Get matched with top in Warren, NY

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.

If you’re apprehensive about whether pest control services are safe for dealing with a termite infestation, rest assured that they are, as long as you hire a licensed company following strict safety protocols. Before the process begins, you'll need to remove food, plants, and pets from the home to prevent chemical exposure. You’ll also need to vacate your home for a couple of days while the treatment takes place and the chemicals dissipate. Re-entry is only safe once your pest control provider confirms that the home has been properly ventilated and cleared for return.

Raccoons should be removed in most cases, especially when they’ve made their way indoors. Even if they seem harmless, raccoons are wild animals that can damage your property and potentially harm you, your family, and your pets. As soon as you notice signs of raccoons on your property, address the situation by securing your garbage and consulting a pro.

Besides checking your pet’s fur, you can use two other tests to find fleas in your home: the white sock test and the water and lamp test.

To perform the white sock test, simply put on a pair of long white socks and drag your feet along the carpets in your home. Fleas will gravitate to the heat created by your socks. The water and lamp test involves placing a bowl of water on the floor and shining a light over it. Fleas will then be attracted to the light and land in the bowl of water.