Lofts are an ideal hiding place for many pest species, as they are often undisturbed, dark, moist and have lots of loft insulation, which can be a useful nesting material. Also, gaps in your home’s exterior or loose tiles on your roof can offer easy entry points for many pests.
As pest control experts offering loft clearance and pest control services across Maidstone and Kent, Pest-Tech understands the danger of pests in the loft. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to common pests in lofts and how to deal with them.
Signs Of Pests In Lofts
The most common sign of pests in lofts is hearing noises, such as scratching, thumping, and scurrying, particularly at night.
Pest droppings can also leave behind a smell, so even if you can’t get into your loft space, see if you can smell them. If you can access your loft, look for droppings. Whether they’re liquid bird droppings or small, dark pellets from rodents, droppings indicate the presence of vermin.
Also, if you see physical pests in your home, but can’t find their nests, then this could indicate that they are living in your attic.
Issues Caused By Pest Infestations In Lofts
Pests in lofts might not seem like an issue, especially if you don’t use it as a living area. However, even if you hardly ever go into your attic, pests can still cause issues, including:
- Health Hazards: Many pests carry diseases, bacteria and harmful pathogens, and when they leave droppings, urine and other debris in your loft space these pathogens spread throughout your home.
- Property Damage: Pests can damage insulation, wooden beams and other parts of your loft space, as well as any old furniture and stored belongings kept in your loft.
- Structural Damage: As well as your property and stored items, vermin can cause structural damage to your roof and loft, especially if they make large entry points that let in water.
- Fire Hazards: If vermin such as mice and rats chew through electrical wires in your loft, then this could be a potential fire risk.
- Further Pest Infestations: Rodents and birds can spread other pests, such as ticks, worms, bird mites and fleas, which can spread throughout your home and to your pets.
Common Pests Found In Loft Spaces
Most pests can find their way into lofts, but some of the most common species found in attic spaces in the UK include:
Rats
If you hear loud noises in your loft, particularly at night, then this could indicate the presence of rats. Rats are neophobic, meaning they’re scared of new objects. So, DIY rat control methods can make the problem worse rather than better. If you notice gnawing sounds in your loft, chew marks or pellet-shaped droppings, get professional rat control that will remove rats first time around.
Mice
Similar to rats, mice often like lofts as they are quiet and comfortable. Also, because heat rises, attics are warm, and can be ideal for mice and rats. While mice are slightly braver than rats and smaller, they can still be highly destructive. Rats, mice and squirrels all have front teeth that never stop growing, so they need to chew regularly to keep their teeth short. As soon as you see signs of mice or any other rodents in your loft or home, book expert mouse control.
Squirrels
Grey squirrels, often climb over tree branches to enter your roof space in search of shelter and soft nesting materials. These agile climbers can dislodge roof tiles, chew beams and damage loft insulation, making them a very destructive pest in your loft space. It’s important that you get rid of squirrels humanely and safely, as they can become vicious when cornered, so book professional squirrel control to protect your property from squirrels in your attic.
Wasps
Wasp nests are often found in attics, as it’s a warm, dry space. Roof beams are ideal for building nests in between. Wasps only use their nest once, but may return to the same loft in the future. Also, empty wasp nests can be taken over by other insect pests, so it’s important that you get rid of them and seal entry points to stop future issues. Wasps can cause painful stings and even allergic reactions, so it’s important that you use the right personal protective equipment when removing nests. The best way to get rid of a wasp nest is to hire a professional pest control company to carry out wasp nest removal.
Bees
Bees, particularly honey bees, often build nests in attics or chimneys. Unlike wasps, many species of bee use the same nest every year, and this means that they can cause lasting issues. Bee nests can leave behind sticky honey that can seep through your cavity walls and cause structural damage. Also, bees might seem less dangerous than wasps, as they can only sting once before dying, but bees will sting if they feel the need, and these can be painful and irritating. To remove bees and relocate them safely, get expert bee removal from Pest-Tech.
Flies
Flies, particularly cluster flies, like to congregate in large numbers in your loft. Because they eat decaying organic matter, flies can contaminate surfaces throughout your home, spreading diseases, so it’s important that you remove flies quickly. Fly control services can get rid of flies and protect your property from future infestations.
Birds
Birds, such as pigeons, might gain access to your loft space, especially through existing entry points such as missing roof tiles and broken fascias. Bird droppings carry harmful bacteria, meaning they can be a major health risk for families. Birds are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so it’s important that you get qualified technicians like the team at Pest-Tech to carry out pigeon control and get rid of these unwelcome guests.
How To Get Rid Of Pests In Lofts
If you notice any of these common vermin or other pests in your loft, you need professional help to get rid of them. Pest-Tech has the skills and expertise needed to eradicate any pest problem in your loft space. Our team can also carry out pest proofing to ensure vermin can’t return, and full loft clearance to ensure your attic is ready for use again.
Pest infestations in lofts can cause significant damage and pose health risks for you and your family, so you need to make sure you get rid of the vermin as soon as possible. DIY pest control is often ineffective and can cause further issues.
As RSPH level 2 certified pest controllers, our team have access to effective methods to remove pests, and then clean away the debris. Our team can also prevent future infestations and reduce the need for costly repairs with pest proofing.
For fast, effective pest control and loft clearance for your loft, contact us on 01892 871 008 or by emailing office@nightshiftpestcontrol.co.uk and an experienced pest control professional will be happy to help.