10 Warning Signs That Your Attic or Crawlspace is Infested with Rodents

10 Signs That Your Attic or Crawl Space is Infested With Rodents

1. Bite Marks

One of the first signs that your attic or crawl space is infested with rodents is that you’ll notice bite marks. These rodents can bite through wires, insulation, walls, and more. If you have a rat infestation, these bite marks are noticeably longer. If you notice minor bite marks, you’re most likely dealing with squirrels or mice. 

2. Rodent Droppings

Rodents droppings are one of the most significant signs that you’re dealing with a rodent infestation. How much rodent droppings you’re dealing with can let you know how big of a rodent infestation you have. Even if you’re dealing with rodents in your attic or crawl space, they might enter your kitchen and invade your cupboards.

Rodent droppings that are gray are a sign you have an old infestation. Moist and dark black droppings are indicators that you’re dealing with a fresh rodent infestation. 

3. Foul Odors

Not only do rodents leave behind droppings, but they also urine frequently. If you have a significant infestation, you’ll begin to notice a urine odor. Urine odor can smell strong like ammonia and, over time, may become unbearable.

The stronger the urine smell, the closer you are to the rodent infestation. You’ll even find large piles of urine left behind for enormous rodent infestations. 

4. Nests

Not only do rodents like to shred paper and make holes in clothing, but they also love to build nests, especially in your attic or crawl space insulation. These nests can typically be found in dark areas of your home, so attics and crawl spaces are one of their favorite environments to nestle into.

To check if a rodent nest is still active, check around the area to see if rodent droppings are present. If rodent droppings fresh and black, you likely have an active infestation. 

5. Footprints & Tail Marks

You may notice tiny footprints or tail marks if you suspect you’re dealing with a rodent infestation. You’ll see these footprints near your baseboards, dark corners, and anywhere you have food close by. While footprints are a great way to tell if you’re dealing with an infestation, they’re also the best way to find entry and exit points, which would help when rodent-proofing your attic or crawl space. 

6. Strange Pet Behavior

When rodents are present in your attic or crawl space, even though these areas go unvisited, your pets may sense it and begin to act differently. Dogs and cats can become more alert and try to seek out the culprit.

If you notice your pets acting strangely, take a flashlight to inspect these areas. If you suspect you’re dealing with a squirrel or raccoon, you’ll want to leave the inspection to the professionals. 

7. Scratching or Squeaking Noises

Another sign that you’re dealing with a rodent infestation in your attic or crawl space is that you’ll hear scratching or squeaking noises. These noises can sound like the scratching of their nails or squeaking as they’re scurrying through the walls. Since most rodents are nocturnal, you’ll mostly hear these noises at night unless you’re dealing with a large infestation.

8. Food Packaging

Rodents like to invade attics and crawl spaces for two reasons, for warmth and to search for food to eat. Like cable wires, rodents have sharp teeth that can chew through almost anything, including food packaging. Even if these rodents have made their nests in your attic and crawl space, they can enter your pantry.

If you notice rodent bite marks in your food packaging, you’ll want to throw it away immediately. In the meantime, you can purchase air-tight containers for food such as cereal and pet food. Any food sources that can attract rodents will bring them inside your home, including trash cans. 

9. Day Mice

While rodents are nocturnal, some may come out during the day if you’re dealing with mice. If mice come out during the day, you have a large infestation. When dealing with a large infestation, immediately contact a professional. 

10. Oily Marks on Walls

If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation in your attic or crawl space, you’ll notice oily marks on your baseboards or walls. Oily spots are left behind by rodents like rats because they have the same routes when navigating your attic or crawl space. When rodents travel along these routes, their bodies and tails carry dirt that can leave behind stains. 

What to Do if Your Attic or Crawlspace is Infested With Rodents 

If rodents have invaded your attic or crawl space and they’re driving you crazy, don’t worry! While rodents can potentially cause much damage if not dealt with swiftly, there is an easy solution with the right resources.

Our team at Master Attic has spent years remediating attics and crawl spaces after a rodent infestation, so we know just how big of a problem this can turn into. With our rodent-proofing services, our team can make your attic or crawl space free of rodents in no time!

Why You Should Choose Master Attic for Rodent-Proofing

When your attic or crawl space is infested with rodents, it can become a costly issue that can lead to severe damage if not appropriately handled by a professional. A rodent infestation can seem challenging, but our professionals are here to help. Our team at Master Attic can ensure that all entry points are sealed off and that your attic and crawl space are protected from further damage.

When you choose Master Attic for your rodent-proofing services, you’ll receive the following:

• A licensed team of experts with more than 20 years of experience
• State-of-the-art techniques and materials
• Expert workmanship
• Fast turnaround 

Our professionals understand the importance of rodent-proofing to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Our rodent-proofing services can address rodent infestations to restore these areas to their original condition.