Hearing noise in the attic or finding droppings in the garage can be unsettling. The right response depends on the animal involved. Mice and rats behave differently from squirrels, raccoons, and opossums. We walk homeowners through the most reliable clues so you know whether to call a pest company or a licensed wildlife control team. We also explain the health and safety differences and the humane options we use when wild animals are present.

Why the distinction matters

Knowing which animal you have changes the tools and the legal steps. Rodents are often handled by pest control companies with baits and traps suited to small mammals. Larger wildlife like raccoons may need live traps and exclusion work and sometimes must be handled in compliance with state rules. Using the wrong approach risks harm to people, pets, and the animals themselves.

Droppings — size, shape, and what they tell you

Droppings are one of the easiest ways to tell the difference:

• Mice droppings are tiny, rice-shaped, and dark. They often appear in clusters near food sources.
• Rat droppings are larger and more blunt on the ends.
• Squirrel droppings look somewhat like rat droppings but are often found in attics and near rooflines.
• Raccoon droppings are larger and tubular and often contain undigested bits of food like fruit or insect parts.

If you find droppings, avoid direct contact. Wear gloves and a mask and call professionals for inspection and cleanup.

Noises and timing — who’s active when

Noises provide clues:

• Rodents are most active at night but may be heard at any hour if they are numerous. Their sounds are tiny scurries and scratching inside walls.
• Squirrels make running sounds and occasional thumps during daylight and can be noisy in attics during daytime.
• Raccoons are largely nocturnal and make heavier, walking or thumping sounds after dark.

If you hear heavy, deliberate walking or sliding noises near the roofline at night, that suggests raccoons. Light, fast scrabbling near walls during the day often points to squirrels.

Entry points and damage patterns

How and where animals enter is another tell:

• Rodents squeeze through very small gaps and leave greasy rub marks near openings. Look for holes near foundation vents, pipe penetrations, and gaps in siding.
• Squirrels gain access from trees and rafters and chew at eaves, vents, and rooflines. They can damage insulation and sometimes wiring.
• Raccoons tear and rip at soffits and eaves to create larger entries and can cause roof framing damage if left unchecked.

Finding chewed electrical wiring, shredded insulation, or large gaps in soffits means you likely have wildlife in your attic. If you just see small gnawed holes and lots of droppings around food sources, rodents are the likely culprit.

Damage to insulation and wiring — how to read the scene

Rodents often leave small tunnels in insulation and create nests from shredded material. Squirrels and raccoons can cause much more extensive damage. Squirrels tend to chew; raccoons tend to tear and move insulation around. Both can expose wiring which creates a fire hazard. If wiring is damaged, bring in professionals immediately for both animal removal and electrical repair.

Health risks — rodent vs wildlife hazards

Both rodents and larger wildlife carry health risks but in different ways:

• Rodents can spread hantavirus, leptospirosis, and contaminate food supplies.
• Raccoons may carry raccoon roundworm and rabies and leave feces that contain parasites dangerous to pets and humans.
• Bats are a specific concern for rabies exposure if contact occurs.

Proper disposal and decontamination after an infestation are crucial. We clean, disinfect, and deodorize affected areas to remove contaminants and reduce the chance of re-infestation.

How to inspect safely

If you suspect animals, do not stick your hands into dark openings. Instead:

• Take photos of droppings and damage.
• Note the times of day when you hear noises.
• Look for entry points around rooflines, vents, crawlspaces, and foundation vents.
• Wear a mask and gloves if you must handle debris and avoid stirring up dust.

Gathering detailed information will speed up diagnosis when you call a pro.

DIY fixes that work for rodents

For small rodent problems you can try:

• Seal holes with steel wool and caulk or use hardware cloth for larger gaps.
• Store food and pet food in sealed containers.
• Use traps and remove caught animals promptly and safely.

For rodents, ongoing sanitation and exclusion can often manage a problem. If rodents persist despite these steps, escalate to a professional.

Why wildlife needs a different approach

Larger animals mean larger solutions. Live trapping, humane exclusion, and a careful inspection of the structure are common steps. State and local regulations sometimes dictate how wild animals are handled and relocated. Our licensed and insured team follows those rules and uses humane capture methods that minimize stress to the animals. We then seal entry points and perform cleaning so the structure is safe and healthy.

When to call us

Call for professional help if you notice any of these:

• Large droppings or droppings with unusual contents.
• Heavy, repeated noises at night on rooflines.
• Torn soffits or obvious large entry holes.
• Evidence of chewed wiring or heavy insulation damage.
• Pets that have had contact with a wild animal.

We provide a full service: inspection, humane capture when needed, decontamination, and exclusion work so the problem does not return. We are licensed and experienced in handling raccoons, squirrels, bats, and other wildlife common to the region.

Cleanup and follow up

After animals are removed, cleanup is not optional. We remove droppings, contaminated insulation, and nesting materials and then sanitize the space with biological cleaners that remove odors and contamination. We also point out structural repairs and offer solutions to keep animals out for good.

Final checklist — quick questions to decide next steps

• Are droppings small and near food? Try rodent exclusion steps first.
• Are noises heavy and high in roof spaces at night? Call for a wildlife inspection.
• Is wiring damaged or insulation shredded? Call now and avoid using attic circuits until inspected.
• Did a pet have direct contact with the animal? Call your vet immediately.

Get the right help the first time

Mistaking a wildlife problem for rodents or vice versa leads to wasted effort and can put people and animals at risk. If you are unsure, a professional inspection gives you a clear plan. We handle the humane removal, cleaning, and repairs so you get a lasting solution and peace of mind. If you hear something in your attic or find suspicious droppings, call us at 310-551-0901 for a full inspection and safe, humane removal.