An infestation of any kind can leave you and your family frantic. AtticPros understands and is here to help! Here are 5 signs you have mice in your attic. This article also covers a few of the most common questions we are asked regarding infestations anywhere in your home.
How Do Mice Get Into Your Home?
Homes provide shelter, safety, warmth, and maybe even food and water for rodents and pests. Even the tiniest of holes or gaps in your fascia, soffits, ducts, and vents leave enough room for insects, birds, mice, squirrels, and other rodents to make their way into your home.
An attic is a common access point, but it’s far from the only one. Rodents can also access your home through the basement, crawlspace, and cracks and gaps in the foundation, windows, and doors.
How to Get Rid of Mice Under Insulation?
In most cases, the insulation must be removed and replaced. This isn’t just because there is a nest, but because there is often urine, feces, and damage. There may also be damage to your home, HVAC system, and electrical wires.
So, elimination isn’t the only concern, but also:
- Removing the rodents and nests
- Cleaning and decontamination
- Sealing holes and gaps
- Repairing damaged vents and HVAC
- Electrical and structural repairs
- Removing damaged insulation
- Reinsulating your home
What If There Is No Access to My Attic?
Many older homes don’t have easy access to the attic. It’s often above the garage or other external access points. If you are experiencing the signs of rodents or pests, you’ll need to call in a licensed and certified technician. They have the required safety equipment and gear and are accustomed to working in tight spaces.
Even if you can get up to a hard-to-access space, you’ll need a team who can remove the rodents and seal and decontaminate. While your store-bought products may work, the access point needs to be sealed so that more don’t get in. Decontamination is essential for air quality, hygiene, and health.
Now, let’s dive into the top signs you have mice in your attic, or elsewhere in your home.
#1 Scampering
If you hear a scampering sound in the ceilings or walls, a variety of rodents could be the source. In addition to being unsettling, they can damage insulation, chew through electrical lines, and pose a variety of health concerns.
Rodents are often more active at night, so if you hear weird sounds, it may not just be a dream.
#2 Urine, Droppings, and Odor
Any strange odors in your home warrant an inspection. It could be water damage that is causing mold, urine, feces, or pests nesting in your HVAC ducts. Also, be on the lookout for urine and pellet droppings.
In addition to the unseemly odor, rodents can transmit disease through their urine, feces, and saliva.
#3 Oily Marks or Tracks
Mice and rats have oily skin that often leaves streaks or rub marks behind. Over time, the oil can seep through the walls and become visible in your home. You may also notice paw prints in dusty areas. Also, look for slivers of grass or dirt that is worn away along the side of your home that is their path inside.
#4 Unusual Pet Behavior
Your dog or cat will likely know you have an infestation before you do. If they paw at the wall, bark or meow at the ceiling or wall, or are responding to sounds you don’t hear—pay attention.
#5 Visible Activity
Where there is one, there are often many. So, take action the moment you see signs of mice, rats, or rodents in your attic or home. Or the moment you see chew marks on food boxes, clothing, or cardboard. They gnaw at paper, cardboard, and textiles to build their nest.
They can also gnaw their way in by squeezing through a crack or crevice, then gnawing your:
- Window caulk
- Bathroom caulk
- Weather stripping
- Gaps around pipes
- Gaps around HVAC
- Gaps around carpentry
Can’t I Get Rid of Mice Myself?
We understand if the first thing you do is run to the store to buy some DIY products. While you can certainly trap and kill many rodents, a professional inspection is required.
This will provide you and your family with the peace of mind that your home is rodent-free and hygienic. It will also address any damages to your home before they snowball into a larger and more costly concern.
Rodent Removal and Repair in The Greater Bay Area
If you are experiencing signs of mice in your attic or anywhere in your home, we invite you to reach out to AtticPros. We are a full-service company that will remove the rodents, seal your home, repair damages, and reinsulate. We also provide proactive rodent proofing.
Reach out today for your free inspection and quote!
