5 Reasons Why Rodents In The Attic Are Bad and How to Remove Them

While these pests may be tiny, they have sharp teeth strong enough to chew through almost anything they encounter, except for metals and glass. Rodents are known for chewing:

• Wires
• Insulation
• Wood
• Plaster
• Soil
  

While homeowners can find many of these materials, no home is entirely rodent-proof. These annoying pests can create structural damage, but let’s dive into what they can do to attics.

1. Leave filthy stains – Many rats and mice have furry bellies that, while traveling, track along grease, feces, and other unwanted filth. These stains and dirt can pose serious health risks if not addressed and properly cleaned. These stains are a dead giveaway that you have a rodent infestation in your attic, and you should contact a professional for an attic cleanup.

    

2. Damaged electrical wiring – Rodents are known for chewing electrical wiring; while the damage isn’t structural, it can be dangerous. Damaged electrical wiring can cause appliances to malfunction and short-circuit, which may cause unwanted fires. Once a rodent begins chewing electrical wiring, the risk of a house fire increases dramatically.

    

3. Create holes in rafters – Structural damage in attics often comes from rodent infestations and their determination to enter your home through the tiniest holes. No entrance is too tiny, as these creatures will keep chewing until they’ve made their way through. Rodents will continue to chew through attic rafters to enter other areas of your home.

    

4. Destroy insulation – Rodents are known for making nests, in insulation and Attics are prime targets for rodents seeking shelter for nesting. Rats tear apart insulation to make space for their pups, while mice will burrow and form tunnels in your insulation.

    

5. Damaged soffits – Aside from insulation, the comfortable space created by soffits is a rodent’s favorite. Soffits made of wood can deteriorate when exposed to rodent feces and rodent infestations.