Attic Alert: Safe Weekend Fixes for Pests Above Your Head

When Maya, a new parent, hears late-night scratching above the nursery and finds insulation shoved aside at the attic hatch, panic meets practicality. This episode turns that unsettling discovery into a calm, inspection-first plan. Host Mikey opens with the field vignette; Dana identifies likely attic visitors (mice, roof rats, starlings, carpenter ants, overwintering insects) and decodes clues in insulation, wiring, vents and stored items. Licensed technician Rosa Morales drops a concise expert cameo to flag immediate hazards and when to call pros. The IPM Playbook prioritizes safe inspection with PPE, exclusion of entry points, moisture/vent checks, habitat reduction and monitoring—no pesticide instructions. The Weekend DIY Report gives 3–5 reversible, weekend-safe actions (secure & weatherstrip access panels, clear and bag stored items, repair or install 1/4" (~6.35 mm) vent screens where code allows—consult local code, seal small penetrations with removable sealants, photograph and monitor). Renters get a short script for reporting to landlords and a legal note on wildlife handling. Wrap-up directs listeners to download an attic checklist and photo guide.