A Proven Guide To Safely And Effectively Remove Rodents From Attic

Having rodents in your attic can be a stressful problem to deal with. Rodents, like rats and mice, not only cause damage to your property, but they also pose health risks to you and your family. If you suspect that there are rodents living in your attic, the most important thing is to take action right away.

Removing rodents from an attic requires knowledge of their behavior, access points they use for entry into the home, and safe trapping methods. It’s essential that any removal process is done correctly so as not to create further issues or put anyone at risk. In this guide, we will provide all of the information needed for safely and effectively removing rodents from an attic.

We’ll cover each of the steps needed to complete the removal process, as well as how to eliminate any access points rodents may be using and prevent them from returning in the future. If you’re ready to take action and get rid of those pesky rodents, let’s get started!

Step One: Identification

The first step of the process is to correctly identify the type of rodent that’s been living in your attic. Different types of rodents require different removal methods, so it’s important to know exactly what type you are dealing with before taking any action. There are several signs that can help you identify the type of rodent:

• Droppings: Rodents typically leave droppings in their nesting areas and around food sources. Rat droppings are large and black, while house mouse droppings are smaller and lighter about the size of a grain of rice.

• Sounds: You may hear noise from the rodents as they move around or scurry in the walls or attic. Mice are usually quieter than rats, so if you hear loud squeaks and scurrying noises, it’s likely that you have rats in your home.

• Damage: Rodents chew on many types of materials and can cause noticeable damage to electrical wires and other items stored in the attic. If you notice gnaw marks and chew holes, it’s likely that you have rodent infestations.

• Tracks: If you notice small tracks, or footprints, in the dust of your attic, it’s likely that a rodent infestation has been living there.

• Odors: Rodents often create a musky smell that can be noticed in the attic, especially if the rodent/mouse infestation is large.

• Nests: Rodents will create nests with materials they find in the attic, such as attic insulation or fabric.

The types of rodents you may find in your attic include rats, mice, squirrels, and chipmunks. If you’re having difficulty identifying the type of rodent, it’s best to contact a professional pest control expert for assistance. Once you have identified the type of rodent that has been living in your home, you can move on to the next step.

Step Two: Inspection

The second step of the rodent-proofing process is to inspect your attic for any access points that rodents may be used to gain access into your attic space. This can often be done from the outside of the house, but if you need to go into your attic, wear protective clothing and a mask to ensure that any droppings or debris of the attic pests don’t come in contact with you.

Look for any holes along the walls or roofline as well as around windows, vents, and chimneys. If there are any holes, seal them off with a wire mesh or hardware cloth and make sure they’re secure. Once you’ve identified the entry points, then it’s time to move on to step three.

Step Three: Trapping

The third step of the process is to set up traps in your attic. There are a variety of trapping methods that can be used, such as:

• Snap Traps: Snap traps are one of the most common types of rodent trapping, and they require no bait. The trap is placed in strategic locations around your attic, like the entry point, and once a rodent enters the trap, it snaps shut.

• Live Traps: Live mouse traps are humane traps that capture rodents without killing them. The trap is baited with food, and when a rodent enters the trap to get the bait, it automatically triggers the door to close.

• Poison Bait Traps: Poison bait are not recommended for use in attics due to the potential dangers posed to other animals that may get into the attic. If you do decide to use poison bait, be sure to follow all safety instructions carefully.

• Electronic Traps: Electronic traps are powered by electricity and emit a powerful shock that kills the rodent instantly. They are also designed to be tamper-resistant, so they cannot be accessed by other animals or children.

• Glue Traps: Glue traps are non-lethal traps made of a special type of adhesive. Rodents get stuck in the glue and can then be disposed of properly.

Once you have set up your traps, be sure to check them regularly and dispose of any trapped rodents humanely. There are many other trapping methods as well, so be sure to research the best option for your particular situation.

Step Four: Cleanup

The fourth step of the process is to clean up any debris or droppings left behind by the rodents. Wear protective clothing and a mask while cleaning, and be sure to disinfect all surfaces with a rodent-proof bleach solution to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.

Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, replace any insulation that may have been damaged or contaminated. You can also hire any professional pest control service to help with the cleanup if you are unable to do it yourself.

Step Five: Prevention

The fifth and final step of the process is to prevent rodents from entering your attic again in the future. Install wire mesh over any entry points, such as windows and vents, and trim back any tree branches that are close to the house. Additionally, be sure to keep a clean and tidy attic, as clutter provides a perfect hiding place for rodents.

Conclusion

Now that you have taken all the necessary steps to remove rodents from your attic, you can rest assured knowing that they won’t be returning any time soon. If you are still having trouble with rodents or if you need additional help, consider calling in a professional exterminator.

The Attic Doctors are experts in getting rid of rodents and other pests from attics. We can provide the most effective solutions to ensure your attic is free of unwanted visitors. Our experienced technicians will inspect and identify any entry points, set up traps, clean up debris, and prevent future infestations. For a safe, humane, and effective rodent removal solution, contact The Attic Doctors today.