Your Home Can Look Like the Perfect Shelter to Rodents and Wildlife
South Louisiana gives wildlife plenty of natural habitat, but residential neighborhoods also provide animals with food, water, and protected places to escape weather and predators.
Attics, garages, crawlspaces, soffits, rooflines, sheds, and spaces beneath structures can all become attractive shelter.
Rodents may squeeze through small construction gaps. Larger nuisance animals may take advantage of damaged vents, loose soffits, roof openings, gaps around fascia, or other vulnerable areas.
Homeowners often notice the evidence before they ever see the animal.
Common warning signs include:
- Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds
- Activity in the attic at night
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Torn or disturbed insulation
- Nesting material
- Food or pet-food damage
- Unusual odors
- Damaged vents or screens
- Openings around the roofline
- Tracks around the property
- Sounds coming from walls or ceilings
The important question is not simply, “What animal did I see?”
It is also:
How did it get inside, what damage has it caused, and what keeps another animal from using the same opening tomorrow?
Dave’s & Kevin’s has been serving Lafayette and surrounding Acadiana communities since 1962, giving our team decades of experience with the pest and wildlife problems that affect South Louisiana homes.
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Tell us what you’re dealing with and a member of the Dave’s and Kevin’s team will help you determine the right solution for your home.
More Than Rodent Removal — We Look at the Entire Property
Rodent and wildlife problems often involve entry points, nesting areas, food sources, structural conditions, and exterior activity. Our goal is to understand how the animal is using the property and help homeowners address the problem beyond the immediate sighting.
How We Handle Rodent & Wildlife Problems
Inspect the Property
We start with the areas where activity has been reported.
That may mean checking the attic, garage, crawlspace, storage areas, exterior walls, roofline, or other accessible areas for signs of animal activity.
Droppings, tracks, gnaw marks, nesting material, rub marks, damaged insulation, and other evidence can help identify what is happening.
Determine What Is Using the Structure
Different animals behave differently.
A rat moving through an attic may leave very different evidence from a squirrel entering near a roofline or a larger nuisance animal using an exterior opening.
Correct identification helps determine the right control strategy.
Find Possible Entry Points
Getting the animal out is only one part of the problem. We look for areas around the structure that may be allowing rodents or wildlife to enter.
Common problem areas can include:
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Crawlspace access points
- Soffits and fascia
- Attic vents
- Foundation gaps
- Gaps around siding
- Utility penetrations
- Damaged screens
- Openings around plumbing or wiring
- Areas damaged by previous animal activity
- Garage doors
Some openings are obvious. Others can be surprisingly difficult to see from ground level.
Develop the Right Control Strategy
The proper solution depends on the animal, the location, and how the property is being used.
Rodent activity inside a garage may require a different approach than squirrels entering an attic or wildlife repeatedly accessing an exterior structure.
Once we understand the situation, we can explain the available options and what needs to happen next.
Help Reduce Future Entry
Long-term control means thinking beyond the animal that is currently inside.
Whenever practical, vulnerable openings and contributing conditions should be addressed so another rodent or wildlife animal does not simply take its place.
We may also recommend changes around the property that can make the home less attractive to future activity.
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Rats, Mice and Wildlife Can Cause More Than Noise in the Attic
A lot of animal problems begin with a sound.
You hear scratching overhead after the house gets quiet.
Something runs across the attic.
You hear movement inside a wall.
For several nights, you wonder whether you are imagining it.
Then you find the droppings.
Or damaged insulation.
Or food that has been chewed.
Or an opening near the roof that was not there before.
Animals inside a structure can create several different concerns.
Rodents may gnaw on building materials and stored items. Animals moving through attics can disturb insulation. Nesting can contaminate areas with droppings and urine. Larger animals may damage vents, screens, roofing components, or trim when attempting to gain access.
And once a suitable entry point exists, the structure may continue attracting animals.
That is why Dave’s & Kevin’s does not look at the animal as an isolated problem.
We want to understand the activity, entry point, surrounding conditions, and structure itself.
Rodents
Rats and mice are especially good at taking advantage of small openings.
Once inside, they may travel through:
- Attics
- Wall voids
- Garages
- Kitchens
- Storage areas
- Utility spaces
- Crawlspaces
Rodents are also highly adaptable.
Pet food, bird seed, garbage, stored food, clutter, standing water, and sheltered nesting locations can all help sustain activity around a home.
Squirrels and Other Attic Wildlife
Squirrels and other nuisance animals may gain access around roofs, attic vents, soffits, fascia, or damaged areas along the exterior.
Once inside, an attic can provide exactly what they are looking for:
Dry shelter.
Protection from weather.
Nesting space.
A place away from predators.
Homeowners may hear activity most clearly in the morning, during the day, or at night depending on the animal involved.
Raccoons and Larger Wildlife
Larger wildlife can be especially destructive when attempting to gain access to a protected space.
A loose vent, damaged soffit, vulnerable roof edge, chimney area, or opening beneath a structure may provide an opportunity.
If a larger animal is involved, simply blocking an opening without understanding the situation can make the problem worse.
The animal may still be inside, and young may sometimes be present.
That is why inspection should come before assumptions.
Conditions Around the Property Can Contribute to Wildlife Activity
Sometimes the home itself is only part of the story.
Animals may be attracted by conditions surrounding the structure, including:
- Open garbage containers
- Pet food left outdoors
- Bird feeders
- Fallen fruit
- Compost
- Dense landscaping
- Trees touching or overhanging the roof
- Accessible sheds
- Open crawlspaces
- Standing water
- Wood piles
- Cluttered storage areas
Not every property needs major changes.
But removing easy food sources and reducing accessible shelter can make a meaningful difference.
Wildlife Control Is Different From Traditional Insect Control
Ants, roaches, spiders, and other insects are often managed primarily through pest treatments.
Wildlife problems frequently involve behavior and access.
Where is the animal traveling?
Where is it nesting?
How did it get inside?
Is there another opening nearby?
Can the structure be protected after the animal is gone?
Those questions are just as important as the removal itself.
That is why a rodent and wildlife inspection should look at both the animal and the building.
Why Choose Dave’s
and Kevin’s
Local Pest Control You Can Count On
Dave’s and Kevin’s has been taking care of homes throughout Lafayette and Acadiana for more than 60 years. We’re still a local, family-owned company, and we believe good pest control starts with showing up, knowing what you’re doing, and treating customers right.
Local & Family Owned
We’re part of the communities we serve and take pride in providing the kind of service we’d want for our own homes.
Serving Acadiana Since 1962
We’ve been solving pest problems in South Louisiana for generations.
Board Certified Entomologist
Our team has professional expertise in insect identification, behavior, and pest management.
Integrated Pest Management
We look at what’s causing the problem and use that information to determine the right way to treat it.
Fully Trained & Licensed Technicians
Your service is performed by professionals trained to properly inspect, identify, and treat pest problems.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
We stand behind our pest control service and want you to be happy with the work we perform.
Free Consultations & Estimates
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Give us a call and we’ll help you figure out the next step.
Local & Family Owned
We’re part of the communities we serve and take pride in providing the kind of service we’d want for our own homes.
Serving Acadiana Since 1962
We’ve been solving pest problems in South Louisiana for generations.
Board Certified Entomologist
Our team has professional expertise in insect identification, behavior, and pest management.
Integrated Pest Management
We look at what’s causing the problem and use that information to determine the right way to treat it.
Fully Trained & Licensed Technicians
Your service is performed by professionals trained to properly inspect, identify, and treat pest problems.
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
We stand behind our pest control service and want you to be happy with the work we perform.
Free Consultations & Estimates
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Give us a call and we’ll help you figure out the next step.
Rodent & Wildlife Control Throughout Lafayette & Acadiana
Rodent & Wildlife Control Throughout Lafayette & Acadiana
Dave’s & Kevin’s helps homeowners throughout Lafayette and surrounding South Louisiana communities with rats, mice, attic activity, and nuisance wildlife problems affecting residential properties.
Additional surrounding communities within our service territory are also available.
Your Local Pest Control Company Since 1962
More than six decades in business doesn’t happen without taking care of customers. See what homeowners throughout Lafayette and Acadiana have to say about their experience with Dave’s and Kevin’s Pest Control.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rodent & Wildlife Control
What is making noise in my attic?
Several types of animals can create scratching, running, or thumping sounds in attics.
The time of day, location of the noise, droppings, damage, nesting material, and other evidence can all help determine what may be present.
An inspection is much more reliable than identifying an animal by sound alone.
How do rats and mice get into houses?
Rodents can take advantage of very small structural openings.
Common entry areas include utility penetrations, garage doors, gaps around the foundation, roof connections, vents, siding, crawlspaces, and openings around pipes or wiring.
What kinds of wildlife get into attics?
The answer varies by location and property, but squirrels, rodents, and other nuisance animals may use attics when accessible openings provide shelter.
The important first step is determining what animal is actually present before developing the control plan.
Why are squirrels getting into my attic?
Attics provide dry, protected shelter and can be especially attractive when trees, rooflines, vents, soffits, or other structural features make them easy to access.
What attracts rats and mice to a property?
Rodents are looking for food, water, and shelter.
Garbage, pet food, bird seed, stored food, clutter, vegetation, standing water, garages, sheds, and structural openings can all contribute.
Can rodents damage my home?
Yes.
Rodents may gnaw building materials, disturb insulation, damage stored belongings, contaminate areas, and create additional maintenance concerns.
Should I seal a hole as soon as I find it?
Not necessarily.
If an animal is already inside, sealing an opening without understanding the situation can potentially trap it within the structure.
It is generally better to identify the activity first and develop the correct sequence for control and exclusion.
What is wildlife exclusion?
Wildlife exclusion focuses on closing or correcting access points animals are using to enter a structure.
Removal addresses the animal that is there now.
Exclusion helps reduce the likelihood that another animal will use the same opening later.
Can trees make wildlife problems worse?
Trees and branches touching or extending near a roof can provide animals with easier access to parts of a home.
Trimming vegetation away from the structure can sometimes be an important preventive step.
What should I do if I hear animals inside my walls or attic?
Avoid immediately sealing openings or disturbing suspected nesting areas.
Contact a professional who can inspect the situation, identify the likely animal, and determine the appropriate next steps.
Something Moving Around Your Home?
You do not have to keep wondering what is scratching in the attic or how it got there.
Dave’s & Kevin’s can inspect the property, look for signs of rodent or wildlife activity, identify potential entry points, and help you determine the right course of action.
Schedule Your Rodent & Wildlife Inspection Today.
Serving Lafayette and Acadiana since 1962.