Spring is the time when leaves turn green; daffodils, tulips, and lilacs bloom; grass starts growing, and love is in the air for those pesky critters. With urban sprawl all around us, critters such as birds, squirrels and raccoons have adapted to co-exist with humans by nesting in attics or crawlspaces, chimneys, in or under woodsheds or wood piles, in treehouses or under hot tubs or decks.
Any harborage area that is dark, quiet, and tight-fitting is ideal for nesting female critters. The time of day the noises are heard often indicates the species of critter you may be dealing with
Daytime noises often indicate birds or squirrels. Nighttime noises usually indicate raccoons, rats, or mice.
Critters In Attics
Attics provide an ideal living space for squirrels, birds, rats, mice, or female raccoons as well.
Squirrels in the Attic
It is not uncommon for squirrels to gain access to a nest by chewing holes in fascia boards, soffit vents (bird block holes), roof vent guards, and eaves. They are very resourceful at creating or enlarging holes to gain access and will return to the same homes to nest year after year.
Eastern gray squirrels (exotic animals in Washington State) nest twice per year and can become a big nuisance problem rather quickly. It is best to do a complete inspection, identifying all actual and potential points of entry, complete the recommended repairs, and live-trap the squirrels that know about the area.
Raccoons in the Attic
Nesting female raccoons do much damage in attics or crawlspaces during the nesting season. They have been known to tear shakes off of roofs, enlarge openings under eaves, tear off roof vent guards, open foundation vents to gain access to the attic or crawlspaces to nest. Besides this, they wear paths in the insulation, create fecal latrine sites and often bring ectoparasites and disease into the home. It is always a good idea to check with your homeowners’ insurance regarding damage coverage. Sometimes they will cover this and we can help you out with this as well.
Birds in the Attic
Birds typically take advantage of every small nook or cranny that they can find. Nesting usually occurs in the spring, and many species of birds nest more than once a summer. It is best to remove the nests, clean up the debris, and screen off the area to prevent future access, as well as eliminate other potential areas that they can take advantage of.
Rodents in the Attic
Rats and mice are nocturnal animals that multiply quickly and exploit homes, creating or enlarging holes to gain access. They need to be close to food, shelter, and water sources to be ideal habitats.
For rats and mice, as with squirrels, we recommend a complete inspection to identify all actual and potential points of entry, completing the recommended repairs, using snap traps to rid the home of mice or rats, and then implementing a preventative baiting program.
Critter Control is a full-service pest control business that handles everything from critters and insects, live trapping, repairs, or exclusion, and attic and crawlspace restorations in Seattle, Olympia, and Portland.