Scratching in the Attic? Animal Removal in Gainesville & Alachua County

Scratching, scurrying, thumping or chirping overhead almost always means an animal has found a way into your attic. It isn’t a bug problem, and it usually doesn’t go away by itself. Premier handles attic animal removal for homes in Gainesville and across Alachua County. Here’s how to tell what you’re probably hearing and what to do about it.

Hearing it right now? Call 24/7 (352) 577-8229.

What the Noise Tells You

Night scratching and scurrying (rats, flying squirrels)

Light, quick scratching and running after dark is most often rats or flying squirrels. → Rat removal

Morning and evening activity (gray squirrels)

Noise mostly in the early morning and late afternoon or evening usually points to gray squirrels. → Squirrel removal

Heavy thumping and walking (raccoons, opossums)

Heavy footsteps, thumps or dragging sounds suggest a larger animal like a raccoon or opossum. → Raccoon removal

Chirping or fluttering at dusk (bats)

Faint chirping or fluttering around dusk, especially near gable vents or the roof edge, can be bats. → Bat removal

Common Attic Invaders in Alachua County

The animals we most often find in local attics are rats (mainly roof rats), squirrels, raccoons, bats and opossums. Each one gets in differently and needs a different removal method, so identifying the animal comes first. See also top squirrel entry points and 5 signs bats are hiding in your attic.

Health, Damage & Fire Risks

• Droppings and urine soil insulation and cause odors. Raccoon latrines carry a roundworm risk.
• Chewed wiring from rats and squirrels is a fire risk. → How rodents can cause electrical fires
• Torn vents, soffits and ductwork let more animals and weather in.
• Dead animals in walls or the attic cause strong odors.

Our Attic Removal Process

1. Inspect the attic and roofline to identify the animal, entry points and damage.
2. Remove the animal with humane, FWC-compliant methods suited to the species, checking for young.
3. Seal every entry point.
4. Clean up and repair damage.

Hearing it right now? Call 24/7 (352) 577-8229.

Sealing Entry Points

Common attic entry points include soffits, roof returns, gable and roof vents, and AC chases. If they aren’t sealed, another animal will move in. → Wildlife exclusion

For rat and mouse problems: lifetime warranty available on rodent exclusion services when you get a full exclusion and sign up for recurring pest control service.

Attic Cleanup & Insulation

After the animals are out, we remove droppings and soiled insulation and replace it where needed. · Rats in the attic

FAQ

What animal makes scratching noises in the attic at night?

Most often rats or flying squirrels. Heavier thumping at night may be a raccoon or opossum.

Can I just set a trap myself?

Trapping alone doesn’t seal the entry points, and some species have legal rules about how they can be handled. Mistakes can also leave babies behind. See the dangers of DIY wildlife removal.

Are baby animals in my attic?

It’s possible, especially for squirrels, raccoons and bats at certain times of year. We check for young as part of every removal.

Will the animal leave on its own?

Rarely for good. Even if it leaves for a while, the entry point is still open.

Is it dangerous to go into the attic?

It can be. Droppings can carry disease, and a cornered animal can bite. We recommend leaving it to us.

How much does attic animal removal cost?

It depends on the job: the animal, the number of entry points and the cleanup. Call (352) 577-8229 for a quote.

Hearing it right now? Call 24/7 (352) 577-8229. · Emergency wildlife removal