Get matched with top bird control service pros in Grinnell, IA

Chirping noises, droppings, scratches on the walls, and stains at entries and exits are all signs that you have bats in your house or, more specifically, your attic. Because bats are nocturnal, there’s a chance that bats have already infested your home before you start to see warning signs, so don’t delay if you notice anything. If you see a bat or two at sunrise or sunset near your property, that’s another telltale sign that they could be setting up shop inside your space.

Some animals, such as bats or birds, will be able to get out of chimneys on their own since they can fly. Other animals, however, may have a harder time and will require the help of a professional to escape. Squirrels and raccoons in particular may become stuck inside a chimney, especially if you have a buildup of soot or creosote inside. This can prevent them from being able to climb out, in which case you’ll need to call an animal control expert to help remove them.

Keeping your pool cover clean is a good way to keep smaller animals from running across it or using it as shelter. Small animals may use leaf debris on top of the cover to hide. Cleaning also removes nuts that may fall from a nearby tree that could otherwise be a tempting snack for some animals, like squirrels. 

Identifying the specific animal running on your roof at night can be challenging without direct observation. Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise. Rats can make scratching or gnawing sounds. To determine the culprit, look for signs like footprints, droppings, or damaged areas near the roof. For accurate identification, consult a pest control professional or set up wildlife cameras near potential entry points.