Restoravet Wildlife & Property Response

Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds above your head can be unnerving. In Central Texas, it often means a raccoon, squirrel, rat, or other critter has found its way into your attic. Acting quickly—and safely—can protect your family, your pets, and your home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do, what not to do, and when to call a professional.

### Step 1: Stay calm and pay attention to timing

Note **when** you hear the noise:
– **Mostly at night:** Often raccoons or rats.
– **Early morning and late afternoon:** Often squirrels.
– **Constant light scratching:** Could be smaller rodents like mice or rats.

Write down:
– Time of day
– Where you hear it (above a bedroom, near a wall, etc.)
– How often it happens

This information helps us identify the likely species and the best trapping approach.

### Step 2: Do a quick exterior check (from the ground)

Walk around your home and look for:
– Damaged or lifted shingles
– Gaps around rooflines and soffits
– Open vents or missing vent covers
– Chewed or damaged fascia boards

Use binoculars if you have them. **Do not** climb onto the roof—falls are a much bigger risk than most wildlife.

### Step 3: Avoid these common DIY mistakes

When you’re worried about your home, it’s easy to react quickly. Here’s what we recommend **not** doing:

– **Don’t seal entry points immediately.**
If an animal is still inside, you can trap it in your attic—or separate a mother from her young, which often makes the situation worse.

– **Don’t use poison.**
Poisoned animals often die inside walls or insulation, causing odor, flies, and possible health concerns. It can also harm pets or non‑target wildlife.

– **Don’t approach animals directly.**
Cornered wildlife may scratch or bite. Some species in Texas can carry rabies or other diseases.

### Step 4: Protect your family and pets

– Keep children and pets away from areas where you hear the most noise.
– Avoid opening attic access panels until a professional has inspected the area.
– If you see an animal inside your living space (not just the attic), close the door to that room if safe, and call a professional immediately.

### Step 5: Call a humane wildlife professional

A professional inspection typically includes:
– Identifying the species and entry points
– Checking for nests, babies, or droppings
– Explaining a step‑by‑step removal and exclusion plan
– Providing a quote for removal and cleanup

At Restoravet Wildlife & Property Response, we:
– Use **humane trapping and removal methods**
– Look for **all** active and potential entry points
– Offer **cleanup and sanitation** options if your insulation or surfaces have been contaminated

### Step 6: Plan for cleanup and prevention

Even after removal, there may be:
– Droppings and urine in insulation or on surfaces
– Chewed wires or damaged ductwork
– Odors that can attract new animals

Professional cleanup may include:
– Safe removal of contaminated insulation or debris
– Disinfection of affected areas
– Recommendations for repairs or exclusions to prevent re‑entry

### When to treat it as an emergency

Call immediately if:
– You see an animal inside your living space
– You suspect a bat, skunk, or raccoon may have contacted a person or pet
– You smell a strong, sudden odor (could indicate a dead animal)

**If you’re hearing scratching or scurrying in your attic around Killeen or Central Texas, we can inspect, humanely remove the animals, and help restore your attic so it’s safe and clean again.**