How can I tell what kind of animal is in my attic?

• <div><p>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:</p><ul><li><p><b>Sounds</b>: 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.</p></li><li><p><b>Droppings</b>: 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.</p></li></ul><p>When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.</p></div>

What is the best type of trap for an armadillo?

• <div><p>There isn’t one best type of trap for an armadillo. However, Havahart and Tomahawk live wire cages are popular two-door brands commonly used for armadillos. One study suggests<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280725232_Conspecific_scent_improves_capture_rates_for_nine-banded_armadillos"> wooden traps with armadillo scent</a> on them can increase the chance of success. It’s worth inquiring whether your local wildlife extension has scented traps or wire types available for rent. </p></div>

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Q: Can bears smell food in your house?

• <div><p>Yes, bears can smell through walls if they are close enough. Estimates vary, but experts say bears can smell up to a maximum distance between one and 20 miles. Food inside a house does not attract bears to the degree that food left outside does, though.</p></div>

Q: Will mothballs keep frogs away?

• <div><p>Simply put, there are much better approaches than using mothballs. Mothballs contain chemicals that can easily permeate a frog's delicate skin, leading to health problems. But it's not limited to just frogs; other animals and the environment could also face negative impacts. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to label instructions for products like this and not moving forward with off-label use.</p></div>

Q: Is there a scent that repels woodpeckers?

• <div><p>Strong scents like peppermint, rosemary, lavender, citronella, and others can repel woodpeckers&mdash;as pungent smells can overpower their senses. For that reason, you might consider making a homemade spray with one or a combination of these scents to spritz around areas of your home where woodpeckers frequent.</p></div>

Q: What is the best type of trap for an armadillo?

• <div><p>There isn&rsquo;t one best type of trap for an armadillo. However, Havahart and Tomahawk live wire cages are popular two-door brands commonly used for armadillos. One study suggests<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280725232_Conspecific_scent_improves_capture_rates_for_nine-banded_armadillos"> wooden traps with armadillo scent</a> on them can increase the chance of success. It&rsquo;s worth inquiring whether your local wildlife extension has scented traps or wire types available for rent. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Arbon Valley, ID

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Arbon Valley, ID is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Arbon Valley, ID is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on April 29, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
CCX and Alex did a great job. They replaced the roof in a timely manner and worked around my schedule. Quality was great. When an issue came up at the end of the project, Alex got it taken care of and fixed right away.
CCX Roofing
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Reviewed in April 2014
He was very professional and when there was a problem getting the shingles because of delivery problems, he let us know and always kept us informed. <br />
John Holcomb Roofing
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Reviewed in January 2014
Seth is a local young man and I've known him all his life. I trust him to come into my house whether I am here or not. He came at the set time, replaced the toilet that wasn't working properly, had to break the tub faucet into pieces to get it off. Cleaned the shower head and put on a new...
Lusk Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2013
First of all, Merlin is a class act guy and I would use him over and over if his employees were like him. He did the bid and was with the crew on the first day that they started the job. However, when he took off, it was like his crew wanted to just get the job over with. Some of the walls...
MERLIN'S INSULATION INC
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Reviewed in March 2012
Knowing the kid who comes out is a big boon to me, because I don’t like strangers coming to my house, especially since I am an elderly lady. They were prompt and they cleaned up after themselves. They did the job as quickly as they could do it. They had to make two trips out, since they did not...
SIERRA HEATING & COOLING
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Reviewed in March 2012
I can call him and he comes. He is just prompt. He has been raised here in the valley and I have known him since he was a little teeny kid. He is pleasant, and I feel safe when somebody I know is here rather than someone from another company that I don’t know. He works and does extras that he...
Evan's Pumps LLC
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Terminix® Pest Control

3.8(

)

Serving Arbon Valley, ID and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

63 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Arbon Valley, ID and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Service representative was very knowledgeable about lawn, shrub, and pest control."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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M&K's Bugs Be Where, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Arbon Valley, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Mark and Kim are very professional. They sprayed my house for bugs spiders etc. This is the third time I have had them spray and they did a great job."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Arbon Valley, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes, bears can smell through walls if they are close enough. Estimates vary, but experts say bears can smell up to a maximum distance between one and 20 miles. Food inside a house does not attract bears to the degree that food left outside does, though.

Simply put, there are much better approaches than using mothballs. Mothballs contain chemicals that can easily permeate a frog's delicate skin, leading to health problems. But it's not limited to just frogs; other animals and the environment could also face negative impacts. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to label instructions for products like this and not moving forward with off-label use.

Strong scents like peppermint, rosemary, lavender, citronella, and others can repel woodpeckers—as pungent smells can overpower their senses. For that reason, you might consider making a homemade spray with one or a combination of these scents to spritz around areas of your home where woodpeckers frequent.

There isn’t one best type of trap for an armadillo. However, Havahart and Tomahawk live wire cages are popular two-door brands commonly used for armadillos. One study suggests wooden traps with armadillo scent on them can increase the chance of success. It’s worth inquiring whether your local wildlife extension has scented traps or wire types available for rent.

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