You get rid of animals in the attic by identifying what they are, removing them, and sealing every entry point. The fix differs by animal, but sealing the attic is what ends the problem regardless of species. Here is what to do.
- Identify the animal by sound, time, and droppings.
- Remove the animal, then seal every entry point.
- Never poison an animal in the attic, which can die in the walls.
- Clean up droppings and nesting material.
Identify the Animal
Squirrels. Active in the daytime, with heavy scampering sounds.
Rats and mice. Active at night, with light scratching in walls.
Raccoons. Heavy movement at night, often a mother with young.
Bats. High-pitched squeaking and fluttering at dusk.
The removal method differs, so identify the animal before acting.
Remove the Animal
Use trapping or a one-way door suited to the animal. Avoid poison, since a poisoned animal can die in the walls and create an odor problem.
Seal Every Entry Point
Inspect the roofline, soffits, vents, and gaps. Seal every opening with steel mesh or hardware cloth. Sealing is what ends the problem.
Clean Up
Remove droppings and nesting material, which carry disease and attract new animals. Wear gloves and a mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listen for when the noise happens: daytime is squirrels, nighttime is rats, mice, or raccoons, and dusk is bats. Droppings and entry points confirm it. Start with the noise identifier if you have not seen the animal yet.
Trap it or use a one-way door suited to the animal, then seal every entry point. Avoid poison, since the animal can die in the walls.
Through gaps in the roofline, soffits, and vents. Sealing those gaps is what ends the problem.
No. A poisoned animal can die in the walls and create an odor problem, and poison carries a secondary poisoning risk. Trap or exclude instead.
