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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.

Animals that dig holes in the yard at night include skunks and raccoons. Both animals are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night and use that time to hunt or forage. Skunks will dig small holes to find insects, while raccoons use their strong front legs to pull up chunks of sod and search for food underneath.

Many people have reported success in using dryer sheets to deter mice. This result is likely due to the strong scent that the rodents don’t find favorable. However, using dryer sheets alone may not be a foolproof solution, and it's often better to combine various preventive measures, such as traps, repellent sprays, and proper storage practices, to protect your car from rodent infestations more effectively.

Possums don’t typically pose a danger to humans—they prefer to stay out of sight. If they feel threatened, they play dead instead of engaging. However, they can become aggressive when cornered, typically when they become trapped inside your home or when a dog chases them. When this happens, it’s best to call a wildlife control service near you to remove possums safely.