6 Pests That Might Be Living In Your Attic

It’s easy to ignore your attic when the majority of the time, you don’t use it for more than storing holiday decorations and old boxes. Unfortunately, an attic also makes a perfect place for pests to make their nests. Since attics are dark and have minimal foot traffic, pests know that they can make a nest and not have it removed by humans or a pest control technician. Whether it’s unwanted mice or an ant infestation, your attic has a high potential for infestations.

In this article, the household pest experts at Lookout Pest Control will tell you the six pests you’re most likely to find in your attic, and what you can do about them.

6 Most Common Attic Pests

1. Termites

Termites can be hidden killers. They are never satisfied and always find something to feast on. These pests eat 24/7, which is why they are able to do so much severe damage. Your attic is an ideal place for termites to feed off boxes, wood, or anything else they can find. Eliminating a termite infestation can save your home from literally getting eaten away. 

In the Southeastern United States, you’re most likely to find Eastern Subterranean termites and Formosan termites. Signs of termites include bulges in paint or wallpaper, holes in wood furniture and boxes, and wings in light sources. If you suspect a termite infestation, call the termite control experts at Lookout Pest Control ASAP.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are some of the most common household pests found throughout the world. They prefer to live in small spaces close to food and water. Cockroaches often find their way indoors via bags, boxes, or secondhand appliances. Although they’re commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, roach infestations can also be found in attics. 

Cockroaches can contaminate food and spread bacteria and human pathogens. To prevent the infestation of cockroaches in your home, be sure to take these preventative steps this winter:

• Dispose of Unwanted Clutter
• Clean Dishes
• Eliminate Water Source
• Seal Your House
• Vacuum Regularly
• Store Pet Food
• Clean Around Appliances

3. Spiders

There are more than 35,000 known spider species in the world, with only about 3,500 of those appearing in the United States. In general, spiders are beneficial creatures, preying and feeding on flies, crickets, mites, and other household pests. Most are harmless to humans but still can be a nuisance. 

To prevent spiders from entering your home this season, be sure to follow these simple preventative steps:

• Keep a tidy home.
• Don’t leave food out that will attract other insects, in turn attracting spiders.
• Vacuum up spider webs on a regular basis.
• Seal up any cracks or entry points in your home.
• Keep up with landscaping. Don’t keep plants or vegetation directly against your home.

4. Ants

Ants are more of a nuisance than a threat, but they can still cause an infestation in your attic. If you find a few ants in your home or business, it’s a good idea to follow the path and find their point of entry. Using household sprays and over-the-counter products will typically only kill the visible ants and not the ones at the nest. The actual source of the ant infestation is most likely hidden somewhere within your home.

You should hire a professional pest service like Lookout Pest Control to remove your ant colony permanently. 

5. Mice

Winter is that time of the year when many pests make their way indoors to seek out shelter and warmth. Of those pests, mice are the most commonly encountered rodent in the United States during winter. 

House mice usually make a home in dark, secluded areas like attics and basements. These pests can cause serious property damage by chewing through walls and also wires that can then spark an electrical fire. Mice are also known to contaminate food and spread diseases, including Salmonella and tapeworms.

To avoid mice infesting your home this winter, follow these preventative steps:

• Seal Entrance Points
• Clean-Up
• Get A Pet

6. Centipedes

There are thousands of centipede species, but the most common one found in homes across the Southeastern United States is the house centipede. These bugs can have as many as 177 pairs of legs. They prefer dark, damp places, so attics or big closets make good homes and hiding spots. 

While you won’t find hundreds or thousands of centipedes in an infestation, they can still be a nuisance. It’s important to find them and eliminate them from your attic. Begin by putting out a simple trap for common household pests. If you find your traps filled with centipedes or other pests, give Lookout Pest Control a call today to set up a service appointment.

Call Lookout Pest Control for Attic Pest Control Today

Here at Lookout Pest Control, we combine the highest quality work with the best customer service available in the industry. We have been providing residential pest control services for nearly three decades, and we look forward to helping you protect your home.

If you are looking to keep your attic pest and wildlife-free this season, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today for a free estimate!