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>

Are carpenter ants or termites more destructive?

• <div><p>Termites are generally more destructive than carpenter ants, which is why it’s important to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-pest-control-termites.htm">get rid of termites</a> as quickly as possible. Termites will swarm your home to relentlessly feast on its wood frame, sheetrock, insulation, and carpet down to the studs.</p><p>While carpenter ants work surprisingly efficiently, they can still take years to damage your home significantly. It can also take termites several years to fully compromise a home's structure. However, the right colony can take down a full house in about a year. Overall, termites are far more diligent when it comes to destroying structures.</p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Scooba, MS

Q: What are common signs of a termite infestation?

• <div><p>Mud tubes, wood damage, and swarming are typical indicators.</p></div>

Q: Is tree sap dangerous to humans or pets?

• <div><p>Tree sap is not usually dangerous to humans or pets. But some trees do produce dangerous sap. Notably, ash, birch, cedar and similar saps can irritate the skin but aren&rsquo;t dangerous. Sap from trees like the Brazilwood, Mahogany, Milky Mangrove or well-named Poison Walnut can be corrosive, cause nausea, or trigger those with asthma. But for most backyard trees, protective equipment like a sturdy pair of gloves should be fine.</p></div>

Q: Is pest control good for spiders?

• <div><p>Although it's easy to eliminate one or two harmless spiders yourself, professional spider exterminators have the tools, licenses, and expertise to reduce or remove major infestations effectively. They can also safely get rid of venomous black widow or brown recluse spiders and offer advice about preventative treatments to help defend against more infestations.</p></div>

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Find Pest control specialists in Scooba

Terminix - Greenville -Termite & Pest Control

4.22(

)

Terminix - Greenville -Termite & Pest Control

4.22(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

99 years of experience

When pests or termites move in, you want the ultimate weapon to take them out: Terminix, America’s leading provider of termite and pest control. It's no wonder more than 2.7 million customers trust us to protect their homes and families from the havoc that unwanted intruders can create. You can look to us for a wide range of services to protect your home top to bottom, inside and out: Insulation Service, Moisture Control Solutions, Rodent and Wildlife Service and more. We can even help you win the fight against the bite with our revolutionary Mosquito Service. Don’t trust your home to just anybody. Go big. Go strong. Go Terminix. Protector of home since 1927.

Family Termite and Environmental Inc

4.38(

)

Family Termite and Environmental Inc

4.38(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

Gulf Coast Offices: Harrison County:(228) 822-1212; Hancock County: (228) 466-9022; Jackson County: (228) 497-1230. Locally owned and operated. No subs used. Costs are hourly. No travel charges. Basic service charges apply, ask for details. May request appointment online.

"They did not have to dig a trench around my house. They used a machine to inject chemical into soil. The technician told me if I dug up shrubs (disturb the soil) to let them know, and they would retreat that section. Also when new pine straw was added let them know. I use this company for my Qtrly pest control also."

Linda H on August 2019

"They did not have to dig a trench around my house. They used a machine to inject chemical into soil. The technician told me if I dug up shrubs (disturb the soil) to let them know, and they would retreat that section. Also when new pine straw was added let them know. I use this company for my Qtrly pest control also."

HENDERSON PEST CONTROL

3.67(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

When it comes to Memphis pest control, people trust the skilled professionals at James Pest Management to do the job right. We understand how important your home is to you, and we know how to help protect it from insects and other animals.

"Been with James Pest for 12 years and they have ALWAYS treated me with love and care!"

Katylee B on September 2024

"Been with James Pest for 12 years and they have ALWAYS treated me with love and care!"

Katylee B on September 2024

Showing 1-10 of 21

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.

Mud tubes, wood damage, and swarming are typical indicators.

Tree sap is not usually dangerous to humans or pets. But some trees do produce dangerous sap. Notably, ash, birch, cedar and similar saps can irritate the skin but aren’t dangerous. Sap from trees like the Brazilwood, Mahogany, Milky Mangrove or well-named Poison Walnut can be corrosive, cause nausea, or trigger those with asthma. But for most backyard trees, protective equipment like a sturdy pair of gloves should be fine.

Termites are generally more destructive than carpenter ants, which is why it’s important to get rid of termites as quickly as possible. Termites will swarm your home to relentlessly feast on its wood frame, sheetrock, insulation, and carpet down to the studs.

While carpenter ants work surprisingly efficiently, they can still take years to damage your home significantly. It can also take termites several years to fully compromise a home's structure. However, the right colony can take down a full house in about a year. Overall, termites are far more diligent when it comes to destroying structures.

Although it's easy to eliminate one or two harmless spiders yourself, professional spider exterminators have the tools, licenses, and expertise to reduce or remove major infestations effectively. They can also safely get rid of venomous black widow or brown recluse spiders and offer advice about preventative treatments to help defend against more infestations.

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