It all started some time ago when I started hearing scratching noises. I thought birds had gotten into the chimney which is no longer used. I did think it odd that every time the noises started Felix, my cat, would stare at the ceiling, whining and carrying on. Then last week, Kenneth pulled in and happened to notice that the dormer window in the attic was open.
Now, if you knew my husband you would know that he doesn't do well with heights and this window is not an easy one to get to. Behind this window is an open space over the living room which has a vaulted ceiling. There is nothing in this space except insulation and there is no way to get to the window from the inside. But knowing that the window is right over the living room ceiling he knew it had to be closed before it rained. With his brother to hold the ladder, he climbed up and closed the window. We thought that was the end of that.
We couldn't have been more wrong! Two nights ago, before Kenneth got in from the barn, I suddenly heard the most awful scratching and clawing noises (of course these things never happen when Kenneth is around). Felix was going crazy trying to get to the ceiling! This time I could definitely tell the noise was coming from overhead. It sounded like something huge and like it was going to come right through the ceiling any moment. Before Kenneth came in the noise stopped. Unfortunately, after we went to bed it started again. Felix was crying and trying to climb to the ceiling. Between the two I couldn't go to sleep. And of course, Kenneth was sound asleep and never heard a thing.
Yesterday afternoon I came in after a day out and it wasn't but a few minutes until it starts again. The monster in the attic was back. This was the worst yet. I've never heard such clawing and scratching! I just knew he was going to fall through the ceiling any minute. Kenneth still hadn't heard it.
By the time Kenneth came in, all was quiet and luckily it stayed that way all night. This morning he was mowing the yard and guess what he saw! The attic window was open again. Now if you are like me, you are probably thinking, "the window is loose and is sliding down from the top". You would be wrong. This window is being pushed open at the bottom. And you would never guess what he found next.
When he left the front yard moving to the side yard he happened to look up over the side porch. Along the edge where the siding meets the roof was a large gap where a whole section of the wall was pushed out. Our monster in the attic not only had an entrance, he also had an exit!
 |
We still don't know what kind of critter we have but whatever he is he is smart enough to open a window. We have called a contractor to fix the wall and try to figure out how to lock a window that you can't get to on the inside. In the meantime, one of us has to go...and it's not going to be me!
Until next time...that's my view.
Kat
Crap! My guess is either a squirrel or a raccoon. Both are pretty smart and loud if they are trying to escape. The 'coon is my bet! Cute and destructive.
ReplyDeleteKeep us informed! ♥
Yeah, that's what we think too Jo. I don't think it's a
Deletesquirrel because I don't think it could open the window. Whatever it is I want it gone!
I'm definitely betting on a raccoon! They're smart creatures.
ReplyDeleteI think you are probably right, Dawn. That's about the only animal that could open the window.
DeleteWe had a mama squirrel make her way into our attic a few years ago. She made a little nest and had her babies up there. When the hubs went in to see what the ruckus was, he found the babies (mama wasn't in attendance, thank goodness).
ReplyDeleteWe called a bunch of places to find out if we could get them to take the babies if we brought them to them and when had no luck with that, I checked with the vet to see what I could do to try to keep the babies alive. I tried to convince the hubs to hold off on closing up the opening that the mama had made, but he wasn't going for that, so we did what all the sources we called had advised. We closed up the attic, took the babies outside and placed them in open view, and hoped that their mother would find them.
They were all gone the next morning and though I have no way of knowing what happened to them, I chose to believe that they were living happily with their mama, safe and sound.
That's terrible Beth. I'm with you, I prefer to think the mother found the babies. I think ours is probably a raccoon because I don't think a squirrel could open the window. I just want it gone!
DeleteWOW!! You telling about this reminded me of our little farm house and the squirrels in the attic. However the bees moved in too and the little squirrels met the bees and didn't make it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you guys find whatever is in there.
Love the M&M's store. That would be cool to check out.
Take care Kat and have a blessed evening. Thanks for stopping by and your kind words.
Sorry for you but glad to know we are not the only ones who have been through this. Yes, if you get a chance do check out the M & Ms store. It's awesome!
Delete...so here's the thing.... there is something in your roof space clawing and scratching for days and you even go to bed and sleep? I mean I would have packed my bags and moved to a hotel until someone got that thing out. In fact, knowing my imagination, I'd have run screaming from the joint in my nightie.
ReplyDeleteI guess it comes with living on a farm for 40 years. I'm all for cohabiting with nature, but not in my house! Hope things are going well for you. I'm still praying for you. ♥
Delete