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Yes, predator decoys work to keep birds away, at least temporarily. However, if the decoy remains motionless in the same spot for a long enough time, the birds will eventually wise up and realize it's a fake. Keep changing the location of the predator decoy to ensure that the birds keep their guard up and maintain their distance.

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.

High-frequency bird repellent devices are effective at driving away birds, which is their intended purpose. However, these devices also tend to have unintended negative consequences. For example, if you or your neighbors own pets, the high-pitched noise emitted by these electronic devices will cause them distress and may even make them aggressive.

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.