How do I prevent rats and mice from getting into the attic?

• <div><p>Preventing rats and mice from getting into the attic can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few steps you can take to keep them looking elsewhere for a new place to call home:</p><ul><li><p>Block or cover any potential access holes</p></li><li><p>Keep piles or stacks of firewood or other materials away from the house</p></li><li><p>Seal food and garbage in containers to prevent rodents from chewing through or getting in</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Why do I suddenly have gnats in my house?

• <div><p>If you suddenly have an infestation of gnats in your house, don&rsquo;t worry, it&rsquo;s relatively easy to spot the cause and resolve it quickly. Gnats are drawn to moisture and decaying organic matter, so they love to snack on unsealed produce, flowers, plants, and food or liquid spills. A common spot to find gnats is inside your kitchen sink drain because it provides a hospitable environment for them to live and breed.</p></div>

Q: Will a rat go near a sleeping human?

• <div><p>Yes, rats will go near a sleeping human, especially if there is food or crumbs nearby. What&rsquo;s worse, they may even bite humans while they are asleep. Common places for bites are exposed fingers, toes, hands, and faces. To minimize the risk of rats approaching you and your family members while they&rsquo;re asleep, do not eat or leave accessible food packages in the bedroom. </p></div>

Q: Can you vacuum up mouse or rat droppings?

• <div><p>No, you should never vacuum or sweep up mouse or rat droppings, as doing so can release harmful particles into the air and increase your risk of disease exposure. Instead, wear gloves and a mask, spray the droppings with a disinfectant spray, let it soak for a few minutes, and then carefully wipe them up with paper towels. Afterward, disinfect the area thoroughly and immediately wash your hands when you&rsquo;re done.</p></div>

Q: Do water bugs chase you?

• <div><p>Water bugs won&rsquo;t actively chase you, but they earned the nickname &ldquo;toe-biters&rdquo; for good reason. Water bugs are highly defensive. They typically rest an inch or so below water, waiting for prey. But if they feel threatened by a human that gets close, they may inject the person with a harmless venom from their legs, which may feel like a bite.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Athena, OR

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

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

Last update on August 07, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
Great company to work with! They were professional, responsive, and did an excellent job on our garage door. Everything was installed correctly and looks great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality work and great service.
SUMMIT GARAGE DOORS & GATES
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Reviewed in December 2025
Kyler cleaned out our horse stall and cleaned up our yard for us. Did a really good job. I will be hiring him again next time.
WHEN DOOTY CALLS PET WASTE MANAGEMENT, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
Very professional staff, and polite. Quality work, and annual inspections ensuring everything is as it should be. We highly recommend this company.
TerraFirma
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Reviewed in August 2025
I hired Mr Kidd to remove a couple small/medium trees from a tight spot without damaging neighbor?s fence. He did 100% perfect job and hauled off the waste. Dug some drainage trenches and improved the slope in part of the yard. I found Mr Kidd to be a hard worker and easy to communicate with....
BLUEBURN WOOD & LAND SERVICES
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Reviewed in April 2024
I spent 2 weeks calling around looking for help with our lawn with no answers or call back... EXCEPT when I messaged ZPEST today. He answered right away. Gave me an estimate with the information I had on hand, and then walked me through how to be sure that he was the necessary support needed. It...
Z Pest Control LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
We have had Ryan help us with several projects - including some that included plumbing and welding elements. He is also a great woodworker! He is conscientious, hardworking, honest. Highly recommended.
Handyham The Handyman
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Reviewed in April 2023
The best and most experienced company ever dealt with. Had others and never really solved problems. He very good and knows what needs be done. Once he did services all problems were solved no ants and no scorpions etc. can not say enough knows products Annâ s has best products out there
Norton Pest Control
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Reviewed in September 2022
They did a great job. They did a really good job cleaning up. Prices are great as well.
Jones Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Completed project in a timely manner and was well above my expectations. Would highly recommend this company
Every Step Construction
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Reviewed in July 2022
Ivan is SUPER quick and keeps my system running TOP NOTCH... Thanks Ivan *****
Total Comfort Solutions, LLC
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Terminix® Pest Control

4.1(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

75 neighbors recently requested a quote

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Athena, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

If you suddenly have an infestation of gnats in your house, don’t worry, it’s relatively easy to spot the cause and resolve it quickly. Gnats are drawn to moisture and decaying organic matter, so they love to snack on unsealed produce, flowers, plants, and food or liquid spills. A common spot to find gnats is inside your kitchen sink drain because it provides a hospitable environment for them to live and breed.

Yes, rats will go near a sleeping human, especially if there is food or crumbs nearby. What’s worse, they may even bite humans while they are asleep. Common places for bites are exposed fingers, toes, hands, and faces. To minimize the risk of rats approaching you and your family members while they’re asleep, do not eat or leave accessible food packages in the bedroom.

No, you should never vacuum or sweep up mouse or rat droppings, as doing so can release harmful particles into the air and increase your risk of disease exposure. Instead, wear gloves and a mask, spray the droppings with a disinfectant spray, let it soak for a few minutes, and then carefully wipe them up with paper towels. Afterward, disinfect the area thoroughly and immediately wash your hands when you’re done.

Preventing rats and mice from getting into the attic can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few steps you can take to keep them looking elsewhere for a new place to call home:

Block or cover any potential access holes
Keep piles or stacks of firewood or other materials away from the house
Seal food and garbage in containers to prevent rodents from chewing through or getting in

Water bugs won’t actively chase you, but they earned the nickname “toe-biters” for good reason. Water bugs are highly defensive. They typically rest an inch or so below water, waiting for prey. But if they feel threatened by a human that gets close, they may inject the person with a harmless venom from their legs, which may feel like a bite.

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