Five signs wildlife is living in your attic

Most attic wildlife problems start quietly. By the time a homeowner hears the noise, an animal has usually been coming and going for weeks.

Listen for scratching or rolling sounds at dawn and dusk. Squirrels are active in daylight, while raccoons and rats move at night.

Look for droppings near the attic hatch, matted or tunneled insulation, and greasy rub marks along framing. Outside, check the roofline, gable vents, and soffit returns for holes with chewed or bent edges.

A smell that will not clear usually means urine saturated insulation or a dead animal in a wall cavity. Both need professional handling.

Early inspection keeps a small entry point from turning into a full attic restoration.