When the colder months of winter arrive, some pests, such as rodents, move indoors. This is especially true in areas where natural sheltering spots like trees are rare. The warmth and the food within your home appeal to several different species and these animals are more than happy to nest within your home's walls.
If you have heard scratching and scurrying within the walls of your home this winter, then the following pests might have taken up residence.
1. Mice
Because mice are so tiny, at no more than four inches in length, they can squeeze through the tiniest of gaps to enter your home. And although their behavior is very similar to that of rats, you can tell the two species apart if you pay attention. For instance, mice:
- Are very agile and can roam high and low within a house.
- Have weaker teeth than rats, so they can't chew through tough containers.
- Are more curious and daring than rats, so you might see them scurrying around.
But rats behave in a similar manner to mice.
2. Rats
The main difference between rats and mice is their size and tooth strength. While rats can easily chew through containers of sealed food to get to the contents within, mice will look for scraps or chew through cardboard. Rats can also grow up to nine inches in length.
3. Squirrels
Grey squirrels often head indoors when winter arrives. Unlike rats and mice though, you probably won't see squirrels roaming around inside your house. But you will hear them moving around inside your walls and your attic. The main difference between mice, rats, and squirrels is that squirrels tend to be active during daylight hours, whereas mice and rats are nocturnal.
If you hear a lot of noise in your walls during the day then, you could have a squirrel colony in your walls.
4. Bats
Bats usually roost in attics during winter until the warm spring months arrive, when they become active. But if the temperatures outside drop considerably, then bats move down into the walls to seek heat. If bats are nesting in your walls, you might hear the fluttering of wings as well as screeching and scratching.
All of these creatures can make a mess of your home and its insulation if you leave them to their own devices. If you suspect you have an infestation, you will need rodent treatment services from a local pest control company.
When you come upon an ant in your home, what do you do? Maybe you kill that one ant and then set some traps to catch any others that come with it. Perhaps you spray some insecticides along the baseboards or in other places where ants tend to congregate. Sometimes these measures might take care of the problem, but other times they don't. If ants continue to be an issue, you'll need to call a pest control company. The same goes if you are dealing with roaches, mice, or some other pest. Learn more about pest control and what these companies do as you explore this website.