HOT PROPERTY
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SECURE YOUR ATTIC AND KEEP YOUR STORAGE SAFE
Attics
come in handy for homeowners who want to store things out of the way or utilize extra square footage for living space. But attics can also attract unwanted guests: furry, winged, or crawly squatters trying to carve out their own space.
If you suspect animal or insect undesirables upstairs, don’t delay in doing something about it, the experts agree. “ Attics are dark and cozy retreats for a variety of rodents and wildlife, including mice, rats, squirrels, flying squirrels, bats, birds, possums, and raccoons,” says Natasha Wright, a board-certified entomologist with Braman Termite & Pest Elimination in Massachusetts.
“Insects can also creep inside attics through voids from outside, allowing pests like yellowjackets to build some big nests in attic spaces. Insects often attempt to enter structures and attics to survive the winter months.”
Curtis Whalen, COO of Blue Sky Pest Control in Gilbert, Arizona, says other common vermin found in attics include silverfish, cockroaches, and even scorpions here in the Southwest.
“These pests can do serious damage in the attic. Rodents can chew on electrical wires, possibly causing a fire. Pet droppings and excrement they leave behind can be unsightly and carry diseases,” cautions Whalen.
Consider that pest waste can lead to the inhalation of airborne fecal material, spreading diseases like histoplasmosis, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. “Bats can even transmit rabies, sometimes without you even knowing you were bit,” adds Wright.
“Work on sealing, screening, or plugging openings or gaps where they can get in. Roof rats, for example, can get in through roof vents, T-vents, plumbing vent pipes on the roof, and other areas. Wire mesh can be used in these spots and attached securely with right-sized hose clamps,” suggests Whalen.
Other roof entry points can be problematic, including where differently sloped roofs converge or overlap, creating corners that aren’t sealed up properly or often have openings large enough for rodents or other wildlife to enter your attic.
Birds can use vents and the side of your home to push their way into the soffit. If you notice you are missing a few tabs on your vents exiting the home, replace them immediately. Furthermore, be sure to store anything in your attic within a sealed container.
If you already have critters in your attic, proceed carefully. “Call a pest management professional or wildlife specialist in your municipality. Do not try to manage rodents, wildlife, or stinging insects on your own,” advises Wright.
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No one wants to find critters in their attic – secure entry points to avoid them.
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