to your attic. Pet food left outside and compost piles can also attract wildlife.

Quiet and Seclusion

Attics are usually quiet and undisturbed, making them perfect for nesting and raising young. The secluded environment allows animals to feel safe and secure. This can lead to costly damages.

When Are Animals Most Active in Attics?

Seasonal Activity

Animals are more active in the fall and winter as they look for warm places to shelter in. Many animals seek out attics to escape the cold and prepare for breeding seasons.

Nocturnal vs. Diurnal Patterns

• Raccoons, Rats, Mice, Bats: Active during the nighttime
• Squirrels: Active during the daytime

Understanding these patterns can help you identify what type of animal might be in your attic based on when you hear noises. Keep in mind, nocturnal and diurnal animals may still make noise at unusual times.

How Do Animals Get Into the Attic?

Animals can be quite sneaky! Here’s how they often get in:

Common Entry Points

• Roof vents: Animals can squeeze through gaps in vents.
• Chimneys: Without a cap, chimneys are an open door.
• Gaps in roofing materials: Loose shingles or tiles provide easy access.
• Holes in soffits and fascia: These areas can have holes that animals exploit.
• Unsealed utility entry points: Openings around pipes and cables can be entry points.

Signs of Entry

Look for chewed wires, droppings, nests, and damage to insulation. These are tell-tale signs that animals have moved in. You might also notice strange smells, which can indicate animal urine or decomposing matter.

The Risks of Having Animals in Your Attic

Health Risks

Animals can carry diseases and parasites that are dangerous to humans. For example, raccoons can carry rabies and roundworms, while bats can carry rabies and histoplasmosis.

Structural Damage

Chewed wires can be a fire hazard, and damaged insulation can lead to higher energy bills. Animals can also damage ductwork, roofing materials, and support structures in the attic.

Noise and Disturbance

Scratching, scurrying, and other noises can be very disruptive. This can affect your sleep and daily activities, especially if the noises are persistent and loud.

Preventative Measures

Regular Inspections

Check your attic regularly for signs of animal entry. Look for droppings, chewed materials, nests, and unusual odors. Regular inspections can help you catch an infestation early.

Sealing Entry Points

Use materials like steel wool, caulk, and mesh to block access points. Ensure all vents have proper covers and that chimneys have caps. Repair any damaged roofing materials promptly.

Trimming Trees and Shrubs

Keep branches away from the roofline to prevent animals from jumping onto your roof. Overhanging branches can act as a bridge for squirrels and other animals.

Removing Food Sources

Secure garbage bins, remove bird feeders, and keep pet food indoors. Make sure compost piles are covered and not easily accessible to wildlife.

Professional Rodent Exclusion Services

At Rodent Solutions, we offer comprehensive rodent exclusion services. Here’s what we do:

Our Services

• Inspection: We thoroughly inspect your property to find entry points and signs of infestation.
• Sealing Entry Points: We seal gaps and holes to prevent animals from getting in.
• Humane Removal: We safely and humanely remove any animals.
• Cleanup and Sanitation: We clean and sanitize affected areas.
• Preventative Measures: We implement measures to avoid future infestations.

Benefits of Professional Services

• Expertise: We have the experience to handle all types of animals.
• Safety: Our methods are safe for you and your family.
• Long-Term Solutions: We provide lasting solutions for peace of mind.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Here are some real-life examples of how we’ve helped others:

Homeowner in Bradenton

“We had a family of raccoons in our attic. Rodent Solutions quickly and safely removed them and sealed up the entry points. We haven’t had any issues since!”

Business in Sarasota

“Rodent Solutions did a fantastic job at sealoing. They were professional and thorough. Highly recommend them!”

Conclusion

If you think there’s an animal in your attic spaces, don’t wait. The longer you wait, the more damage they can cause. Contact Rodent Solutions for a thorough inspection and professional rodent exclusion services.

We proudly serve Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish, and surrounding areas. Call us today or visit our website for more information.