You wake up in the middle of the night and hear scratching coming from your ceiling. As you look up, you realize an animal has somehow gotten into your attic, and it’s now scratching at the walls to try to get out. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to get the animal out of your attic safely, including how to clean up any mess that might be left behind when it’s all over.

Removing the animal

Your best bet is calling in a professional—most of these critters, particularly squirrels and raccoons, are carrying all sorts of diseases that can be transferred to you. These professionals will trap and release animals (typically using cage traps) or euthanize them if they are too ill to survive another day. If you’re going it alone, make sure you know what kind of animal is in your attic before trying anything. Raccoons, for example, carry a host of dangerous parasites that could easily spread to you; on top of rabies and distemper. Squirrels also carry parasites like fleas—and again: rabies! Both animals should never be handled by humans as well; one bite could prove deadly...or worse.  

If you're determined to do it on your own, a live trap can be purchased and set in the attic.   Raccoons like cat food and squirrels like peanut butter.   Just remember to transport the animal safely to a place that they can legally be released.   Some jurisdictions don't allow for relocation so make sure you know the law. 

Why animals are attracted to attics

If you've ever had animals in your attic, you know how noisy they can be. In addition to clattering around and scurrying through insulation, they also tend to scratch at walls and ceilings. This scratching may seem strange, but it actually makes sense once you understand why animals like squirrels, rats and other critters are attracted to attics in general. A big part of it has to do with shelter and temperature control.

Signs you have a problem

Scratching in walls. Scratching in attic. Animal in attic. If you notice scratching sounds at night, coming from inside your walls or your attic and you have a pet living with you, chances are good that it’s not your pet. You may have a rodent problem-especially if the sound is in the walls.  If you think there might be an animal living in or above part of your home, then please call a professional right away for help so they can solve the problem before it gets out of hand.  Some animals do a great deal of damage to homes if nothing is done to remove them. 

There may be clean up needed

Animals are known for producing waste, and any animal that has been living in a space will have made a mess. The first step is to make sure you know what kind of animal you’re dealing with. Read More Here , like raccoons or squirrels, live in family groups and might be relocated if they’re found early enough; others may need euthanization.  A local wildlife professional can help to guide you on what type of cleanup might be needed. 

Seek professional help

If you think an animal has invaded your space, try to have it removed professionally before taking matters into your own hands. A wildlife control operator or animal removal expert should be able to find and remove any intruders without much trouble. They may also be able to help prevent animals from entering in future. If you’re planning on removing animals on your own, call in professionals for advice prior to taking any action.  Trapping animals is a complex task, like fishing or hunting.   There's an art and a skill to it.  Professional help can save you a great deal of headache and damage to your home.