Animals in Attic Removal in Salem, Oregon
Do you hear scurrying, scratching, or chewing coming from your attic? There could be an animal living in there! It is sometimes difficult to discern which animal you are dealing with just from the noises they make. Other times, it is more noticeable when seeing what animal has been coming and going from the home.
Some common animals that may be taking refuge in your attic space include mice, rats, bats, squirrels, and raccoons. One of the most popular animals to find in your attic space is a squirrel. Squirrels will often nest and rear their young in warm attic spaces where the insulation keeps them comfortable and they are protected from harsh weather and predators. Squirrels are most active during the day, so you are more likely to hear them scampering around. Most of the other animals in your attic are nocturnal so it’s much harder to detect their presence. That is why some animals can go unnoticed in your attic space for quite a while.
Mice in the Attic
Mice and rats can gain entry into your home in a variety of different ways and can nest in your walls and attic space. They will chew on insulation and wiring and can cause damage and even electrical fires.
Bats in the Attic
Because bats are nocturnal, you are more likely to hear most of their activity in the evening hours. They usually enter your home through the roof line and attic. Another indicator of bats is their smell. Bats urinate and defecate in a single area and in large amounts. This can cause an unpleasant ammonia smell and damage the area of the home. Their feces, or guano, also contain spores that can cause illnesses like histoplasmosis.
Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels have their small size to their advantage as it makes it easy for them to gain access to your attic through small holes or crevices. They are attracted to your attic space because of the plentiful insulation that brings them warmth and protection. Squirrels are known to damage drywall, insulation, and wiring which could require fixing.
Raccoons in the Attic
Being the biggest of the bunch, raccoons have more potential to cause major damage to the home. Raccoons will get into the attic from the roof and they will make your attic space their home. They often cause damage to drywall, siding, and insulation.
Signs of Animals in the Attic in Salem, Oregon
Outside of seeing animals coming and going from the home, chewing, clawing, gnawing, scurrying, or other noises that indicate movement are all signs of something in the attic. In addition, strange scents of feces and urine are some other signs. Seeing their footprints and markings, or seeing their feces are strong indicators that you have an animal or animals in your attic.
How are Animals Getting into My Attic?
Animals are very creative in how they enter your home. They will use anything from existing openings or holes to ones they tore or chewed into your home. Animals can enter through a hole in the roof or siding or a vent on the side of the home. Once an animal has made its way into your attic it will begin to make itself at home, most likely causing problems in your attic.
What Damage Can an Animal in the Attic Cause?
When animals are living in your attic, they will nest, defecate, urinate, and make themselves comfortable. That can include shredding insulation, chewing on wires and floorboards, and destroying items that might be stored in the attic. When an animal chews on wiring it can possibly start a fire in the home. It is believed that mice and rats chewing on wires accounts for nearly 25% of house fires each year. Because of the diseases they carry, any insulation that the animals have used to nest will need to be replaced. Additionally, their excrement can carry fungi and viruses that can be transmitted to humans and pets. Breathing in the air can make you very sick, this is why it is especially important to have soiled insulation removed.
How to Get Rid of Animals in the Attic?
The general best practice for removing animals from the home is to leave the job to the professionals. Occasionally, a minor bird problem or squirrel in the home can be handled by a novice, but ultimately these animals are wild. All animals that are getting into your home will get aggressive if they feel they are being threatened. Additionally, there are rules and regulations in place designed to keep certain animals, like bats, safe. For most animals, a permit is required for trapping and relocation. This is why it is so important to contact your local wildlife removal company. We have the permits, tools, and knowledge required to take care of any animal problem you may have. For the full list of our services, please visit our service page.
Wildlife Removal & Pest Control Services
If you have animals in your attic and need to have them removed or have exclusion work done for your home, contact Wildlife Removal & Pest Control. We can trap, remove, and exclude animals from your attic space. Contact us online or give us a call at 971-224-7870 to schedule your free estimate and keep your home protected from wildlife.