5 signs of pest infestations in your attic or loft
As the nights draw in, pest control companies often start to get more calls about pest issues in attics. A loft space can be an attractive haven for various pests, including rodents, insects, birds and even squirrels. Identifying pest infestations early is vital, preventing extensive damage to your home and a bigger problem developing later on.
Here are 5 signs you have a pest infestation in your attic or loft.
Common pest noises
Unexplained sounds and scratching noises coming from your attic can be a sign of a pest problem. Pests, especially rodents like mice and rats, are nocturnal and tend to be more active at night. Some of the sounds you may hear include scuttling, squeaking and rustling noises.
Other types of sounds are sometimes easy to pinpoint to a particular pest. For example, flapping noises indicate a bird issue or distinct buzzing is most likely a flying insect problem.
Droppings & animal faeces
Finding droppings or animal faeces in your attic is a sure-fire sign of a pest infestation. This is sometimes what pest controllers use to identify the type of pest inhabiting your loft. For example, rats and mice often have thin, spindle-shaped faeces which are brown in tone.
By contrast, if you have something like a bat issue in your attic, the droppings will be much darker in colour and crumble into a powder if crushed.
Structural damage caused by pests
Pests, especially rodents, can cause significant structural damage to your property when they gnaw on different structures. This can include chewing through insulation and wires, which can lead to electrical issues or fires if left unaddressed.
Rodents can also gnaw on timber beams and support structures in your attic, weakening the integrity of your home. You may also find damage to boxes stored in your loft or notice materials have been torn through in order to build nests.
Pest sightings in your loft
If you spot pests or animal footprints in your attic or loft, it’s a sign of an infestation. Common pests that take up residence in attics include pigeons, birds, rats, mice, squirrels, bats and other insects like flies, moths and wasps.
Take note of any live or dead pests, nests, nesting materials and entry points where animals may have come through or tunnelled. If you have a wasp, bee or hornet problem, you may even see the bodies of other insects in the space.
The time of year
The time of year can be a significant factor in identifying pest infestations in your attic. Different pests may be more active during certain seasons.
In the colder months, we often see more rodent infestations in attics when they look for a place of shelter. As spring comes, there’s usually an increase in bird issues as nesting season arrives. The warmer months often give rise to insect problems when they tend to invade our spaces.
Do you need a pest inspection? Call our team
Do you need a pest control quote in London or Surrey? Effective Pest Solutions can help, offering our expert services across Cobham, Ewell and beyond.
To speak to our team, please contact us.
