House

One important thing about being a homeowner is to be aware of who or what is inside your house. This could mean in your basement or attic which are both common places to find pests hiding out. Most of the time you'll find them scurrying or flying around in the autumn when they're trying to find a place to stay for the winter. All of these pests can range from your furry friends that you see outside in the yard to just flat-out annoying insects that do nothing to contribute to society. Some you're probably more likely to find than others, but we can't rule them out. Here are 11 pests you may find in your home and how to get rid of them! 1. Termites Wikimedia Commons Termites love old, rotting wood, meaning that your attic is the perfect spot for them to feast. Diatomaceous earth and boric acid are two natural solutions in addition to any chemical product to handle a termite extermination on your own, otherwise, you will need to call in a professional to have them removed. 2. Raccoons Wikimedia Commons Your attic may be the perfect safe haven for a female raccoon to give birth to a litter, meaning even more raccoons. You might even find them in your garbage can outside! In these kinds of situations, you are better off calling a professional to handle it. 3. Cluster Flies Gilles Gonthier / Flickr Cluster flies are very annoying and exactly what they sound like; a cluster of flies that make their home in your walls or attic. They aren't vicious, they typically are just looking for a place to hang out during the winter, but it's best to also let a professional know about the infestation and have it handled before wintertime sets in. 4. Squirrels Wikipedia You'll be able to hear squirrels when they're in your house. You'll just know. You'll be able to hear rustling in the walls and ceiling. They also make noises when they're nervous or feel threatened. You may seal your entryways to prevent any more from entering your attic and evict them with traps or call pest-control. 5. Bees maxpixel You'll likely witness a bee or five flying to and from its nest which will be the first clue that you may have a bee problem on your hands. First, identify if its actually a bee or if it's a wasp or hornet. Beekeepers will professionally remove the bees from your home without harming them, while pest-control will make sure nasty wasps and hornets are gone for good. 6. Roof rats Wikimedia Commons You'll know that roof rats have invaded your attic because you'll notice their droppings, chewed up insulation and chewed up wires and cardboard. Similar to squirrels, just seal up those entryways and use traditional traps to catch them, then evict them. Chemicals may be another option, but chances are they will run off, die, and you won't be able to find them. You may also just call pest-control. Read more on possible pests in your attic and how to get rid of them on the NEXT page... 7. Snakes Wikimedia Commons Snakes are good at climbing and can fit into tiny holes, which means, yes, you may find them in your home and in your attic. The snakes you might find in your attic, thankfully, aren't venomous! Snakes typically seek shelter in order to lay eggs or shed skin. It's definitely not a good idea to kill the snake yourself, so be sure to call a professional to handle the removal. 8. Birds pexels If you have any kind of damaged vent or other area of your house, most birds see that as an invitation to build their nest there and start a family. They may not be super bothersome, but they can cause a lot of damage to the area they're inhabiting with their droppings and the food that they leave which attracts breed flies and carpet beetles. Be sure to call pest-control to handle the removal of the birds and repair the points of entry. 9. Bats Wikimedia Commons While bats may be cool to look at in the night sky, they're definitely not cool to see in your own attic. Your attic is basically just a drier cave for them and they will absolutely take advantage if the opportunity is there. If left unchecked, a bat infestation can cause a huge problem. So, if you suspect you may have a bat issue going on in your attic, be sure to call a professional. 10. Mice Public Domain Pictures Similar to the roof rat, mice will use your attic for their nesting area and will chew on your cardboard boxes and insulation. You may set up traps and get rid of them yourself or call pest-control to help remove them. 11. Silverfish Wikimedia Commons You've probably spotted these weird-looking critters in your basement or bathroom. They can also be found in your attic, usually from transporting boxes from the basement to your attic or other parts of the house. Traps or insecticides can help you out, but in the event of a full infestation, you'll need an exterminator. Please SHARE this article and spread awareness about the pests possibly hiding in your attic!

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