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Across most of the United States, the fall season sees rats at their prime activity levels. As temperatures drop, rats become more active, spurred by the weather shift to seek shelter as winter approaches. During this time, their curiosity and energy peak, driving them to explore what your home and its surroundings might offer.

Scorpions can climb walls with rough surfaces (like stucco siding). They need something to grip onto, which is why they can easily climb on clothes, comforters on beds, and other items in your home.

However, it’s worth noting that scorpions cannot climb clean glass. So if you have a hole or damaged area where scorpions are coming in, a temporary fix may be to secure a piece of glass over the area.

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.

Exterminators remove mice in walls by identifying entry points and sealing them to stop further access to these spaces. They may then open drywall to place food-scented traps inside for capture and then reseal to open and retrieve traps later. Next, they place traps along walls or baseboards inside, as mice tend to follow walls using their whiskers for guidance. Afterward, they may recommend repairs or modifications to prevent future infestations.