Common Attic Invaders in North Georgia (Rodents)

Your attic can be an inviting space for various pests seeking shelter, warmth, and food. Among the most common invaders are rodents, the grey squirrels, flying squirrels, rats, and mice. While they might seem similar at a glance, these creatures have distinct characteristics and behaviors. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective pest control.

Grey Squirrels

Identification: Grey squirrels are medium-sized rodents with bushy tails, typically grey with some variation in fur color. They have large, bright eyes and strong hind legs for climbing and jumping.

Behavior in Attics: Grey squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. In attics, they build nests using materials such as insulation, leaves, and twigs. They are known to chew on electrical wires and wooden structures, which can pose fire hazards and structural damage. Since they are larger and tend to ‘hop’ around and are larger than the other rodents, they typically flatten out larger areas of insulation.

Signs of Infestation:

• Noises during daylight hours, especially early morning and late afternoon.
• Chewed entry points and nesting materials scattered around.
• Droppings similar to small pellets.

Flying Squirrels

Identification: Flying squirrels are smaller than grey squirrels, with a distinctive patagium—a membrane that stretches from wrist to ankle, allowing them to glide between trees. They have large eyes adapted for nocturnal vision.

Behavior in Attics: Flying squirrels are nocturnal and more elusive. They prefer attics for nesting, especially during colder months. They tend to create multiple nests, known as dreys, out of soft materials like insulation.

Signs of Infestation:

• Noises during the night, particularly a soft, thumping sound.
• Small droppings, often mistaken for mouse droppings but usually found in clusters.
• Sightings of gliding from trees to the roof at dusk or dawn.

Rats

Identification: Rats are larger than mice with long tails, pointy noses, and coarse fur. The two most common types are the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are larger and more robust, while roof rats are sleeker with longer tails.

Behavior in Attics: Rats are nocturnal and highly adaptable. Roof rats are excellent climbers and are more likely to invade attics. They create nests from soft materials and are notorious for gnawing on wires, insulation, and wood. They reproduce rapidly, with one mating pair leading to dozens in just a few months.

Signs of Infestation:

• Scratching or scampering noises at night.
• Droppings that are larger than mouse droppings, typically spindle-shaped.
• Grease (sebum) marks along walls and entry points, due to their oily fur.

Mice

Identification: Mice are small rodents with large ears, pointed noses, and long tails. The house mouse is the most common type found in homes.

Behavior in Attics: Mice are also nocturnal and seek out warm, secluded areas like attics for nesting. They also reproduce rapidly, leading to large infestations if not controlled. They nest using materials like insulation and are known to chew on wires and structural components.

Signs of Infestation:

• Scratching noises at night.
• Small, dark droppings that resemble rice grains.
• Gnaw marks and small holes near entry points.
• Shredded nesting materials.

Mouse, Rat, and Squirrel Trapping Areas –

Alpharetta, Big Canoe, Buford, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Duluth, Ellijay, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee