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>

How do I permanently get rid of skunks?

• <div><p>The best way to permanently get rid of skunks is by setting up deterrents around your property to keep skunks out. Get rid of skunks permanently by:</p><ul><li><p>Not leaving food or water outside</p></li><li><p>Installing a motion-sensor sprinkler system</p></li><li><p>Installing fencing that’s at least 3 feet high and a foot deep</p></li><li><p>Adding motion-sensor lights in the yard</p></li><li><p>Cleaning up brush, sticks, woodpiles, and leaves on your property so skunks can’t use the materials for a nest</p></li><li><p>Seal up cracks and holes around your property to prevent skunks from building a den</p></li><li><p>Placing fresh lemon peels around the perimeter of your home</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Where do flying ants nest in a house?

• <div><p>If flying ants have taken up residence in your home, they’re likely nesting near water leaks. Check for signs of flying ants near your bathtub, windows, doors, and sinks.</p></div>

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Q: What can I put in my attic to keep animals out?

• <div><p>To keep animals out, you must prevent them from entering. As long as they can get in, the problem will persist. That said, consider making your attic less inviting using deterrents like motion-activated lights or ultrasonic devices. Additionally, keeping a well-maintained, clean, and uncluttered attic that you regularly inspect for activity may make the space less attractive to critters.</p></div>

Q: What are the common signs of a bug infestation?

• <div><p>Unexplained bites, strange smells, and bug nests in concealed areas warn of potential infestations.</p></div>

Q: Where do flying ants nest in a house?

• <div><p>If flying ants have taken up residence in your home, they&rsquo;re likely nesting near water leaks. Check for signs of flying ants near your bathtub, windows, doors, and sinks.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Altamont, IL

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Altamont, IL 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 Altamont, IL 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 August 19, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Ivan refinished two wood doors that had been deeply scratched up by dogs. He went above & beyond to get the original stain to make sure it matched. He made them look brand new again. & the turnaround time was very quick also. Highly recommend! He did a fantastic job!
Quality Finishes Arbogast Painting
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Reviewed in April 2025
Ge did an amazing job!! My house smells so much better and my family abd I no longer have runny noses . We thought we had allergies but the whole time it was my house. He was very professional also
Effingham Foundation Systems
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Reviewed in March 2025
Great service ! Absolutely incredible employees. Very prompt and good looking!
Quality Garage Door & More
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Reviewed in March 2025
Virgil has done this for years, so I felt very comfortable with the decision we made for my roof when I built my home. He sat down and explained everything. Midstate does a great job in a timely manner. I just love my black roof!!
Mid-State Construction and Roofing Inc
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Reviewed in September 2024
My wife and I would highly recommend Over The Top for any landscape work, dirt removal, land clearing jobs you may have. The work Braxton and his crew does is excellent. Iâ m highly impressed with their cleanup. Professional!
Over The Top Land Improvement
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Reviewed in November 2022
Very conscientious about providing great service.
Catalyst Coating and Care
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Reviewed in October 2022
They were very prompt and professional in their installation. They cleaned up after themselves . It works like a champ.
Midwest Lift and Elevator LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Ron worked with our tight schedule. He was thorough and detailed in his inspection of our future home. We would recommend using Ron Smith for your home inspection.
Ron Smith Custom Real Estate Inspections
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Reviewed in July 2021
Had bushes trimmed and lawn maintenance done.
Clark's Lawn Care Service
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Find Pest control specialists in Altamont

Terminix® Pest Control

4.1(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Altamont, IL 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."

71 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Pest Solution Incorporated

4.2(

)

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Bugs and Insects - For Business+4 more

Serving Altamont, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I hired them because I was having an ant problem. He came on time, took care of the issue, and I haven't seen any ants since!"

Response time4 hrs

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Termite

Serving Altamont, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

"Communicated with us clearly and timely. Professional, experienced. Bought a package to help control any pests year round. Great pricing, offered to come back soon if any problems exsisted. I like that! Dan was a great person to deal with."

Response time6 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Altamont, IL 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.

To keep animals out, you must prevent them from entering. As long as they can get in, the problem will persist. That said, consider making your attic less inviting using deterrents like motion-activated lights or ultrasonic devices. Additionally, keeping a well-maintained, clean, and uncluttered attic that you regularly inspect for activity may make the space less attractive to critters.

The best way to permanently get rid of skunks is by setting up deterrents around your property to keep skunks out. Get rid of skunks permanently by:

Not leaving food or water outside
Installing a motion-sensor sprinkler system
Installing fencing that’s at least 3 feet high and a foot deep
Adding motion-sensor lights in the yard
Cleaning up brush, sticks, woodpiles, and leaves on your property so skunks can’t use the materials for a nest
Seal up cracks and holes around your property to prevent skunks from building a den
Placing fresh lemon peels around the perimeter of your home

Unexplained bites, strange smells, and bug nests in concealed areas warn of potential infestations.

If flying ants have taken up residence in your home, they’re likely nesting near water leaks. Check for signs of flying ants near your bathtub, windows, doors, and sinks.

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