How do I know if I have mice or rats in my house?
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, greasy rub marks, and nests. Listen for scratching at night. Mouse droppings are small like rice grains. Rat droppings are larger. A provider can confirm the animal.
Rodents and wildlife move into homes for warmth, food, and shelter. Mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, and bats can all find a way in. Once inside, they chew wires, tear up insulation, and leave droppings behind.
Refugeesbasic Pest Control is a referral service. We do not do the removal. We connect you with independent providers in our network who serve the Conyers area. A provider can find the entry points, remove the animals in a lawful way, and help you seal the gaps. Then you can handle the simple upkeep that keeps them out.
Animals in the Attic or Walls? Start Here
Stop and listen first. Scratching at dusk often points to rodents or squirrels. Thumping in the daytime may be a squirrel. Heavy steps at night could be a raccoon.
Do not poke, corner, or block the animal in. Keep kids and pets away from that area of the house. Then call a provider.
Why Timing Matters
A few quiet days can turn into real trouble. Here is the usual path.
- First days: Animals explore, nest, and chew. You may only hear faint noises.
- First weeks: Mice and rats breed fast. A pair can become a crowd. Droppings and urine soak into insulation.
- After a month or more: Wires get gnawed, ducts get torn, and odors build. Repairs cost more.
Acting early keeps the job smaller. It also makes the cleanup easier.
Signs You Can Check Yourself
You can look around safely if you wear gloves and a mask. Check for these clues:
- Droppings along walls, in cabinets, or in the attic
- Greasy rub marks along baseboards
- Gnawed wood, wires, or food packaging
- Shredded paper or insulation nests
- Stains on ceilings
- A musty or sharp smell
Outside Clues
Walk the outside of your house. Look for holes near the roofline, torn vent screens, and gaps where pipes enter. Check the crawl space door and the foundation vents too. Chewed edges and dirt smudges mean something is using that gap.
Common Animals Providers Handle
Providers in our network often deal with:
- House mice and Norway or roof rats
- Squirrels in attics and soffits
- Raccoons under decks or in chimneys
- Opossums in crawl spaces
- Bats in attics
- Birds nesting in vents
Each one needs a different approach. Bats, for example, are often protected, so timing and method matter.
What Not to Do
Some quick fixes make things worse. Skip these:
- Sealing the hole while an animal is inside
- Setting poison in the attic or walls, where animals may die out of reach
- Handling babies or nests with bare hands
- Using smoke or loud noise in tight spaces
Why Poison Backfires
A poisoned animal can die inside a wall. The smell can last for weeks. Poison can also harm pets and wildlife outside.
How Removal Usually Works
The steps vary by provider, but most follow this path.
1. Inspection. The provider checks the attic, crawl space, and outside walls. 2. Plan. You get the animal type, the entry points, and the method. 3. Removal. Traps, one-way doors, or exclusion devices move the animal out. 4. Sealing. Gaps get closed with metal, mesh, or sturdy patching. 5. Cleanup. Droppings and soiled insulation may be removed and the area treated.
Humane Handling and Local Rules
Rules differ by state and city. Some animals cannot be moved or killed without a permit. Some seasons, like baby season for bats and squirrels, change what is allowed. Ask any provider how they follow local rules.
Fix, Then Fortify
Removal is step one. Sealing is step two. Without it, new animals can find the same gap.
Seal the Gaps
Quarter-inch hardware cloth and steel wool work well on small holes. Foam alone does not stop chewing. Fix loose siding, torn vent covers, and worn door sweeps.
Check the Crawlspace
Our area has crawl-space and slab homes, and both can have weak spots. Look at vents, access doors, and where lines enter the home. Humid summers and storms can rot wood and open new gaps.
Trim and Tidy
- Trim branches at least a few feet from the roof
- Store pet food and birdseed in sealed bins
- Keep trash lids tight
- Stack firewood away from the house
Choosing a Removal Provider
Ask a few plain questions before you agree to work:
- Do you inspect before quoting?
- Will you give a written quote?
- Do you seal entry points, or only trap?
- How do you handle protected animals?
- Is cleanup included or extra?
- Do you offer a follow-up check?
Get more than one estimate if you can.
Damage and Insurance
Some policies may cover sudden damage, but many do not cover long-term pest damage. Check your policy. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Seasonal Upkeep
In fall, check roof edges before cold weather pushes animals indoors. After ice storms or heavy thunderstorms, look for new gaps. In spring, check for nesting. A quick walk-around twice a year can save you a lot of trouble.
What's Included
Entry Point Inspection
A provider checks the attic, crawl space, and roofline to find how animals are getting inside.
Animal Removal
Traps or one-way doors move animals out, following local rules and humane methods.
Sealing and Exclusion
Gaps are closed with metal and mesh so animals cannot return.
Cleanup Options
Providers may remove droppings and soiled insulation, then treat the area.
Typical Rodent and Wildlife Removal Costs
Prices vary by animal, home size, and how hard the job is. These are typical U.S. ranges, not quotes. Always ask for a written quote before work begins.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection | $75 – $300 | Sometimes applied to the job |
| Mouse or rat removal | $200 – $700 | Often needs several visits |
| Squirrel removal | $300 – $900 | Depends on nest and entry points |
| Raccoon or opossum removal | $250 – $750 | Cost rises if babies are present |
| Bat exclusion | $500 – $3,000 | Seasonal rules may apply |
| Sealing and exclusion repair | $300 – $1,500 | Varies by number of gaps |
How It Works
Call or Request
Request a callback to check provider availability, or use the request form to ask for an estimate.
Provider Inspects Home
A local provider looks for signs, entry points, and the type of animal.
Removal and Sealing
The provider removes the animals and closes the gaps they used.
Keep Up With Upkeep
Follow the provider's tips and check your home each season.
Why Call Refugeesbasic Pest Control
Handy, Honest Guidance
Plain tips on what you can safely check and where to stop.
Local Providers
We connect you with independent providers who serve homes in your area.
Upkeep Focus
Removal is only half the job. Sealing and upkeep help stop repeat visits.
No Obligation
Request an estimate and compare. You decide whether to hire a provider.
Other Services
Need rodent and wildlife removal in Conyers?
Seeing signs of pests? Request an estimate or email contact@refugeesbasic.property, and a local provider in our network can follow up with you.
No obligationQuestions
Rodent and Wildlife Removal FAQ
Can I remove wildlife from my attic myself?
Small jobs with mice may be doable with care, but wildlife is different. Some animals are protected, babies may be present, and bites are a risk. If you are unsure, call a provider for help.
How do I stop animals from coming back after removal?
Seal gaps with metal mesh, repair vents and siding, trim branches, and secure food and trash. Check the crawl space and roofline each season. Ask your provider about follow-up checks.
Contact
Tell us what happened
Seeing signs of pests? Request an estimate or email contact@refugeesbasic.property, and a local provider in our network can follow up with you.
No obligation