Scratching and scurrying in the attic after dark

Why it will not stop on its own

They come from above. Roof rats climb. A branch over the roof, a palm against the eaves or a utility line gives them a route to a gap at the roof line or soffit.

The yard feeds them. Fruit trees, palms and dense shrubs give food and cover. Older yards in Gotha, Ocoee and Dr. Phillips, with thirty years of growth, offer plenty of both.

Traps alone do not close the door. As long as the entry is open, new rats replace the ones removed.

What the visit involves

An attic inspection for droppings, rub marks, gnawed wiring or ductwork and nesting, then a walk around the house to find the entry points. The plan should cover sealing those points, removing the rats inside, and trimming what gives them access. Rat and mouse control

What to say when you call

• When you hear the noise — night or day
• Which part of the house
• What grows near the roof: palms, oaks, fruit trees
• Whether you have found droppings, and where

Common questions

Could it be squirrels? Squirrels are active in daylight. Noise that starts after dark points to rats.

Could it be something bigger? Heavy thumps or noises from raccoons or opossums are a wildlife matter, handled by a different kind of service.

Is it a health issue? Rodent droppings and nesting material should not be handled bare-handed. Leave the cleanup to the visit or ask how to do it safely.