Critters in attic

[Scoot]

I've got a friend who is hearing "critters" in her attic. She peaked up in the attic the other day and found a bunch of insulation pealed back and rocks placed together in a sort of a nest. The rocks are about 1" to 1 1/2" diameter, so they're not tiny. Any idea what kind of critter she's dealing with?

[Heartman]

Sounds like a mother-in-law to me...yup, that's what it sounds like...

[jeffreyd]

shave one side and set fire to the other, oh wait wrong critters. well sounds like it is time to call an exterminator out rather than guessing. here is az, in the winter and spring we get roof rats from all the orange trees. they will take up residence in your attic and they are nearly impossible to get rid of. they will climb in sewer vents any thing to get inside, i would not mess around, last thing i want is another family living in my house.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Are there droppings anywhere in the area? This will let ya know a little better what critters you're dealing with.

Big and smelly? Coons. Tiny and kinda off round? Rats or squirrels. Look like M&M's? Maybe opossums. Splatterd all over the place? Larger raptor type birds. I once had a Hawk move into my attic.

[Scoot]

well sounds like it is time to call an exterminator out rather than guessing.

She had an exterminator come out and look, but that was before the insulation came down and the rocks showed up. The exterminator said that the noises she was hearing was simply the wind.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I had grey squirrels in the attic, and finally got rid of the raccoons in the chimney! I know have 1/2" steel mesh over all the vents in the roof and metal roof vents and a much stronger/better quality chimney cap. Its amazing what they can get into when they want to!

[Chef]

Squirrles have a tendancy to gather more than nuts in the Fall. The rocks might just be a way for the critter in question to ply his trade.

I get Red Squirrels in my walls and attic in the fall. Our home is over 102 yrs. old, so it's nearly impossible to keep them out of our foundation. I set live traps in the attic with peanut butter and I have been known to plink a few I see scrambling around on my roof

[Surface Tension]

Rock nest you say?

Question is how did it get up there ?

Sure your not nuts, err I mean what you think are rocks are nuts?

[Walleye Guy]

Definitely Vampire bats.

[jeffreyd]

is there an open season in the attic? not sure i would pop off my nova 12 gauge in the attic but heck might get a meal depending on what it is

[Scoot]

Vampire bats, penguins-- I suppose you're both right and it's vampire penguins!

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts. I can't really answer any questions- I haven't seen it yet.

[irvingdog]

Raccoons "pack-rat" from time to time. That could explain the stones. Either way, to get rid of them, first you need to drive them out. I suggest bright light and sound. The two things they are trying to avoid. A lamp and radio will work nicely, although you may want to do this step over a weekend when you're not in town. After a few days, seal up the holes. Don't seal the buggers in your attic. Make sure they are gone by annoying the carp out of them for a few days first.

It works. No stink bombs, no mess, no expense.

[Ed Carlson]

Oh man..that's bad.....the much dreaded...Vampire Attic Penguins...there the worst....they suck Eh!

Lets hope they don't have Happy Feet too.

I recommend you strategically place short fat mirrors up there, they don't like short fat mirrors....and garlic soaked sardines...that will get them.

[Scoot]

Where do you come up with this stuff, Ed?

[Ed Carlson]

LOL!

I can't help myself Scoot.

LOL!

That was too good to pass up.