The attic is often one of the most neglected areas of the home. It’s dark and dusty, and it’s easy to forget that it’s even there. But if you have an attic, chances are good that it’s home to some unwanted guests: pests.
These freeloaders can cause all sorts of problems, from chewing through electrical wires to leaving droppings that can stain your ceilings.
Pests love attics because they’re dark and secluded, and they offer plenty of hiding places. If you have rodents in your attic, you’ll have to deal not just with droppings and chewed wires but also with the risk of fire.
Pest Control for Attics: How Does it Work?
The disruptive nature of pests is something that many homeowners face at some point. Pests in the attic can be especially troublesome because they are often difficult to spot and can cause serious damage.
If you feel like you need help getting rid of pests in your attic, there are a few things that you need to do to make this work.
Know Which Pests Have Invaded Your Attic
One of the first steps to getting rid of pests in your attic is to identify which ones have taken up residence there. This can be difficult, as many pests are active at night when you’re likely asleep.
Aside from being able to see the pests themselves, you’ll also want to look for things like droppings and other evidence of their presence.
If you have rats in your attic, for example, you may find rat droppings. These can be anywhere from a quarter of an inch to half an inch long and will be dark brown or black in color.
You may also find shredded paper or other materials that rats have used to build their nests.
Bats leave about half an inch of droppings and are usually found near the eaves of your attic. They’re piled up and may be mixed with insects. Mice leave much smaller droppings, about a quarter of an inch long, and they’re usually found near food sources.
Rats’ droppings are usually shaped like a sausage, while mice’s droppings are smaller and pellet-shaped. Those of raccoons and squirrels are tubular with blunt ends, while opossums’ droppings look like dog feces.
While the sound of inspecting their droppings may seem like a disgusting one, it’s important to do in order to know which pests have taken up residence in your attic so you can more easily get rid of them.
Determine How the Pests are Getting In
Once you’ve determined the kind of pests freeloading on your property, the next step is to figure out how they’re getting in. This can be difficult, as pests are often small and can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices that you may not even know are there.
Rats, in particular, are known for their ability to squeeze through tiny spaces, so if you have rats in your attic, chances are good that they’re getting in through a small hole or crack. You’ll want to inspect your attic carefully for any openings that pests could be used to get in.
Bats, on the other hand, can get through ceilings, chimneys, and other openings that are much larger.
Make Sure There are No Food Sources
Pests are comfortably inhabiting your attic because they have access to food and water. If you want to get rid of them, you need to make sure that there are no food sources that they can access.
While food may not be the first place you’d store your food, it’s important to remember that pests are often attracted to food that’s been left out. Waste, crumbs, and even pet food can attract these pests, so it’s important to make sure that your attic is free of any food sources.
Remember, the most important thing when it comes to pest control for attic is that your area should be kept inhospitable for pests at all times.
You have to ensure that there are no food sources and that all entry points are sealed. If you can do these things, then you will have a much easier time getting rid of pests in your attic for good.
Do You Need Professional Pest Control Attic Help?
As much as people love to do everything themselves, there are certain tasks that require professional help. Pest control is one of those tasks. Calling in professionals has its own set of benefits that make the cost worth it.
For example, proper identification of pests is essential for effective control. Many times, people misidentify the pest, which leads to using the wrong products or taking inappropriate actions.
With the right tools and products, as well as the knowledge of how to use them, these professionals can quickly and easily identify the pests in your attic.
Another benefit of professional pest control is that they have the experience to know which products and methods work best for each type of pest.
They also know how to properly apply these products so that they’re most effective. If using traps, professionals have been extensively trained and know where to strategically place them for optimal results.
Finally, let’s not forget about the warranty that comes with professional pest control services. A good company will offer a warranty on their services.
This simply means that you’re protected in case the pests come back. If they do, you can simply call the company, and they’ll come out and take care of the problem for you.
Final Thoughts
Cutting corners when it comes to pest control is never a good idea. You can’t just use any generic products or methods that you find online.
You need to be strategic about it and use the right products and methods for the specific pests in your attic. Using a mouse bait for bats won’t work, and your problem might persist or even get worse.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Try to keep your attic clean and free of food sources.
Inspect it regularly for any cracks or openings that pests could use to get in. And if all else fails, leave everything to the experts to ensure that the job is done efficiently and accurately all the time.
