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>

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Q: What is the best time of day to trap a groundhog?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it&rsquo;s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.</p></div>

Q: Are snake repellents safe to use?

• <div><p>Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/naphthalene.pdf">United States Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts. </p><p>The <a href="https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/coping-with-snakes-6-501/">Colorado State University Extension</a> suggests there&rsquo;s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.</p></div>

Q: What do foxes hate the most?

• <div><p>Foxes hate strong scents and sudden disturbances. They dislike the smell of ammonia, vinegar, garlic, chili peppers, and predator urine, which can make an area less appealing. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers also unsettle them, as foxes prefer to avoid sudden movements and bright lights. Additionally, they are wary of loud noises and unexpected sounds.</p></div>

Q: Can dryer sheets be used to keep spiders away?

• <div><p>Dryer sheets are a popular recommendation for those seeking a natural method of repelling spiders, as their scent is thought to be unpleasant to these arachnids. However, the scientific evidence to support this claim is inconclusive. Some individuals have reported success using dryer sheets to keep spiders away from specific areas, but the results are not guaranteed and may differ depending on different types of spiders.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for pros in Atkinson, NE

*The Angi rating for companies in Atkinson, NE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for companies in Atkinson, NE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their needs.

Last update on December 09, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Very professional and quick working crew. Will be calling for any future jobs
Arban Excavation
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Reviewed in February 2025
Gary S. provided a professional and thorough sales presentation. Knowledgeable and straightforward presentation. No pressure! Very pleased with the product presentation and detailed sales quote. Highly recommend!
1-800-HANSONS (Omaha)
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Reviewed in July 2024
El equipo de Yamisleydis lo recomiendo ,es un equipo de trabajo excelente un servicio excepcional, un trato maravilloso , yo los contratÃ© para la limpieza de mi casa y me hicieron un trabajo perfecto , me organizaron todo y me quedÃ³ la casa hermosa , gracias por trabajar tan perfecto muchas...
Caribbean Cleaning Services LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
Easy to work with & finished product was just what I was wanting!
Ogden Woodworking
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Reviewed in December 2022
Matt and his team exceeded our expectations for wood privacy fence. We already had an outstanding recommendation to use Salt Valley through a coworker. Matt responded immediately after I reached out to him about our project. The entire craftsmanship of the fence was great but my favorite part is...
Salt Valley Fence Company, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
They are very reliable, and good at what they do
M's Contracting
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Reviewed in November 2013
First, the guys that came over to our place were professional and courteous. Dean was the main salesman. The first thing they did was to ask me what I wanted to change in my home in regards to comfort. I appreciated that as they actually cared about the things that I saw as problematic. They...
Thermal Services Inc
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Reviewed in June 2013
They are just very professional. They do what they say they are going to do and they are reasonably priced.
Comstock Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in May 2013
He came out, inspected the drainage problem, ran a snake, recommended a deeper solution, which it did turn out to be...a root had gotten into one of our main lines.
RAWHIDE SERVICES
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Reviewed in April 2006
Referred by seller's Realtor for a new roof as part of the purchase on my new house. Bid was very reasonable for all the upgrades requested, and Mike was very helpful in my choosing of color and material for the roof without pushing me in any one direction... just provided straight information...
Ability Plus Roofing
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Find in Atkinson

Romar Pest Control

No reviews yet

Romar Pest Control

No reviews yet

We are your local pest control and termite inspection experts in Grand Island NE. Since 1974, Romar Pest Control has had the privilege to provide home and business owners in Grand Island, Nebraska with exceptional pest control and industry leading termite services. We have built our dependable reputation by providing all of our customers with affordable, effective pest control and customer focused services. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 65 years of combined pest management experience and all of our technicians are licensed professionals who specialize in residential and commercial pest control, rodent control and termite control services.

Pep Co Inc

4.50(

)

Pep Co Inc

4.50(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Pep Co Inc services Kearney and the surrounding areas in Pest Management services. Covering both residential homes and commercial business accounts. They are state certified and University trained in their fields. Take care of pests like: *Insects *Rodents *Termites Call today for an appointment!

ROMAR PEST CONTROL

No reviews yet

ROMAR PEST CONTROL

No reviews yet

51 years of experience

Since 1974, Romar Pest Control has had the privilege to provide home and business owners in Central Nebraska with exceptional pest control and industry leading termite services. We have built our dependable reputation by providing all of our customers with affordable, effective pest control and customer focused services. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 65 years of combined pest management experience and all of our technicians are licensed professionals who specialize in residential and commercial pest control, rodent control and termite control services.

Bug Off Nebraska

5.00(

)

Bug Off Nebraska

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a locally owned pest control business serving central Nebraska. We are fully licensed and insured and your satisfaction is our #1 concern. Our team of professionals are available to handle your pest problems in a professional manner, while ridding your home and/or business of pesky bugs. We offer a wide variety of service packages, senior discounts and referral discounts. We also have a 24 hour emergency pest removal service and are llicensed with the State of Nebraska for nuisance pest removal as well. You may visit our website anytime for our pricing information or feel free to contact us by phone to schedule an appointment.

XYZ EXTERMINATING

3.89(

)

XYZ EXTERMINATING

3.89(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

35 years of experience

XYZ Exterminating is locally owed and operated. We specialize in Bed Bugs, Termites. Cockroaches. Fleas. Ticks. Bees. Ants. Mice, Spiders and wild life.. Insects and rodents are more then just a pest thy can be a threat to your property and potentially your health. We care about your family and your home. Signs of a termite infestation are difficult to spot, and many termites even tunnel hundreds of feet to reach a home or feeding site. XYZ Exterminating has equipment that detects these unwanted insects but treats with a 100% guantree that you will not have a problem in the future. Extensive training in all areas of pest and termite control. State License, Certified and Insuranced, VA, FHA and HUD approved. Call now 308-384-8564!! Let them know you saw XYZ Exterminating on Angie's List and your first service is 20% off!! We except checks, paypal and money.

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

You’ll find groundhogs are most active during the morning hours and late afternoon, but they want to avoid humans at all costs. If you do set a trap, you can set it out the night before so it’s waiting on them the next morning, and try to remove any human scent when setting it out.

Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts.

The Colorado State University Extension suggests there’s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.

Foxes hate strong scents and sudden disturbances. They dislike the smell of ammonia, vinegar, garlic, chili peppers, and predator urine, which can make an area less appealing. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers also unsettle them, as foxes prefer to avoid sudden movements and bright lights. Additionally, they are wary of loud noises and unexpected sounds.

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.

Dryer sheets are a popular recommendation for those seeking a natural method of repelling spiders, as their scent is thought to be unpleasant to these arachnids. However, the scientific evidence to support this claim is inconclusive. Some individuals have reported success using dryer sheets to keep spiders away from specific areas, but the results are not guaranteed and may differ depending on different types of spiders.

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