Rodents in Attics and Crawl Spaces: How to Identify and Control Them

Rodents in the attic and crawl space of your home or business can wreak havoc on the integrity of your structure and create immense health hazards. Identifying the kind of rodent, understanding its behaviors, and learning how to control it is an important part of a homeowner or business owner’s pest management plan. In this blog post, we’ll discuss rodents in attics and crawl spaces—from identifying them to controlling them. From mice to squirrels, rats and more, arming yourself with knowledge is half the battle when it comes to preventing a rodent infestation in your home or business.

What are rodents?

rodents are small mammals that have long tails, sharp incisors, and small eyes. They are proficient climbers and often live in trees or burrows in the ground. Some of the most common rodents include: mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and beavers. These animals are often considered pests due to their ability to spread disease and contaminate food sources.

Rodents are typically active at night and can be very destructive if left unchecked. They will gnaw on wires, insulation, and wood in order to create nesting material or access food sources. This can pose a serious fire hazard in homes and businesses. Rodents can also spread diseases such as Salmonella and Hantavirus through their urine and droppings. If you suspect you have a rodent problem, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.

What are the different types of rodents?

There are three main types of rodents that are commonly found in attics and crawl spaces: rats, mice, and squirrels.

Rats: Norway rats and roof rats are the two most common types of rats found in homes. They are typically between 12 and 18 inches long, with Norway rats being larger than roof rats. Rats are brown or black, with Norway rats having darker fur than roof rats. Both types of rats have long tails that are about the same length as their bodies.

Mice: House mice are the most common type of mouse found in homes. They are small, typically only growing to be about 5-7 inches long. House mice are grey or light brown, with a white belly. They have long tails that are usually about as long as their bodies.

Squirrels: There are many different species of squirrels, but the two most common types found in homes are eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels. Eastern gray squirrels are larger than fox squirrels, typically measuring around 16-20 inches long (including their tail). They can be either grey or brown, with some eastern gray squirrels having a white belly. Fox squirrels measure around 10-16 inches long (including their tail) and can also be either grey or brown, but they typically have a reddish tint to their fur.

Other types of rodents include chipmunks, gophers, pocket gophers, voles, and porcupines.

How do you know if you have rodents in your attic or crawl space?

If you have rodents in your attic or crawl space, you may be able to hear them scratching or scurrying around. You may also see droppings, gnawed holes, or tracks in the dust. If you suspect that you have rodents in your attic or crawl space, contact a pest control professional to inspect and identify the problem.

How can you get rid of rodents in your attic or crawl space?

If you have rodents in your attic or crawl space, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them. There are a few different ways that you can go about doing this, and the most effective method will depend on the severity of the infestation. If you have a small number of rodents, you may be able to get rid of them with traps or bait stations. If you have a larger infestation, you may need to call in a professional pest control company to help you resolve the issue.

The first step in getting rid of rodents is to identify where they are coming from and what type of rodents they are. This will help you determine the best method for getting rid of them. Once you know what type of rodents you’re dealing with, you can set up traps or bait stations. If you’re using traps, be sure to check them regularly and dispose of any caught rodents properly. Bait stations can be left out for a longer period of time, but should also be checked regularly to make sure they’re effective.

If your infestation is severe, or if you’re unable to get rid of the rodents on your own, it’s best to call in a professional pest control company. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for getting rid of your pests.

Conclusion

Rodents in attics and crawl spaces can cause a lot of damage and present a health hazard if not taken care of properly. Knowing how to identify them, the signs they leave behind, and methods for controlling them is essential to maintaining your home. With these tips in hand, you can quickly assess whether you have an infestation and take action quickly before it’s too late. Keeping your attic or crawl space rodent-free isn’t easy but with the right knowledge, you can make sure that these pests don’t ruin your home or harm anyone living there.