The Usual Suspects.

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Rat jokes are usually pretty cheesy, so we will spare you this time. No introduction needed for these guys. From New York to the DFW, Norway rats dominate the top of wildlife nuisance list. Their curved teeth allow for unlimited destruction. They are covered in Sebum; an oil designed to thermally insulate them and keep them lubricated as they slip in and out of openings. Most homeowners do not hear rats in their attic. When comfortable enough, clients report scratching, fast running, and squeaking.

Black rats (Roof Rats) are common throughout warmer regions throughout the world.  Black rats adapt to a wide range of habitats. In urban areas they are found around warehouses, residential buildings, and other human settlements. They are also found in agricultural areas, such as in barns and crop fields. Scratching noise in wall or attic, high pitch squeaking, and fast paced running are all indicators to have us come take a look!

The house mouse is commonly found throughout the world. They have limited survivability and tend to need human settlement to thrive. House mice are primary plant eaters but can be omnivorous depending on availability of food. Mice eat their own droppings for its bacteria content. They typically do not coexist with rats but have been known to live amongst other rodents in certain situations. Mice droppings look similar in size and shape to cockroach droppings so it can be hard for the untrained eye to distinguish. 

Raccoons are incredibly intelligent and capable mammals. They commonly have to create entry into your home by damaging sided chimney stacks, eaves, or even destroying roofing shingles and dip edge to enter the home. Raccoons are most common in early winter and throughout spring. Raccoons can sound like humans in your attic. They make chirping sounds which are usually easy to distinguish, especially when babies are present.

The Virginia Opossum is the only opossum in North America. They are most active during spring and summer but most likely to stumble into your home in winter. They have short life spans of only 2 years in the wild and 4 years in captivity. Only 1 in 10 offspring are likely to become reproductive adults. Opossums sound similar to Raccoons in the attic. Loud and slow are good descriptors for opossums in the attic. 

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is native to eastern North America but introduced invasively around the world. Squirrels are diurnal meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. Squirrels are most likely to make noise in your attic at dusk and dawn. Bumps, thuds, scurrying are some of the noises you may hear if you are sharing your home with a squirrel!