Your attic can be a haven during the wintertime for pests to hide out and stay warm. This is because it provides ample protection, an inviting space to nest, and access to food sources.
To keep pests out, plug any holes in your home that allow them access. This includes gaps and cracks that pests can use to enter into your attic space. Even attic mold can be attractive to pests.
Rats
Rats are a common pest in homes, capable of wreaking havoc. Furthermore, they carry bacteria and diseases which could be hazardous to people and pets, so it’s essential to eradicate them quickly.
Rats often enter homes through holes in the roof and ceiling. They have the capacity to chew through plugs until they create a hole as big as a quarter, so if you suspect a roof rat infestation in your house, be sure to block off any potential entry points by sealing off any holes and gaps.
If you want to eliminate rodents before they infiltrate other areas of your home, various traps can be employed. However, it’s essential that you use caution when setting the traps as rats will become “trap shy” if left unchecked.
Prior to trapping, it’s essential to inspect your attic thoroughly for other potential entry points. Not only is an infestation in your attic unhygienic, but it could cause significant structural damage as well.
They can cause damage to the insulation in your attic, leading to deterioration and higher energy bills. Furthermore, pesticides may contaminate the air that circulates through your attic.
Attic floors and walls can be a breeding ground for rats, so it’s essential to keep them free of clutter and organized. Doing this helps prevent them from collecting scraps and other material to construct nests in your attic.
When inspecting your attic for signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, noises and gnawing. Furthermore, look for smudge marks from their fur which may indicate their route.
The most effective way to eliminate a rat infestation is to contact a pest control expert. They will be able to detect the entry points and take immediate action, while also preventing future invasions. Pest control specialists use various techniques to eliminate rats in your attic and ensure they never return.
Squirrels
Squirrels prefer dark, warm places for their nesting needs. Attics make ideal hiding places because they’re hard to access from outside and provide a secure haven to raise their young.
If you find squirrels roosting in your attic, it is critical to address the issue before they have a chance to breed and take up residence. One way to do this is by making sure there are no potential entry points for squirrels; holes in the roof, louvers on vents, ventilation fan openings and conduits where lines or cables connect to the house should all be addressed immediately.
You can secure these entry points with wire mesh or caulking to make it more difficult for squirrels to gain access. It’s wise to leave one final point open so they can exit on their own.
If the rodents won’t leave, you may need to set traps. You have two options: live or kill-traps. With a live trap, be sure to inspect it regularly to make sure none of its victims die accidentally.
On the other hand, humane traps offer a safer option. These devices are set so that an animal either dies from its own weight or is quickly and safely removed by a pest management professional.
Once the squirrels are trapped, you can use a scent-based repellent near their nest to discourage them from returning. This could include an ammonia-based product or one that mimics predatory scents such as foxes.
Squirrels have the potential to cause fires and chew through electrical wires, so it’s best to keep them away from your home. You could also consider replacing your attic lights with bright LED bulbs or adding a strobe light that flashes in and out of the attic space.
If you’re still having issues, contact your local pest control company for help eliminating the pesky creatures once and for all. These experts know all of the best methods to keep these pests out of your home and away from you.
Wasps & Hornets
Wasps are insects that feed on plant pollen and nectar. They also consume meat and other animal-based foods. Wasps can be a nuisance during the springtime when they build nests in outdoor spaces and attics.
They are especially attracted to sweet items, like fruit and sugary drinks, so it is essential to keep garbage cans covered and any compost bins sealed tightly. Furthermore, these creatures like to nest in trees and under dense shrubs.
It’s essential to check your yard for any rotting fruit and remove it promptly. Additionally, clean up any food scraps in or near your kitchen or outdoor dining areas promptly. Furthermore, hang hummingbird feeders at least a few feet away from your home for added safety.
Wasps can enter your home through small holes or cracks in siding, roof, and exterior woodwork. These could be hidden spots where you haven’t noticed them before so be sure to inspect for them now and seal them up.
Brown paper wasps and hornets are two common wasps that commonly attack homes in New Hampshire, chewing wood fibers with saliva to form a kind of paper comb that they then use to build their nests.
Rats can also take over old rodent burrows, as well as indoor wall spaces where they can get inside, such as attics and overhangs. These places tend to be quiet and near food sources, making them ideal for nesting purposes.
In wintertime, when wasp queens stop laying eggs, they collect carbohydrates from ripe fruit and other sweet foods. You may see them hanging around fruit trees or on the ground where they have collected fallen fruits and berries during the autumn and winter seasons.
If you notice wasps swarming around your yard or the area surrounding your home, it’s best to contact a pest control professional immediately. Doing so will guarantee the problem is taken care of quickly and effectively. Additionally, they can set up preventive measures so the issue won’t return in the future.
Ants
Ants are one of the most prevalent and challenging pests we deal with, often living in your house without you ever realizing it. They’re capable of creating havoc if left unchecked.
Ant species come in all sizes and colors, each with their own food preferences and behavioral traits. To effectively eliminate an ant infestation, you need to accurately identify the species and apply appropriate treatment measures.
The initial step in eliminating ants is conducting an exhaustive inspection of your home and yard. This will identify what kind of ant you have and where it might be nesting.
An integral part of an ant inspection is searching for food sources, which are common to many types of ants. Unlike other pests, ants have over 400 odor receptors which makes them especially sensitive to scents from foods like sugar or grease.
Ants leaving trails of chemical markers to alert their colony where they found food or where to search for more resources are known as pheromones.
Ants also use pheromones to communicate with other members of their colony and warn of potential hazards to themselves or other members. Although this system of communication is complex, ants manage to get along just fine!
To prevent ant infestations, remove food sources and clean up spills promptly. This is especially crucial in the kitchen where ants can easily enter through gaps and cracks in baseboards, window frames, as well as under-counter plumbing.
Additionally, ensure all food is stored in containers with tight lids so it’s secure and not accessible to ants. Doing this will help keep ants out of your kitchen and away from other parts of your home.
Carpenter ants can be a real issue for homeowners. They tend to build nests under bathroom sinks and in the attic, as well as being susceptible to entering homes through holes in siding or rotting wood that may have been caused by moisture damage.
Unless you are an experienced pest control specialist, it’s best to call a pest control company for any ant issues. These professionals can quickly determine the type of ant infesting your property and administer treatment accordingly. Make sure they provide you with a written proposal so you have all the details before selecting the ideal solution for your needs.
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