Are Rodents Hiding in Your Attic or Walls?

It’s 2 a.m. The house is quiet until you hear it. A faint scratching above the ceiling or the sound of tiny feet racing inside the walls. At first, you wonder if it’s your imagination. But then you notice other clues: a box of holiday decorations nibbled at the corners, chew marks on an electrical cord, or droppings on attic insulation.

Squirrels, rats, and other wildlife don’t need much of an invitation. Once inside, they can turn your home into their nesting ground, putting your belongings, your wiring, and even your family’s health at risk.

Do Rodents Get Inside?

Mice can enter a 1/4-inch gap the size of your pinky finger, and rats can enter a 1/2-inch gap that you can fit your thumb into. They can also climb siding like it’s a ladder and chew their way past weak spots. Common entry points include:

• Vents: Uncovered attic or crawl space vents are like wide-open doors for squirrels and rats.
• Roof gaps: Loose shingles, soffit gaps, or spots where roofing meets siding give rodents easy access.
• Foundation cracks: Even hairline cracks can be widened into tunnels over time.
• Utility lines: Openings around pipes, cables, or wires create hidden highways straight indoors.

Common Signs of Rodents Hiding in Your Home

Rodents are sneaky, but the signs they leave behind are anything but subtle:

• Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings: They’re especially noticeable at night when they’re most active.
• Droppings in the attic or storage areas: Look for small, dark pellets along baseboards or near food storage.
• Chewed wires, insulation, or stored items: Even a single hole in a box could be the first indication of a rodent infestation.
• Bad or musky smells: Strong smells may point to nests, urine, or even deceased rodents.

Left unchecked, these signs quickly escalate into bigger problems, from fire hazards to structural damage.

How to Prevent Rodent Infestations

A few preventative steps can make your home far less inviting to rodents:

Seal Cracks & Gaps in Roofing, Siding & Foundations

Use steel wool or heavy-duty sealant since rodents can chew through softer materials like foam or wood filler.

Install Vent Covers & Chimney Caps

Screens and caps block common entry points without cutting off ventilation.

Store Food in Airtight Containers

Even a small bag of pet food left open in the garage can draw rodents in.

Keep Attics, Basements & Garages Decluttered

Rodents love quiet corners with piles of boxes or fabric they can shred into nesting material.

Trim Tree Branches Away From the Roofline

Squirrels often leap from overhanging branches straight onto rooftops.

Request Rodent Control From Home Paramount Pest Control

If you’ve already spotted signs of rodents, it’s important to act fast. A few scratching noises today can turn into chewed wires, ruined insulation, or a squirrel colony in the attic tomorrow. Professional rodent control removes the infestation and stops it from coming back.

At Home Paramount Pest Control, we’ve been protecting families since 1939. Our certified technicians don’t just set traps. We find entry points, customize treatment plans, and offer greener solutions when possible. With same-day service, emergency availability, and free inspections, we make it easy to take back your home.

Protect your family, your wiring, and your home’s comfort. Schedule your free inspection with Home Paramount Pest Control and keep rodents out for good.