Identifying Rats or Squirrels in Your Attic: What Homeowners in Spring TX Need to Know
Hearing noises in your attic can be unsettling. Homeowners in Spring TX often wonder: do I have rats or squirrels in my attic? Knowing the difference is critical, as each pest behaves differently and requires a tailored approach to removal and exclusion. In this detailed guide, we’ll help you recognize whether you’re dealing with rats or squirrels and what steps to take next.
Why It’s Important to Know What You’re Dealing With
Rats and squirrels can both cause damage, but their habits, nesting styles, entry points, and health risks differ. Properly identifying the pest ensures faster removal and long-term results.
Common Signs You Have Rats in the Attic
- Small droppings resembling rice grains
- Grease marks along walls or rafters
- Chewed wires or insulation
- Scratching or squeaking at night
- Mainly only hearing that after dark
- Burrows in attic insulation
- Smaller trailing in insulation
According to the Health Threats from Rats – Louisiana Department of Health (PDF) , rats also pose serious health hazards, such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella.
Common Signs You Have Squirrels in the Attic
- Droppings are more egg shaped not elongated
- Gnawed fascia boards or chewing on siding by eaves
- Daytime scampering and scratching sounds
- Nesting with leaves or insulation near eaves
- Hearing noises during the day and night
- Wider trailing in insulation
Check out Understanding Squirrel Nesting Habits – Perky Pet for more insight into squirrel behavior and nesting patterns.
Time of Day Noises: A Key Differentiator
Squirrels are diurnal and most active during daylight hours—especially mornings and evenings. Rats, on the other hand, are nocturnal. Rats will mainly be nighttime noises with maybe some time-to-time movement during the day. Squirrels will be mostly daytime noises with time to time hearing them at night as well.
Entry Points: How Are They Getting In?
Squirrels are mainly entering through roof entry points, four-way vents, eave returns, box vents, mushroom vents and gable vents.
Rats are mainly entering on ground level unless they have access to powerlines or trees to get to the roof. Main entry points consist of weepholes, ac chase line, eaves, garage door gaps, gaps around front or back door trim and lastly garage breezeways if you have a detached garage.
The Damage They Cause
Both pests can:
- Chew electrical wiring (fire risk)
- Destroy insulation
- Leave urine/feces buildup (hazardous to health)
- Chew on insulated a/c chase lines
- Chew on siding and facia boards on exterior of home
- Both animals have been known to chew on plumbing to get to water during droughts
Health Risks to Your Family
This article explains that both rat and squirrel infestations can trigger respiratory issues and introduce fleas or ticks. Rats add the risk of disease transmission.
Professional Identification Tips
It’s not always easy to identify the pest by sound or droppings. An expert inspection, like what we offer in Squirrel Removal Spring TX and Rat Removal Spring TX, includes a full attic and exterior review to confirm the species and offer guaranteed removal solutions.
Preventing Future Infestations
We recommend a full exclusion process once the animals are removed. This includes sealing entry points, trimming back trees, and replacing damaged insulation. Learn more from NPIC’s rodent prevention tips.
Why Choose Us for Wildlife Removal in Spring TX?
At Expert Pest Control Services, we provide thorough rodent and wildlife removal backed by a 4-year exclusion warranty and free inspections. Whether you have rats, squirrels, or you’re unsure — we’ll identify and resolve the issue quickly and professionally.
Let Us Help You Identify and Eliminate Your Attic Pests
Don’t guess when it comes to what’s in your attic. Contact us for expert diagnosis and permanent solutions. Visit our full Wildlife in Attic Spring TX service page or call today.
📞 Need Help or Have Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have or if you’d like tips or tricks to help resolve your issue on your own. We’re always happy to help!
Call now: (832) 334-6016
Email: Xpertpestcontrolservice@gmail.com
Website: https://expertpestcontrolsservice.com
