Connecticut may not have any lions or tigers (though we DO have bears), but there’s no shortage of wildlife that will move into our homes, garages, sheds and even cars given half an opportunity. Animals in your home can be annoying at best, and cause monetary or even dangerous electrical damage in the worst case.
What KIND of Critters Are In My House?
If you’ve heard rustling sounds in your attic or found droppings, you know that something is present, but you may not be sure what. While the signs of many kinds of animals can be similar, there are some clues to determine what’s infesting your home.
- Daytime or nighttime? If you’re hearing sounds in your attic in the daytime, particularly early morning or evening, you likely have a squirrel problem. If you’re heavier hearing noises at night, it’s likely raccoons. Lighter nighttime noises may indicate mice or rats.
- What kind of sounds? Squirrels, being smaller, will make lighter noises when they scurry. Raccoons are larger and less active when they’re in your attic, so they’ll make heavier, slower sounds. They’re also more vocal than squirrels, so listen for sounds of squeaking and chattering. High-pitched chittering that occurs around sunset may be signs of bats.
- What kind of holes is it making? Since few of us invite critters to move into our homes, they make their own entryways. The types of holes you’re seeing in the roof shingles and around vents and plumbing can be a clue. Squirrels can fit into a chewed hole as small as two inches. If you’re seeing big, torn-out holes, it’s likely you’ve got raccoons.
- Is it in the walls? If you’re hearing critters in the walls of your home, you’ve likely got a mouse or rat problem, as squirrels and raccoons tend to stick to attics and are generally too large to fit into walls.
- How large are the chew marks? It’s not atypical for the critters invading your home to chew on insulation, furnishings and even wiring. Very small tooth marks indicate rats, mice or squirrels. Larger damage may be due to raccoons, opossums or other critters.
- What do the droppings look like? Where’s there are animals, there is animal poop. Looking at the droppings can give you a clue as to what type of animal it is. This chart can help you match the shape and size of the droppings to the animal.
Pest Management is a Must
Whatever the animal, it’s important to get the animal out (and ensure it doesn’t have babies!) Secondly, you need to close up access so the animal family doesn’t move back in again. Many animals can chew through the barriers homeowners put up in a DIY attempt to animal-proof.
Pest management professionals like Anderson Wildlife Control can help you determine what kind of creatures are living within your home and build a customized plan to evict them and keep them from coming back.
Contact us today for more information and a free quote.
