Both squirrels and rats can live in the attic, but they need different solutions. The clues are in the timing, the damage and the droppings.

Timing

Squirrels are active during the day, with peaks at sunrise and sunset. Rats are active at night and are most active a few hours after dark.

Droppings and damage

Squirrel droppings are rounded and scattered, and they like to stash nuts. Rat droppings are spindle-shaped and found in groups. Rats leave greasy rub marks along walls and gnaw pipes and wires.

Why it matters

Squirrels are excluded with a one-way door after a check for babies. Rats need trapping and sealing every gap, because they can pass through very small holes.