Throughout the year we always share information about how pests get into homes and offer homeowners tips on how to prevent pests from infesting but we’ve not really discussed how pests access attics. In today’s blog post, we’re correcting that oversight. If you’re hearing scurrying in your walls, have found droppings in the attic, or noticed other signs that the top level of your home is being occupied by more than your family, read on.
How do pests get into the attic?
The truth is there are several ways insects and rodents can get into the attic, perhaps the simplest explanation is that you carried them in there in a box marked for storage. It’s also likely they made their way into your home through an opening on the ground level and then climbed up. You cannot rule out the possibility that pests actually used an opening somewhere along your roof either.
Your roof could be quite vulnerable to pests
Let’s face it, the weather in New Jersey doesn’t always cooperate with our desire to keep our roofing systems in pristine condition. Rain, snow, ice, wind- all the not-so-nice weather elements can compromise the integrity of roofs. Damaged or missing shingles, missing pieces of soffit or fascia, broken gabled vents, and cracked windows as well as damaged gutters all provide openings for pests to enter or they directly or indirectly result in holes that both insects and rodents use to sneak inside.
Once inside, what kind of damage do pests cause in the attic?
From their perspective, attics are the ideal environment for insects and rodents. They’re warm, not likely to be visited too often by people, and they’re fairly close to food sources. Unfortunately, when pests infest attics, the following types of damage often occur:
- Rodents chew on and through electrical wires, potentially creating fire hazards
- Mice and rats contaminate/damage attic insulation with their urine and feces and by tearing it up for nesting purposes
- Termites damage wood by consuming it
- Carpenter ants damage wood by creating galleries for nesting
- Insects and rodents damage personal stored belongings by infesting, nesting, chewing, and contaminating with urine and droppings
What’s more, pests may cause even greater damage to your actual roofing system when left unchecked.
How to keep pests out
As we mention often, you must seal up every single crack, gap, and opening on the exterior of your home. This includes the roof. We realize it’s not quite as easy to spot problems high up but it’s important to inspect it all the same. Here are a few must-do’s:
- Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure there aren’t any clogs and that water is being diverted away from the house
- Replace missing shingles
- Repair holes
- Replace broken glass and replace window frames that have been damaged by moisture
- You may even consider replacing the whole roof if you notice sagging or other major problems
For ground-level pest prevention tips click here.
Pest infestations in the attic can lead to health risks for your family
Even when pests are contained to the attic, there’s the chance your family’s health could be compromised. Insects and rodents introduce bacteria and germs into homes and they can even be the trigger for allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
What to do if your attic (or home) has been infested by insects and rodents
If you’re concerned that your attic has become ground zero for a pest problem, our five-star pest control pros are ready to help. Providing effective pest control services in Montvale, Livingston, and Rumson as well as throughout several New Jersey counties since 1973, the locally owned and family-operated Arrow Pest Control team has the tools, knowledge, and experience to get rid of pests, no matter what’s bugging you! Check out our home pest control plans and pricing below for more information or give us a call to discuss your pest problem.
