The sound of scratching above can turn tranquil Olathe nights into sleepless ones. Particularly with some requisite old-fashioned neighborhoods and more expansive newer ones, a long walk from Black Bob Park and Indian Creek, homes here seem perfectly safeguarded from uninvited friends. Those strange thumping and scuttling noises in your loft could be mice, squirrels, or something else altogether. This is important because different types of mold require different removal methods and pose various risks to your home.
Recent pest management data shows that Olathe homeowners report a 23% increase in rodent activity during the fall and winter months. Although DIY insect identification is helpful, a licensed pest control technician is better equipped to identify and safely eliminate the problem. Make sure to speak to a professional to keep your home pest free in Olathe.
Why It Can Be Difficult to Identify if They Are Mice or Squirrels
When they are hidden, both animals look shockingly alike. They are both rodents, both have constantly growing gnawing teeth that need to be worn down, and both make scratching noises when they roam . So that is a challenge, compounded by the fact that many of the older homes near downtown and in the Historic District have awkward attics with limited visibility.
Just like squirrels and mice, they nest in insulation, chew wood, and leave droppings. Time of day gives you hints, but not perfect ones. Homeowners often misdiagnose their attic invaders, leading to ineffective treatment because they lack visual confirmation or professional experience in identifying them.
How to Distinguish Between The Two
The best place to start is by knowing when noises occur. Because they are diurnal, chances are you will hear them during the daytime, early in the morning, or in the late afternoon. Mice are nocturnal, so scratching is worse at night. Sound volume matters too. Squirrels make more pronounced thumping and rolling noises, and even seem to be chasing one another. Mice scratch faster and lighter, and squeak every so often.
And droppings: mouse droppings are black, rice-shaped (about ¼ inch), but those of squirrels are larger and barrel-shaped, and lighter. As for entry points, these vary too: squirrels require spaces about 2-3 inches, usually at roof lines or vents, while mice need gaps only the size of a dime.
Steps Homeowners Can Take to Remove Them
- Inspect your attic safely – Search for droppings, nesting material, gnawed and damaged wires, and evidence of chewing during the day
- Seal entry points – Both animals can chew through soft materials like foam or plastic, so use hardware cloth or steel wool to seal any gaps.
- Remove food sources – Remove fallen seeds around feeders at your Olathe property and store birdseed in metal containers
- Set appropriate traps – Mice snap traps will work, larger live-catch traps will work for squirrels (but check local regulations first)
- Clean contaminated areas – Ensure to wear protective gear while taking out the droppings and contaminated insulation to prevent any disease exposure
Take the Next Step!
Alternatively, if the scratching persists or you do not feel comfortable handling the situation, Saela Pest Control provides humane wildlife removal in Olathe and neighboring Johnson County communities. They know the ins and outs of the challenges facing local homeowners, from older homes near Santa Fe to newer construction in westside developments. They have the knowledge to identify who is living in your attic, locate the access points, and use exclusion methods to prevent the invasion from recurring.
As Olathe continues to grow as a residential area (population estimates put the city over 145,000 in the last count), pest pressure has only increased. Moreover, professional removal solves your problem temporarily and ensures the structural integrity of your house and the health of your family for years to come.