How to Remove Pests From Your Attic

Rodents in the attic can be deterred with environment modification.

Having pests in your attic can be an annoying discovery. Not only do pests cause damage and leave droppings, they also make visiting the attic unpleasant. Removing pests from the home with traps does little except temporarily solve the problem. Modifying the attic environment will drive pests away, as well as prevent new pests from entering the home.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Dehumidifier
• Caulk

Instructions

1. Clean the attic thoroughly, removing any possible sources of food if you are using it as storage.

2. Call a ventilation professional to check attic ventilation. Wet crawl spaces and bad attic ventilation increase moisture levels.

3. Install a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air in the attic. Set the dehumidifier to around 40 percent moisture to prevent spiders and other pests. Eliminate any leaks in the ceiling to reduce water supply for pests.

4. Look for gaps along the roof and walls, as well as around any access panels. Seal cracks using caulk. Cut the end off of a tube of caulk to spread a 3/4-inch bead around all cracks to prevent pests from entering.

5. Check the screen over the roof vents for holes where pests can crawl through. Remove the screen and replace.

References

• EPA: Preventing Pests at Home
• The Family Handyman: How to Keep Pests Out of Your House
• The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service