Q: Should I put poison in my attic to deal with an animal?

• <div><p>No, poison isn&rsquo;t the best way to deal with animals in your attic. It&rsquo;s unlikely to completely eradicate the problem, especially if you don&rsquo;t take care of access points. Also, poisoned animals may die and decay in the attic, causing noxious odors. </p><p>Some animals may leave the attic before the poison kills them, which could lead to nearby pets or other wildlife eating the animals and becoming poisoned themselves. Ultimately, it&rsquo;s better to avoid using poison and contact a professional instead.</p></div>

Question 1

Should I put poison in my attic to deal with an animal?

Accepted Answer

•

No, poison isn’t the best way to deal with animals in your attic. It’s unlikely to completely eradicate the problem, especially if you don’t take care of access points. Also, poisoned animals may die and decay in the attic, causing noxious odors.

Some animals may leave the attic before the poison kills them, which could lead to nearby pets or other wildlife eating the animals and becoming poisoned themselves. Ultimately, it’s better to avoid using poison and contact a professional instead.

Question 2

What happens if squirrels get in your attic?

Accepted Answer

•

If squirrels set up a home in your attic, they can cause considerable damage. It’s not uncommon for them to chew holes in your roof, siding, or joists, and they can eat through electrical wiring. They might also travel to other parts of your home or into your wall cavities. Not to mention all that bacteria-filled feces and urine they spread around.

Question 3

What animal is running on my roof at night?

Accepted Answer

•

Identifying the specific animal running on your roof at night can be challenging without direct observation. Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise. Rats can make scratching or gnawing sounds. To determine the culprit, look for signs like footprints, droppings, or damaged areas near the roof. For accurate identification, consult a pest control professional or set up wildlife cameras near potential entry points.

Question 4

Can I remove animals myself?

Accepted Answer

•

DIY animal removal is rarely a good idea and is not advised for many reasons. First, these types of animals can carry diseases and, therefore, pose a health risk to you, your family, and your pets if mishandled. Second, depending on your city or municipality, it may be illegal to remove or handle wildlife yourself.

Sealing your home against these animals yourself is also a bad idea. Trapping an animal under your house will cause odor and insect problems when it passes away.

Question 5

What should I avoid using when baiting an iguana trap?

Accepted Answer

•

When baiting an iguana trap, several items should be avoided. Do not use poisonous baits, such as those intended for rats or mice. This practice is often illegal, is unlikely to attract iguanas, and poses a significant risk to pets or other wildlife. Additionally, avoid using herbs, fruits, and vegetables that are toxic to iguanas, such as fresh sage, rosemary, avocados, and eggplants. While ripe fruit can be an effective bait, be sure to remove any pits or seeds from fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, as they are highly toxic. Finally, steer clear of citrus fruits, which act as a natural deterrent.