Category Archives: Animal Removal

What’s that Noise? Animals could be in Your Home

What's driving you nuts? SquirrelImagine you are in your bed, happy to be lying down after a long day but your rest is abruptly interrupted by loud scratching noises coming from your walls or attic. 

If these noises persist, chances are you have an unwelcome roommate scratching around within your walls, attic, crawlspaces, or basement.

Animals that invade homes are looking for food and shelter and if they become too comfortable, they may start digging further into your home scratching through wood, drywall, or insulation.

It is best to contact a wildlife control expert such as Attic Solutions if an animal is found in your home.

For professional wildlife removal and attic restoration call: (847) 464-1861

The following are the most common noise-causing home invaders and a description of the noises they make.

Scratching Noises from Bats

Bats are most likely to invade homes in the late summer and fall seasons and they often enter through small openings in the attic.  They have a tendency to get stuck in walls and respond by making scratching and squeaking noises as they try to free themselves.

Bats can also form colonies in attics if there is a significant infestation which can be very noisy and cause property damage.  The scratching and scurrying noises from bats occur mostly at night because they are nocturnal animals.  If you believe your home may have bats due to scratching noises, contact Attic Solutions to have a professional check it out.

Related: Bat Hibernation

Noises from Rats and Mice

Rodents such as rats and mice are among the most common home invaders and they can usually be identified by the scratching noises they make.  They can be heard scratching around within walls and ceilings as they seek food and shelter within your home.  Attic Solutions can help rid your home of a rat or mouse infestation and implement preventative measures to help keep rodents out of your home.

Related: The differences between rats and mice

Trapped Birds

Birds typically enter homes looking for a nesting spot and their quest sometimes causes them to get stuck in walls, attics, or crawlspaces.  As birds try to find a way out, they make scratching and chirping noises or cause a commotion by vigorously flapping their wings.  They are most likely to be heard early in the morning as they try searching for food.  Make sure to contact Attic Solutions if you suspect a bird infestation in your home.

Related: Watch out for birds nesting in the attic

Noises from Raccoons

Raccoons are known for invading home attics in search of shelter and making homes for themselves out of the insulation.  Raccoons are nocturnal animals and can be heard scurrying in the ceiling and making scratching noises in the middle of the night.  They are also among the loudest home invaders.  It is best to have a professional from Attic Solutions handle a raccoon intrusion as they can be quite wily and dangerous.

Related: Raccoons in the attic

Squirrel Noises

Squirrels most commonly invade homes through the attic from tree tops and they can be heard running, jumping, and scratching in the ceiling.  They are most active during the day and make the most noise when coming and going from the house to look for food.  Squirrels can be quite tricky to deal with which is why you should contact Attic Solutions if you discover a squirrel in your home.

Related: Removing squirrels in the attic


As soon as you suspect you may have an animal infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal. We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with animal exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!).

We will remove the animal and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about animal removal services from Attic Solutions.

Call us at (847) 464-1861

Animals That Are a Common Nuisance in the Winter

animals in home during winterThe Chicago area is in the middle of one of the coldest winters to ever hit this area and as a result, people are not the only ones looking indoors for shelter.

Many different types of wildlife throughout the area are looking for shelter from the winter weather and may end up invading your home.  Certain species require homeowners to take extra precautions to keep them out of their homes beyond just simple pest proofing.

Be sure to always look out for signs of an animal intrusion such as bite marks, droppings, and scratching noises, and you can avoid attracting animals to your property by keeping your trash well sealed and your trees and bushes trimmed back from the house.

If you do discover an animal intrusion in your home this winter, please call Attic Solutions immediately to have a wildlife professional remove the animal.

I want professional help with my animal problems

The following species are the most common nuisances in the winter to watch for with some ideas for preventing them from invading your home.

Common Winter Animal Invaders

Bats:

These nuisance species are found throughout the United States and generally vary in size from 2 to 7½ inches in length with a wingspan of up to 15 inches.

They can be found roosting in dark, secluded areas which makes them attracted to indoor spaces like attics and eaves.  Bat infestations can be troublesome for a household because their droppings can damage property and they also carry diseases such as rabies which could be spread to humans.

Bats are a protected species in Illinois so it is best to call Attic Solutions to eliminate a bat infestation.

Opossums:

These marsupials are another common winter nuisance that invade homes.  They can grow to be up to 40 inches in length and are usually found throughout the U.S. in swamps, woods, or open fields in abandoned burrows and tree cavities.

Opossums commonly enter homes through the attic or garage and they have also been known to build nests under decks and porches.

The best way to prevent opossums from invading your home is to seal off the area under your deck or porch and locate and seal potential entry points in the garage, attic, or basement.

Raccoons:

Raccoons are one of the most difficult nuisance animals to deal with as they can grow to be up to three feet in length as adults.  They typically build dens in secluded spots such as hollow trees, burrows, and rock crevices and may even build dens in an attic or garage.  Food and garbage attract raccoons onto a property and once they get into your home, they can cause significant property damage and spread diseases to humans such as rabies and salmonella.  Raccoon infestations can be prevented by keeping food and garbage well sealed but due to their crafty nature, raccoons should be handled by the professionals at Attic Solutions.

Tree Squirrels:

Tree squirrels are common throughout all regions of the U.S. and depending on the specific species; they can vary in color and size from 6 to 15 inches in length.  They build nests in tree cavities and on tree branches but when the temperature drops, they begin looking for warmth in basements or attics.

The biggest threat that squirrels pose is the threat of significant property damage caused by chewing on drywall, telephone lines, and electrical wires which could be a fire hazard.

Homeowners can help prevent squirrels from invading their homes by locating and sealing entry points in the basement and attic but you should contact Attic Solutions if a squirrel infestation is discovered in your home.


As soon as you suspect you may have a animal infestation, call us immediately at 847-464-1861 for removal.

We are trained professionals and equipped to deal with animal exclusion and removal, including humane live animal trapping (never poisons!). We will remove the animal and fix any property damage they may have caused. Click to read more about animal removal services from Attic Solutions.