You get rid of wildlife in the attic by identifying the animal, removing it, and sealing every entry point. The fix differs by animal, but sealing the attic is what ends the problem regardless of species. Here is the process.
- Identify the animal by sound, time, and droppings.
- Remove it by trapping or a one-way door.
- Never poison an animal in the attic.
- Seal every entry point and clean up.
Identify the Animal
Squirrels. Daytime scampering.
Rats and mice. Nighttime scratching.
Raccoons. Heavy nighttime movement, often a mother with young.
Bats. Squeaking and fluttering at dusk.
The removal method differs by animal, so identify it first.
Remove It
Use trapping or a one-way door suited to the animal. Avoid poison, since a poisoned animal can die in the attic and create an odor problem. If you only have the sound to go on, the attic noise identifier narrows it down in three questions.
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
Identify the animal, remove it by trapping or a one-way door, then seal every entry point. Avoid poison.
Listen for when the noise happens: daytime is squirrels, nighttime is rats, mice, or raccoons, and dusk is bats.
No. A poisoned animal can die in the attic and create an odor problem. Trap or exclude instead.
Through gaps in the roofline, soffits, and vents. Sealing those gaps is what ends the problem.
