Things that go bump in the night...

Can you imagine having to deal with lions and tigers and bears? Oh My! Thankfully the Mid Ohio Valley rarely has to deal with dangerous “Paws or Claws”. There are a host of smaller animals that would like to share your home. This time of year squirrels and raccoons and push the boundaries. Attics become the perfect place for animals to live. These spaces are typically warm, secluded and dark. Just the right spot to hide and start a family. Homeowners are always amazed when an investigation of “strange noises in the attic” leads to the discovery of holes in the exterior of their house. In the next few posts we are going to take a look at what you can do to keep your house critter free. We are going to answer three basic questions: How do you know if there are animals living in your attic? How did those animals get there? How do you get these animals out of your attic? How do you keep them out of your attic? First things first. How do you know if there are animals living in your attic?

1. Strange sounds. Many times homeowners complain of hearing scratching noises in their walls or on ceiling. These sounds are all dependent on what type of insulation if any is in your attic. Homes with particle type blown in insulation rarely hear animal noises in their living space.

Pictured below you can see a indented trail in the insulation with defecation.

2. Strange smells or stains. Animals are creatures of habit. They will often choose one spot as a "toilet". Repeated defecation and urination may lead to stains appearing on the underside of the ceiling. Odors may range from a musty to ammonia in nature.

This raccoon "toilet" was discovered in an attic in a St. Mary's WV home.

3. Strange animal behaviors. Muddy footprints can often be seen going up downspouts. Seeing squirrels at specific points on your house all the time may be a sign of animal intrusion. Follow the link below so see you tube video footage our Team captured in a local attic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsI7L0_YX9A

Next time we'll talk about how an animal might get into your house. Ever had a wild animal in your attic? Tell about your experience!