Normally, you can tell on the first visit if there is a real problem or not. Critters coming and going leave sign where they travel.
Look for openings around the roof line and soffit. Bats, squirrels, coons, possums and nearly all critters will leave dark smudges and/or scratches where they enter and exit. Next check for holes in the siding. Look for these same smudges and scratches anywhere you find a hole quarter size or larger. Go up in the attic and look for trails through the insulation and look droppings along these trails and the floor. Also check around attic vents and fans for these same signs that we've mentioned. Around windows and doors that may not seal tight Check for old snake sheds. Check the chimney for caps and/or screens. If it's completely open, check for travel sign in and on it. Don't forget to check the crawl space thoroughly for tracks and other sign. And BE SURE to check for pet doors. If her dog or cat can come and go as they please, then so can other critters.
After checking every single possibility of entry and finding nothing, and no pictures on the game camera, if she's still hearing things, then you may have to turn to unethical tricks.
I once had a lady who swore that something was in her house at night and I could not convince her otherwise. Finally, and I have never admitted this, but after a couple weeks of frustration, I brought a live possum with me, didn't let her see it until AFTER I brought it back out from under her house. I put him back on the truck, she thanked me, wrote me a check and has not heard anything since.
Sometimes, you just need to give the hypochondriac his placebo.
The possum? Oh. I brought him back to the house and released it unharmed where I got it from. Please don't tell NOBODY I done this!
Last edited by Muddawg; 11/10/13 08:18 PM.