Get matched with top bird control service pros in Menno, SD

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.

Look for goose repellents that contain the ingredient methyl anthranilate. This is a natural chemical found in grape juice. In human food, it’s often used as grape flavoring. With geese, it’s highly irritating. Grape Kool-Aid contains methyl anthranilate, the active ingredient in most bird repellents. It won’t harm geese, but it will deter them.

Some birds of prey, like owls, hunt at night. Hawks are diurnal and need good light to see their prey. You could see them circling anytime from dawn to dusk. Species like the common red-tailed hawk are most active in the early morning and late evening when their prey is also typically on the go.

Pest control timelines depend on what services are being provided, size and type of infestation, and size of your home. Some inspections can take an hour or more, while preventative treatments only take 30 minutes to complete. Basic spaying for a problem like roaches or termites can take about an hour for small homes, but much longer for large properties and infestations. Consult your pest control pro for a time estimate based on your situation.