Let’s say you’re sitting in your favourite chair, nice and cozy after a busy day of work, and you finally have a moment to yourself. As you sit and enjoy the silence, you hear something. A noise from the attic. For a moment, you think it may be an intruder, but it is more faint than a person. Now more annoyed than afraid, you realize you have a critter in your home. Fortunately, humane wildlife removal services, such as All Wildlife Removal, are in place to help you get rid of that critter and restore your home to peace.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!
After you’ve come to the conclusion that it is, in fact, an unwelcome animal visitor in your home, you may find yourself wondering what it might be. This guide can serve as a bit of advice for determining which animal is making that noise of scratching in your attic.
Time of Day
Your first clue is the time of day that you hear the noise. If, like in our example, it is later in the evening, you likely have a nocturnal animal, such as a racoon or mouse. If you notice the scratching more in the early mornings and around dinner time, it is likely a squirrel or bird.
Common Animal Intruders
Raccoons:
Raccoons are by far the largest critters that you are likely to find inside of your home. Their size, and therefore the sounds they make, are the biggest giveaway that it is a raccoon instead of another animal. In addition to the scratching in your attic that may have initially directed you here, you may also hear loud thumping noises and slow movement, in comparison with more rapid movement you would expect from other species.
Raccoons are also known to make growling or whining noises, especially when they are young. Exterior damage from the entry point may also be visible, and if there is a large whole, it is likely a raccoon. Any of these signs separately indicate you may have a raccoon, but put together, it is pretty much a sure thing.
Squirrels
Another common critter criminal is the squirrel. Fortunately, squirrels are relatively easy to identify in comparison to the other two common examples. This is because squirrels aren’t nocturnal, meaning that they have the same schedules as you or I.
As you may notice from watching squirrels outside, they are quick moving. That means that if there is a squirrel in your house, the scratching you will hear is likely accompanied by quick scurrying. Another sign is if you hear the sound of something rolling along the floor, it is likely an acorn or other nut, courtesy of your newest unwanted houseguest.
Mice
The most likely culprit of the quiet scratching in the earlier scenario is a mouse. As mentioned, mice are typically nocturnal, so you will hear the scratching noises just as your day is winding down. Given that the noises you will hear from a mouse are often very soft, it may take a longer time to realize that you have a critter.
Although you will sometimes hear scurrying, you will also hear what sounds like digging, as the mice try to knead a nest out of any materials they have found. Noises from mice are often more isolated to one location, instead of being heard throughout the home.
Now What?
If you have now determined that that little scratching noise, quick scurrying, or slight whine is an unwelcome animal critter in your attic, you need to take steps to remove the animal as they can spread disease or cause structural damage. Humane wildlife removal services will ensure that the critter is out of your home and relocated to its natural habitat. Your home will be protected from future invasions.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!