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>

Best pest control specialists near Altona, IL

Q: What colors do hornets hate?

• <div><p>Hornets are attracted to bright colors that look like flowers, including purple, pink, white, green, and yellow. They are least attracted to dark colors, such as blue and black. </p></div>

Q: Can you trap rabbits?

• <div><p>Trapping is generally not recommended, as even gentle traps can become as inhumane as kill traps if a rabbit is caught and stuck for several days. Additionally, capturing one rabbit isn&rsquo;t likely to prevent other rabbits from wandering your yard. If you choose this method, it's essential to use live traps designed for humane capture and release of the rabbits in a suitable, safe habitat far from your property. Be sure to set a reminder and check the trap at least twice per day.</p></div>

Q: Will rain affect a professional mosquito treatment application?

• <div><p>Whether rain affects a professional mosquito treatment depends on the treatment type, the quantity and intensity of rain involved, and how soon after the treatment it rains. Larvicides, for example, are often applied to water sources where mosquitoes lay their eggs, so it won&rsquo;t matter if it rains. Some <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/spraying-yard-misquitos.htm">barrier sprays</a> need sufficient time before the next rainfall to penetrate the surfaces properly and do their work.</p></div>

Q: What time of day are snakes most active?

• <div><p>The time of day that most snakes are active is at night. This is when they prefer to hunt since they can do so under the cover of darkness, out of sight of predators and the prey they stalk. However, some snake species prefer very hot temperatures and are strictly active during the day.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Altona, IL

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Altona, 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 Altona, 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 November 06, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
My pro, Bob, did an excellent job at installing my over the range microwave. He also removed and hauled away my old one. Bob was punctual, efficient, and talked me through the process of the exact work he would be performing. He was friendly and also cleaned up nicely when the job was complete....
Redemption Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
The project went very well. The finished porch is perfect for what I needed. I have a few more projects in mind that Williams will be my first call..he did great work and very courteous. Over all I am extremely happy.
Williams Construction
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Reviewed in June 2024
She did a great job getting into the small cracks. My apartment was dust free after she left and she even made my bed. She cleaned the toilet and shower also got the soap residue off my glass shower doors. I would 100% recommend her to clean for you and I will definitely be using her services...
A&B Cleaning
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Reviewed in March 2024
If you are considering epoxy for your floors anywhere in your home, contact Central Illinois Epoxy! Their choices of color and texture are quite different and more than standard fleck Iâ ve been offered elsewhere. I chose deep, tonal colors for interior floors of a breezeway and garage...
Central Illinois Epoxy, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
This group did amazing work in a very efficient and timely manner. Cleaned up after themselves as they went along. Very easy to work with.
AJ Concrete
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Reviewed in March 2023
Sam did great removing my huge tree that was right next to my neighbors brand new fence. I saw my neighbor watching a few times, I could tell he was nervous, but was very happy at the end as his fence was not harmed at all.
Family Branch Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
My husband and I hired Alley initially to clean our 4K sqft residence. She does such a fantastic job monthly for us we have also hired her to clean out our rental properties to get ready for new tenants. Iâ d wouldnâ t look any further if youâ re looking for an experienced and reliable...
Stone Cleaning
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Reviewed in January 2022
They clean up themselves They did the job beyond expected as if theres no tree there before
Empire Yard Maintenance
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Reviewed in March 2019
Have seen no pests since we started the service. Pretty amazing for South Florida!
Hometown Pest Control Inc
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Reviewed in May 2017
Dave was very friendly and professional. He did a great job. Even though he came 4 hours later than scheduled I cant complain about the great job he did. I would definitely recommend them for your pest control services.
EcoFloridian Lawn & Pest Control
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Top-Rated Pest control specialists in Altona - Updated Nov 2026

Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

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

Serving Altona, 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."

51 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Birds and Bats+4 more

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Since 1932, Presto-X has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Rodents+1 more

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"A little pricey. Very friendly. Too soon to tell if pest control is effective."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

"Even though my scheduled technician called in with pneumonia, Darren the area manager came out that afternoon and performed the termite extermination. He was very nice and professional. I have other properties and am setting up an inspection for them with Terminix."

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

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

Serving Altona, 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 FAQs, answered by experts

Hornets are attracted to bright colors that look like flowers, including purple, pink, white, green, and yellow. They are least attracted to dark colors, such as blue and black.

Trapping is generally not recommended, as even gentle traps can become as inhumane as kill traps if a rabbit is caught and stuck for several days. Additionally, capturing one rabbit isn’t likely to prevent other rabbits from wandering your yard. If you choose this method, it's essential to use live traps designed for humane capture and release of the rabbits in a suitable, safe habitat far from your property. Be sure to set a reminder and check the trap at least twice per day.

Whether rain affects a professional mosquito treatment depends on the treatment type, the quantity and intensity of rain involved, and how soon after the treatment it rains. Larvicides, for example, are often applied to water sources where mosquitoes lay their eggs, so it won’t matter if it rains. Some barrier sprays need sufficient time before the next rainfall to penetrate the surfaces properly and do their work.

The time of day that most snakes are active is at night. This is when they prefer to hunt since they can do so under the cover of darkness, out of sight of predators and the prey they stalk. However, some snake species prefer very hot temperatures and are strictly active during the day.

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.

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