Worried About Animals in the Attic?

Squirrel on Vermont home roof - Vermont Pest Control

Whether you’re gathered in the kitchen with your family or trying to sleep at night, hearing noises and movement coming from your attic is enough to frighten anyone. While feeling a presence in your home may lead some to believe they’re living the plot of a B-list horror movie, the reality is that a nuisance wildlife problem is underway. Wild animals often gain access to our homes through the roof, where they take up residence in the attic. It goes without saying that no one wants any animals making themselves at home in their attic.

The experts at Vermont Pest Control understand how stressful wildlife problems can be, especially if they make their way into your home. Provided by our experts, we have all the information you need about potential infestations in your attic.

Common Wildlife in Vermont Homes

We’re no strangers to wild animals roaming around our neighborhoods here in Vermont. But how do they get inside? Any animal that can access your roof can likely squeeze their way into your attic if given the chance. The five pests that are the most likely culprits for invading your attic include the following:

  1. Bats: Possibly the most dangerous attic dweller is the bat. Bat waste is toxic and can cause health risks.
  2. Birds: Hearing chirping noises or fluttering indicates you could have a nest of birds in your attic. They have a harder time leaving once they’re inside.
  3. Rats & mice: These rodents can make some of the loudest noises with their scratching, chewing, squeaking, and running. The roof rat is the most common rodent in attics.
  4. Squirrels: All types of squirrels can squeeze in through tiny openings and are feared for their ability to chew through wires.
  5. Raccoons: Female raccoons are known to nest in attics, and can come and go during the day and night. Chattering noises may indicate a nest of baby raccoons.

What to Do When You Have an Animal in the Attic

Don’t try to find a wild animal that you think is living in your attic on your own. When you try to get rid of the animal, bat, or bird on your own, you are not only putting yourself and your family at risk, but also the animal. It is possible for wild animals to carry rabies and bite if they feel threatened. For this reason alone, a professional should always be consulted. When you hire a humane wildlife removal company like Vermont Pest Control, you can rest assured that the safest traps will be used to capture and relocate any wild animal.

Humane Nuisance Wildlife Removal

At Vermont pest Control, we know how stressful it can be to discover wildlife in your attic. Wildlife can also pose a threat to your family. In addition to inspecting your home thoroughly, our animal removal experts can prevent wild animals from entering your attic in the future by putting preventative measures into place. For more information, contact us today!

Overwintering Pests in Vermont

Raccoons are a common overwintering pest in Vermont - Vermont Pest Control

An overwintering pest is any insect or wild animal that gets into your property, typically in the fall, for shelter during the winter months. Rather than hibernate during the cold winter, these pests will nest and remain active in your attic or crawl space until spring rolls around. Needless to say, pest activity in your home this time of year is something no one wants to deal with. Thankfully, there are a number of ways you can prevent overwintering pests in Vermont homes. Keep reading to learn our top tips to keep pests out of your attic every winter.

What Overwintering Pests are Common in Vermont?

Just as you look to spend more time indoors in the winter to escape the dropping temperatures outdoors, so do pests! A few of the most common pests and wild animals that try to get inside this time of year include:

  • House mice: Many mice prefer secluded areas and will look to nest in your attic using insulation and other stored items.
  • Rats: Different types of rats can squeeze their way inside and take up residence in the attic.
  • Bats: Big brown bats will roost in an attic and use it as their cave. Bats can create a big mess with their droppings.
  • Raccoons: Raccoons are strong climbers and can make their way into your attic to escape dropping temperatures outside.
  • Squirrels: The attic is the perfect place for squirrels to burrow and hide out the colder months.

Tips & Tricks to Keep Pests Out This Winter

Every year, it’s important to learn how to protect your home against winter pest problems. Some of the best ways to prevent overwintering pests include the following measures.

  1. In your attic, organize all items and eliminate any clutter. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage.
  2. Inspect both inside out outside the attic, and seal any cracks or crevices with caulk or steel wool.
  3. Secure your chimney with a chimney cap, and install wire mesh over any vents or holes.
  4. Trim overhanging tree branches, overgrown bushes, and vines away from your home to limit roof access to pests.
  5. Ensure your garbage cans are securely stored in your hard with tight-fitting lids to keep pests out.

Winter Pest Infestations

This time of year, no one wants to share their home with pests. If you suspect there are rodents or other pests taking shelter in your attic, it’s important to contact the professionals at Vermont Pest Control. Pests residing in your home can be dangerous and hazardous—give us a call to get rid of them safely.