Common Attic Bugs, Rodents, Insects, & Pests

Strange sounds coming from your attic? It could be pests scratching and scurrying about! Although the attic may be merely a storage space to you, it can often be a welcoming home for animal intruders like rodents, bats and raccoons, arachnids and insects alike.

Silverfish, Termites, Spiders, and Roaches in the Attic

These are all very common bugs and insects that love to seek shelter in humid and undisturbed spaces. Termites can wreak havoc on the structure of your home while spiders and roaches pose a serious risk to your health and safety. At times it can be hard to find these pests in your attic since they’ll take refuge around your storage boxes, insultation, HVAC equipment, water heaters, and inside your walls. Hire a licensed professional that can perform a full termite and attic inspection.

Bats, Raccoons, and Squirrels in the Attic

The most common bat species found inside, big brown bats can quickly roost in an attic and use it as their own personal home. Bats are able to squeeze through openings as small as half an inch, these flying creatures will take advantage of structural gaps near the edges of rooflines, crawling further into structures once they’ve entered. Big brown bats prefer to stay in the same place all year and can create big problems for homeowners if infestations are left unchecked. Brown bats are protected by law in most states, so anyone suspecting an infestation should contact animal control or wildlife services for assistance. Please do not try to DIY the bat infestation yourself.

One of the most elusive creatures in the wild, raccoons utilize their strength and expert climbing abilities to get into homes and attics. Typically foraging for garbage, raccoons will feel right at home living in the attic and may even use your  trash cans as their primary food source. These animals can sneak through poorly screened vents or eave gaps, but they have also been known to rip right through roofing materials in order to gain entry. 

 Despite their name, some types of squirrels will find their way into the attic. For example, gray squirrels nest in tree cavities during the summer, but they invade structures when the temperature drops. The attic and its insulation provide the perfect refuge for tree squirrels to overwinter. Unfortunately, it also makes reaching these furry invaders more challenging, which could result in costly repairs.

Pest & Insect Prevention Tips for the Attic

To ensure that the attic is home to only old family keepsakes, homeowners should follow these easy-to-do pest-proofing tips. First, start outside by trimming any overhanging tree branches and overgrown bushes and vines near the home that could allow rodents to access the roof. If present, secure the chimney with a cap, and use high quality, rust-proof wire mesh to cover any vents or roof openings. Avoid leaving pet food or trash outside the house for long periods of time, making sure to use sturdy, sealable trash cans if you do. Inside, organize the attic to eliminate any clutter and opt for plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes when storing items. Additionally, inspect both the interior and exterior of the attic, checking for any possible gaps or openings. Seal all cracks and holes with a silicone-based caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.

Rodents can also do a number on the home by simply chewing. They gnaw on drywall and critical electrical wiring, which, in turn, can cause house fires. Bats can introduce bat mites and bat bugs into a house, which will also bite humans. Additionally, a small percentage of bats carry rabies which can be transmitted when infected saliva or even body tissue comes into contact with a human. Raccoons are also known to carry rabies and can cause property damage when attempting to get inside or when rummaging through trash cans.

Cluster flies do not pose a health threat, but no attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids at any time. The bodies of dead cluster flies can attract other pests such as dermestid beetles (carpet beetles, larder beetles, etc.) who can damage woolen fabric.

How to Get Rid of Pests & Insects in the Attic

Live animals should never be handled on your own. For this reason, it’s important to call a licensed pest control professional to get rid of bugs and pests in the attic. If you see or hear signs of pests or rodents in the attic, reach out to a qualified pest control company to assess the situation and develop a removal plan. Visible structural damage and the sounds of walking, scratching, scurrying or thumping are all clues that you may have some hidden house guests.