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It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:

• Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.

• Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.

When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.

It's advisable to avoid using harmful methods to eliminate birds. Poisoning birds is inhumane and can have unintended ecological consequences, affecting other wildlife and pets. Similarly, using firearms or other lethal means poses safety risks and could be illegal in many areas. Sticky substances like adhesives can cause birds to become trapped and injured. Lastly, playing excessively loud or distressing noises can stress birds and humans. Focusing on humane and environmentally responsible strategies is essential when dealing with bird issues.

Bed bugs typically will not go away on their own. If there are no humans or animals around, they will need to leave to find a host for feeding. But otherwise, bed bugs can live for several months to a year, and the adult females can lay hundreds more eggs in their lifetime. An infestation is only likely to get worse without hiring an exterminator.

Raccoons are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, meaning they are most active at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night. While less common, they may come out during the day to find food, especially in warm months or during the spring birthing season (April and May) when caring for their young. Seasonally, raccoons are active year-round and do not truly hibernate. However, during periods of severe cold, they will often remain in their dens for extended periods.