Rodents in Your Attic? Here’s How to Keep Them Out
Hearing scratching in your attic? It could be mice. It’s no secret that rodents are one of the most common pests in homes in the Cleveland area.
How Do You Know if You Have Rodents in Your Attic?
Before you get rid of the rodents in your attic, you should determine if it’s really rodents you’re dealing with, or another critter. Here are some ways to identify whether you have rodents in your attic.
Visible Signs of Rodent Activity
- Shreds of paper or other fibrous material used for nesting in your attic
- Small chew marks on items, especially wood, plastic or vinyl
- Droppings
- Marks along the wall that appear greasy
Rodent Noises in Attic
Rodents are nocturnal, so you will likely hear the majority of these noises at night. But what do rodents sound like when they’re in the attic?
- Slight scurrying, scratching or scampering is one indication of rodents
- When they are communicating with one another, mice squeak and chirp
Why Do Rodents Go in Attics?
Like other areas, rodents like to make their home in areas where access to food is plentiful, shelter is apparent and there are plenty of materials with which to create a nest. In a rodent’s eyes, attics offer all these benefits and more, making it an obvious nesting place.
How Do Rodents Get into Attics?
Both rats and mice are excellent natural climbers and can climb easily up vertical surfaces. They are also exceptional jumpers. They can get into entry points as small as ¼”.
How to Get Rodents Out Of Your Attic
- Keep trees and foliage near your home to a minimum. This will discourage rodents from using branches to get to your roofline and gain access to your home.
- Keep your food securely stored with rodent-proof jars or metal containers.
- Get rid of clutter in the attic. This also helps discourage other pests from spending time in your attic, as they likely utilize clutter as both nesting potential and protection from the elements.