It’s anyone’s worst nightmare – you’re settling down to go to sleep, when suddenly you hear scratching from above. Your mind begins to race – what could it be? There are a number of different kinds of animals that might take up residence in your attic, and many of them will announce themselves with nighttime scratching.
It’s hard to say what kind of animal you’re dealing with on your own – which is where the pros can help. The Bug Out team has extensive expertise in all the wildlife in and around North Carolina and we’re ready to help with whichever animal is keeping you awake.
Signs of an Animal in the Attic
As we mentioned earlier, scratching or movement sounds are probably the first thing you’ll notice when you have an animal in your attic. However, there are a few more signs to look out for.
- Droppings or urine in secluded areas, such as crawlspaces and hidden corners.
- Accumulated nesting materials like torn-up paper, twigs, or leaves around roofing or inside the attic.
- Chewed insulation and drywall; also, signs of nesting in these areas.
- Gnaw marks on your structure or belongings.
Any combination of these signs – in your attic or anywhere else on your property – could indicate a pest infestation of some kind.
Don't let your attic become a playground for pests!
Which Wild Animal Could It Be?
Some animals are more likely to hide in your attic than others. Below are the ones you’re most likely to find here in North Carolina.
- Rats and mice. Rodents are everywhere that people are, and the attic is the perfect place to hide. Since they need to chew constantly to keep their ever-growing teeth in check, you’re likely to hear them gnawing away at drywall, wiring, or anything else they can get their paws on.
- Raccoons. Raccoons are crafty, strong, and sneaky. They’re strong enough to pry shingles off your roof and chew holes right through the underlayment. They might sound like a cat moving around in your attic.
- Squirrels. They gain access to your attic through roof vents and gaps, rather than digging their way inside like raccoons can. Squirrels won’t make a lot of noise, but as rodents themselves, they will also scratch around much like rats and mice.
- Birds. There’s no question about it – if you hear chirping in your attic, you have avian roommates. Birds aren’t directly harmful, but their droppings can spread disease.
Dangers of Wildlife in Your Attic
Naturally, it’s unpleasant to have unwelcome visitors in your attic. But it doesn’t stop there. Many animals will make their own paths into your home by gnawing or digging through walls or roofing, quickly causing costly damage. This also leaves your structure (and belongings) open to damage from the elements – potentially leading to water damage, mold, and mildew. On top of all that, the animal invaders (especially rodents) might sneak food from your pantry, leading to contamination.
As you can imagine, it’s always best to act fast if you suspect there are animals of any kind in your attic. They see your home as a safe place to rest, and won’t move out on their own.
Bug Out Can Safely Get Rid of Animals in Your Attic
If you think you have an animal of any kind in your home, do not attempt to remove it on your own. Wild animals of all kinds can spread disease through their bites or the parasites they carry. Raccoons might also attack if confronted. Getting them out of your home is important, but it’s even more important to have the right people on hand to help. That’s where the Bug Out team comes in.
Keeping your property safe from wildlife problems is important for health and safety – but you can’t do it on your own. Our team is well-versed in the habits of all sorts of local pests in the North Carolina area. We can handle humane removal with ease and show you how to prevent similar problems going forward.
Give us a call to get started with a free quote!