We know that the last thing you want is annoying pests making your house their home. Pests forage for food, make nests, and keep you up at night. That said, it's important to be aware of local pests, and to know what you can do to discourage them from taking up residence in your home or attic. Let's take a look at the most common critters in Georgia and why they're trouble.
Raccoons: Raccoons are smart, relatively fearless, and are often drawn to food or water. Fortunately, because they are larger pests, they can't easily squeeze through cracks or holes. However, you may find them living under your deck or in your basement if they find a way inside. Not only are raccoons noisy, they can also cause property damage. Keep your windows closed at night, clean up trash, and close any entrances to your crawlspaces to prevent raccoon problems.
Squirrels: While you may not associate squirrels with house problems, they are a surprisingly common nuisance (especially in the Atlanta area). Squirrels tend to be particularly inquisitive. They cannot resist reaching new areas. If they find their way through attic vents or roof openings, they may start feeding or nesting inside your home. This can do damage to both wood and wiring. Call in a professional exterminator before the damage becomes costly!
Rats: While many people think of rats as just one annoying species, there are actually several kinds of rats that can plague your home. Some include the House Mouse, the Roof Rat, and the Norway Rat. Rats excel at burrowing through walls, digging through trash, and gnawing on anything they can find. It may be difficult to tell rats and squirrels apart, so if you hear rustling or see signs of nests and damage in your attic, call in a professional. It's also a good idea to examine your insulation for obvious gaps and holes—as these spaces may be how they're getting inside.
Woodpeckers: Here's one pest that may do more harm outside your home than inside. Woodpeckers (especially in mating season) are attracted to chimneys, vents, and eaves. They are unlikely to do too much damage to solid wood or metal. However, they make a lot of noise and can create a mess. Ask your roofing contractor about ways to discourage woodpeckers if they're becoming a problem for your household.
Bats: Bats are actually one of the least destructive pests on the list - they even help keep insects down. However, you probably aren't excited about finding acidic guano in your attic. If it looks like bats are starting to set up camp in your home, call an exterminator to find out how to best deal with the situation.
Remember, if you see any signs of unexplained damage or pest problems (droppings, nests, strange noises, and so on), don't hesitate to call a professional out for an inspection! Make sure you don't delay the process—as time typically makes the problem worse.
