Is that sound you’ve heard coming from your attic at night the sound of rodents running wild, or simply your imagination running wild? How can you know for sure, and what’s the best way to go about rodent control in Atlanta?

Left alone, a few rodents in your attic will multiply and eventually invade the rest of your home, making them even more difficult to get rid of. To prevent a small infestation from becoming a huge problem, look out for these five telltale signs of rodent infestation.

1. Clawing and Scraping Sounds

One of the first signs of rodent infestation most people notice is the sound of these creatures scurrying and squeaking up above. Listen carefully for any clawing and scraping noises and make note of the time of day that you hear them.

This is important because most rodents, such as mice and rats, are nocturnal, meaning you’ll hear them most at night and in the early morning. Squirrels, on the other hand, are diurnal, meaning they’re most active during the day – so if you hear sound coming from your attic during the day, it’s possible you’re dealing with a squirrel problem.

2. Damage

Even the tiniest mouse can wreak havoc in your home’s attic. To build their nests, rodents will chew up a paper, cardboard, and even insulation. To a rat, a box full of holiday decorations is a luxury mattress store.

Rodents also gnaw to keep their teeth in check, which is why you may also find chewed up wood and electrical wiring. Exposed wires pose a serious fire risk, so check often for this type of property damage.

3. Rodent Droppings

Rodents are excellent at hiding, meaning you may not be able to spot them when you inspect your attic. You can, however, spot the droppings they leave behind.

Rodent droppings are black, oval shaped, and about the size of a grain of rice. You’ll find them near their nests and around entry points where they frequently come in and go out.

It’s not just gross – rodent feces can pose a health hazard to you and your family. Crawling with disease-causing bacteria, the last thing you want is for these droppings to start showing up in other parts of your home. If you find rodent droppings, it’s best to act fast and call for rodent removal in Atlanta right away.

4. Foul Odors

A rodent infestation doesn’t smell pleasant. When you go up into your attic, are you suddenly hit with a foul, musty odor? It might be rodent feces and urine, or it may even be the smell of rodents that have died. Either way, it’s not something you want to deal with.

5. Footprints

Turns out the dust in your attic is good for something after all – identifying rodents. Mice, rats, and squirrels leave tiny footprints on dusty surfaces, which is a surefire way to tell if you’ve got company.

You can also sprinkle a thin layer of baby powder or talcum powder over areas you think rodents might be traveling. After a day or two, come back with a flashlight and see if any tracks have appeared. If they have, it’s time to take action and call for professional rodent control in Atlanta.

What to Do About a Rodent Infestation

You’re aware of the signs of rodent infestations and know that you have a problem. Now what? Here are some steps you can take to get rid of rodents in the attic and prevent them from coming back.

Seal off Any Entry Points

Carefully inspect your attic and around the lower exterior of your home for places where rodents might be entering from outside. These include gaps in windows and doorways, cracks in your home’s foundation, around water pipes and AC connections, and detached siding. Once you’ve found these entry points, seal them off to prevent more rodents from coming in.

Call Your Local Pest Control Experts

Rodents are adaptable and resilient creatures, making them extremely difficult to get rid of on your own. Do-it-yourself pest control solutions are often ineffective and contain chemicals that are harmful to your family and to the environment. If you notice the signs of rodent infestation in your attic, you need to seek professional rodent removal in Atlanta as soon as possible.

North Fulton Pest Solutions provides fast, effective, and environmentally conscious rodent control in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Your satisfaction is always guaranteed, so contact our pest experts today for a free estimate today!