How to deal with an animal in the attic

atticpest-control

My tenants tell me that they hear an animal (possibly a raccoon) in the attic. This is an old (1880s) three story row house with a flat roof and a pretty low (2 ft average, maybe) attic. The house was totally renovated 10 years ago and I'm not very familiar with the attic situation or where the animal might have entered the attic.

I was told it sounds like at least a couple relatively large animals are scampering around the attic and occasionally they
make whimpering growling noises.  They seem to be most active in the morning
between 5 and 7 and I don't usually hear them during the day (maybe they are
nocturnal or maybe I'm just not at home during the day). 

How do I deal with the situation?

Edit: Alright, I betrayed the DIY principle and hired a professional. He found squirrel droppings and no proof of raccoons or any other animal. He found two wholes and filled them with metal screens attached with screws and Liquid Nails. He also put a trap and is going to check it in a few days. Cost was rather steep: $395 total. Next time I may do this myself. Although, honestly it was not an easy job for him especially in one of the corners where space was tight. Also, the dust, droppings and fiberglass insulation makes this job unpleasant.

Best Answer

Not knowing where the house is limits the advice. However since it has a flat roof, I'm going to assume it's not anywhere where it snows a lot.

You need to get a professional for several reasons.

  1. In most states, as a landlord, you're required to do something and the only way you can demonstrate due diligence with something like this is court is to hire a pro.
  2. Animals carry lots and lots of nasty things, not just rabies (as if that isn't bad enough). If you trap it you risk injury, if you poison it then at some point you have to remove the carcass and ... gross.
  3. The professional should be up on whatever obscure state and local laws affect removing the animal.

Most importantly, if the pro gets rabies, it's not your problem.

Edit: Yeah, I know it a Do-It-Yourself site, but sometimes the right advice is "Don't Do-It-Yourself"

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