You might not be as crazy as you think. That noise you hear in your walls and attic that sounds like a bear cub, could actually be a mouse, bat, raccoon or squirrel.
Nick Hemesath, Wildlife Manager at KwikKill Pest Control, explains more about animals getting in your home, what to do when they are, and how to prevent it in the future.
As it gets colder outside, it is very common for small animals to try and get inside of structures such as a wall or attic. Many times they are going into the corners of your siding, attic space, or insulation in order to beat the cold weather. They also seek shelter in your home for protection from predators.
“Generally people will be hearing or seeing signs that animals are maybe already nesting in your house,” says Hemesath. “But generally, most people will hear things versus see evidence of them.”
When it comes to mice, you’re going to hear a scratching sound in your ceiling or walls or see their droppings around the kitchen. Squirrels you will notice in the mornings making noise with a small running sound along the walls. If it’s a larger animal like a raccoon, they are more active at night and you’ll hear heavier footsteps.
The first step in removing these unwanted animals is to identify what is causing the noise. Sometimes that can be done on your own or you may also need to contact pest control.
“Once someone calls us, we’ll start with an inspection, determine what animal is making a home in your house, and then look for entry points to begin our service,” says Hemesath.
While these animals can be a nuisance, there are steps you can take to prevent them from getting into your home. If you have any low growing shrubs close to your home, cut it back at least a foot away so that it is not touching the siding. If you have bird feeders or tree limbs hanging close to the house, try to keep them ten feet away from your house to prevent animals from jumping off onto the roof.
Hemesath and his team also help with fall invaders, also known as boxelder bugs, beetles, spiders, and more. He says their role is similar to an electrician or a plumber in the sense that a homeowner can do some small things for themselves, but when it comes to a bigger one, it’s time to call the professionals.
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