MARIETTA, Ga. — Metro Atlanta residents are seeing a surge in pests getting into their homes to escape the cold! Local pest control companies said squirrels and rats are taking over attics and crawl spaces.
Experts said you should check your attic for signs of critters: droppings, urine odor, and damage to Christmas decorations can indicate the presence of mice, rats, or even squirrels.
Monitor Pest Control owner Dan Rustin said there's a reason why wildlife could make your home their own this winter.
“Typically, it's not going to be a food problem. It's going to be a cold problem," Rustin said.
However, Rustin said you can take steps to keep critters out of your home.
“If you’ve got any opening where pipes come into the house, seal those up," Rustin said.
Seal up any vents, and make sure critters can't get into your home through the chimney.
“The chimney, for example, may have a hole next to where it attaches to the house," Rustin said. "Most homeowners are not going to go to that kind of trouble or know what to do to do a proper job controlling infestation."
Rustin said squirrels, in particular, like hiding in your attic.
“We will put a secluded tunnel on the outside of the house, meaning that it's a tunnel that a squirrel can get out, but it can't get in," Rustin said.
About 21 million homes are invaded by rodents each winter-- 45% of all infestations happen in the fall and winter, according to pestworld.org. The site also reports 50% of critters come into your kitchen and 24% in the attic.
Being prepared can help prevent uninvited guests from causing even bigger problems.
“Squirrels will chew wires, which could cause fires and just tear up your attic, and then they’re going to start having babies," Rustin said.
The Environmental Protection Agency reports when choosing your pest control company, ask if the person performing the services is a certified, licensed technician, and get several estimates. Most businesses provide an estimate free of charge.