I hear pests in the attic - what are they and what do I do next?

There are few things more unnerving than the skittering and scurrying of pests in the attic. For residents in Suffield, East Granby, Wilbraham, and Westfield, colder temperatures mean unwanted guests seeking refuge in your attic and crawlspaces.  But how do you know what kind of pest you’re contending with and what do you do about it? We’ve got tips on how to handle pests in the attic.

Recognize the Rascals

Far and away, rodents tend to be the culprit when it comes to noises in your attic.

• House Mice: These common house pests like to live in dim, quiet places—making attics prime real estate. Attics typically have optimal nest materials such as boxes of packing peanuts, insultation and discarded clothing. House mice excel at climbing so scurrying up a branch to gain access to your home is not difficult.
• Roof Rats: As the name would suggest, roof rats are very good at getting access to your attic through, obviously, the roof. They like attics for the same reasons as house 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.
• 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.
• Racoons: 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.
• Squirrels: Tree squirrels will keep to hollowed out cavities during the summer but seek your homes warmth during chillier months. Once they get into your insulation, it can be very difficult—and expensive—to get them out.

How to Keep Pests in the Attic Out

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 concrete patch or latex caulk to seal any openings. Not only will this help prevent rodents from accessing your home this way, but it’ll also reduce the moisture the 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.

Save the attic for your old vinyl records. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us today. We have the knowledge and the services necessary to help keep your home pest-free!