Animals That Nest in Attics

Rats are one of many animals that invade attics.

No matter how airtight you believe your home is, chances are, some type of creature will eventually make its way into your attic. The tip-off may be the sound of tiny scampering feet above your head, the appearance of droppings around the attic floor or, worst case scenario, the smell of an animal that has met its demise inside one of the house’s walls.

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice are the most common attic invaders. Large roof rats as well as tiny gray mice seek out the shelter and warmth of attics and are constantly searching for food. They are nocturnal, so you will hear their movements most distinctly at night. Aside from being annoying, rats and mice chew through wires and insulation and relieve themselves all over the attic, creating noxious odors that penetrate the house. The boldest rats and mice frequently travel downstairs and invade pantries and cabinets on their quest for nourishment.

Squirrels

Squirrels love attic life so much, they will chew through drywall, wood and shingles to get inside. Once they settle in, squirrels often start families, which typically include two litters of baby squirrels each year. Like rats and mice, they chew up whatever the attic has to offer, but their scurrying can go on 24 hours a day, rather than instead of only at night.

Opossums

Opossums move so slowly and have such a relaxed gait, it’s a wonder they can get into attics without someone seeing them. Much like raccoons, opossums are attracted to pet food and garbage and will tear up your attic hunting for these things. Perhaps the worst thing about opossums is their short life spans, which make them the most likely to die in your attic or walls, emanating the characteristic odor.

Birds

Birds, especially pigeons, favor roosting on beams, ledges and utility wires, but also appreciate the seclusion of attics. They don’t normally destroy wires or wood, but they can be extremely noisy and leave large amounts of smelly and unsanitary excrement inside attics.

Bats

Female bats are most likely to nest in attics, when they are looking for a place to bear their young. Bats are noisy and pollute attics with large amounts of strong-smelling droppings and urine.

Eradication

If you discover animals in your attic, you should call a professional wildlife removal service to get rid of them. Attempting to eliminate them on your own may result in injury or a nasty bite from an animal fraught with disease.

References

• Florida Wildlife Control: Animal Information and Wildlife Management
• Professional Wildlife Removal: Animal In The Attic