When homeowners are tipped off to an unwelcome guest in their attic its usually through sound. Gnawing, scratching and scurrying are all common adjectives used to describe the noises from above. Attic inspections are a useful exercise to shed light on which critter has entered the home. In some cases there will be clear burrows through the insulation. Which Arizona critters are commonly associated with insulation burrows?
- Rats- Rats are a common home invader in Arizona. Roof rats can squeeze into holes the size of their heads and force the rest of their bodies through. Once inside the attic they will establish travel routes and nests. Rats are creatures of habit and will typically use the same route daily creating a highway system above the ceiling. Rats will burrow down below the insulation creating tunnels throughout the attic. There will typically be feces and urine also highlighting their travel routes.
- Mice- Mice like rats will squeeze into any cavity 1/2 inch or larger. Mice will pack insulation down as they travel the attic creating a visible network of routes. While many routes are above the insulation there are typically many below as well. The entrances to their burrows will be highlighted by golf ball size holes sporadicly places thorough the insulation.
- Squirrels- Although not as common as rats or mice in Arizona, squirrels still compose a significant amount of critter removal calls. Squirrels will burrow in insulation creating holes larger than mice and rats. If the holes in the insulation are the size of a baseball or even softball there’s a strong chance squirrels are the culprit. Squirrel feces will look different than rat or mice feces and will typically be found during an attic inspection.
Identifying the species of rodent in the attic is the first step in an effective removal process. Attic inspections can shed light on critter activity. If there are burrows in the attic insulation rats, mice or squirrels are the common culprits. The size of the burrows and the feces found in an attic inspection will lead to correctly identifying the rodent.
For more information on effective critter removal contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors Arizona!