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As a general rule, if you hear an animal in your attic, don’t assume it will stay there. Animals are drawn to warmth and food sources, which could lead them to other parts of your house. In particular, it’s likely that small pests such as rats and mice that only need tiny gaps to squeeze through will end up in your walls and ductwork. Larger animals like raccoons may be limited to an enclosed attic.

Roof rats are relatively small rodents that typically measure around six to eight inches in length (excluding their long, scaly tails that are often longer than their bodies). They have sleek black or brown fur, pointed snouts, and large ears. In general, they are typically smaller and darker in color than common brown rats.

Rats have a strong sense of smell and do not like the smell of bleach. However, pouring bleach in drains or toilets is not a good idea because it can cause dangerous chemical reactions and even damage your pipes. It’s best to have a professional plumber install a rat-blocker or non-return valve instead to keep critters from crawling up the toilet.

No, mice do not become rats. While their similarities may make them appear to be the same animal at first, they are distinct in their appearance, behaviors, and the strategies used to remove them. Juvenile rats that have not reached their full adult size may be roughly the same size as mice, making them hard to tell apart.