Undidentified droppings in my loft space

[LeeAnn]

hello everyone, I am a newbie and hope I've posted this in the right section. I went up my loft which has insulation and there are small droppings around the size of a piece of basmati long grain rice, but of a blackish green tinted colour...I presume mice, they have decimated the grey foam lagging on the pipes and torn the black bags which were protecting cushions & other stuff. The issue I have is not so much with that but I was horrified to move my daughters big black suitcase and as I lifted it from the loft insulation there underneath was large black faeces, not disimilar to when hedgehogs have been rummaging in the garden. The stools were about two inches in length and curled round in a half moon, they were not of even shape but a little larger in some areas and then as if squeezed out at the end (gross). There were a lot of them and only in one area under the case and they were dry. Oh my lord what are they....does anyone know please, is it a snake or something? Many thanks LeeAnn

[Kayleigh]

The large dropping sound like rats but I could be wrong..The smaller ones could be bats or mice..

[LeeAnn]

Hello, I cant see any evidence of bats in the upper corners of the loft. This is only a small family size 3 bed semi, it is in the middle of the cotswolds. I must say the only thing that I can say they look like is the hedgehog, the droppings you see the next day on your lawn type. These are in one area only, under the case, so the area covered would be just dinner plate size and nowhere else in the loft space. Its a real puzzler, any suggestions? LeeAnn

[kml]

Sorry I can`t help.A photo may help with something ie a penny to help get scale.I`m sure someone will be able to help you.

[Dan Salter]

You may not want to do this if your very girly, but the way to tell if they are bat as apposed to rodent or otherwise is to squish them between thumb and forefinger, a bat (which is mostly insectiverous feeding) dropping will disintegrate easily almost like dust or ash?...other animals will be firmer, maybe moister, and break up or spread differently?...i hope im making sense

[tigger]

I recon drain-pipe climbing hedgehogs have invaded your loft

Seriously, sounds like rats to me. Only other things I can think of are pine martins.... (not sure if they are in your area?)

I'd Google for "rat poo" and see what images you get (gross I know, but worth a go), otherwise put a photo on here.

Good luck!

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by LeeAnn

hello everyone, I am a newbie and hope I've posted this in the right section. I went up my loft which has insulation and there are small droppings around the size of a piece of basmati long grain rice, but of a blackish green tinted colour...I presume mice, they have decimated the grey foam lagging on the pipes and torn the black bags which were protecting cushions & other stuff. The issue I have is not so much with that but I was horrified to move my daughters big black suitcase and as I lifted it from the loft insulation there underneath was large black faeces, not disimilar to when hedgehogs have been rummaging in the garden. The stools were about two inches in length and curled round in a half moon, they were not of even shape but a little larger in some areas and then as if squeezed out at the end (gross). There were a lot of them and only in one area under the case and they were dry. Oh my lord what are they....does anyone know please, is it a snake or something? Many thanks LeeAnn

Rice grain is typical of mice - size relative to species. The larger droppings sound like well fed rats and you would probably be wise to seek professional advice. No need to invoke anything rare or exotic from the descriptions you have given.

CM

[Dan Salter]

and indeed many small bats are mouse sized mammals too...my bat droppings (i have a roost) are totally mouse sized so i suggest the finger squish test to be sure?

[Garden Carpet]

It sounds to me from your description, that the larger droppings may be from a carnivore, eg. stoat or weasel. Smaller droppings sound like mouse
judging by the associated damage.

Dan has described the test for distinguishing between mouse and bat droppings but bats are incapable of doing any damage to the roof and contents.

Best to wear rubber gloves to do this test or wash your hands immediatly afterwards.

Henrya

[Muggsy]

how about a squirrel ?