Hearing strange noises or scratching sounds in your attic can be quite concerning for any homeowner. These unsettling sounds, especially at night, often lead to questions like “what animal is in my attic?” or “is that a raccoon in my attic?”. Identifying the specific type of wildlife pest causing the disturbance is crucial before the situation escalates. Animals living in attics can pose significant health risks due to droppings and parasites, and they can cause considerable structural and electrical damage to your home. Instead of attempting removal yourself, it is always safest and most effective to utilize professional services for the removal of animals from your attic. But first, let’s explore some common culprits often found making noise in this seldom-visited space.
Identifying Raccoons in Your Attic
If you suspect you have raccoons in your attic, rest assured you’re not alone; they are common attic dwellers, and the situation can be stressful. Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, leaving their dens at dusk to forage and returning in the early morning. If you’re hearing significant noises in your attic during these hours, or loud scratching sounds above your ceiling, it’s a strong indicator of a raccoon infestation. These resourceful pests are known for causing a considerable ruckus, ranging from noticeable thumping to outright destructive noises as they move around. They can create large entry holes, often the size of a basketball, by exploiting weaknesses like torn vents or damaged soffits along your roofline. Breeding activity in early spring can result in fighting or mating sounds coming from the attic. Conversely, soft chattering sounds heard during the day may signal the presence of nesting baby raccoons. Recognizing these distinct raccoon noises in the attic is the first step in detecting their presence and taking prompt action to secure professional help.
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Squirrels Inside Walls and the Attic
Aside from the flying squirrel, most squirrel species are highly active during the daytime. They are especially energetic in the early morning and may also be heard returning to their nests in the evening. You might occasionally hear squirrels coming and going during the day as they transport and store food in your attic space. Sounds like nuts rolling across the floor or being stuffed into wall cavities are common. Squirrels typically sleep through the night and tend to be quiet after dark. Squirrel habits and the types of sounds they make vary depending on the species:
Red Squirrels
Easily identified by their reddish-brown fur, red squirrels are smaller and known for their territorial nature. They can inflict substantial damage quickly and are notorious for chewing on electrical wiring within homes, posing a fire hazard. Red squirrels produce frequent gnawing, scratching, and screeching sounds during daylight hours. They may find entry points at ground level or even underground to access your home and attic.
Flying Squirrels
If you detect soft thumping or gliding sounds primarily at night, you might have flying squirrels. These are the only nocturnal squirrel species. They are known to move by gliding between rafters in the attic and are sometimes mistakenly identified as mice due to their smaller size compared to other squirrels. Flying squirrels often utilize existing cracks or gaps in roofing and ridge vents as easy entry points.
Gray Squirrels
Gray squirrels are noisy pests capable of making loud squeaking, scratching, and significant chewing sounds. They are considered one of the most persistent chewers among squirrel species. While they may use existing holes and cracks in your roof, soffit, and fascia for entry, they are also very capable of chewing their way through materials. Gray squirrels are known to gnaw on the edges of wooden trim, gable vent louvers, and even vinyl siding to gain access. Knowing [how to get animals out of your walls] is crucial once you’ve identified the type of pest.
Gray squirrel peeking out from a dark attic area
Bat Noises in Your Attic
Bats are among the most concerning attic inhabitants due to the significant health risks they pose. Bat guano (feces) can harbor histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease toxic to humans. If bats have been in your attic for any extended period, it is imperative to have a professional animal cleanup service remove all accumulated waste and disinfect the area to mitigate health hazards.
Bat noises in the attic include the sounds of wings fluttering, scratching, squeaking, and clicking as they communicate and move. Bats are nocturnal hunters, typically leaving their roosts at dusk and returning at dawn. They are capable of entering structures through incredibly small openings, sometimes as tiny as a dime-sized hole, which can be difficult for an untrained eye to spot.
Close-up of a bat hanging upside down
Bird Noises in Your Attic
Chirping sounds emanating from your attic or within ceiling cavities are a clear indication that birds have found their way into your home. Young birds can chirp constantly throughout the day, creating an unwelcome nuisance. Fluttering and banging sounds as they move around are also common. Finding dead birds in your attic is a frequent occurrence because they often become trapped in confined voids and cannot escape. They may also injure themselves by flying into walls or structural supports when confined to small spaces.
Birds can also manage to find their way into exhaust vents, such as those connected to bathroom ceiling fans, where they build nests. A professional wildlife removal expert has the knowledge and tools to humanely remove birds from these difficult-to-access areas and prevent future nesting.
Several birds perched inside a wooden structure, possibly an attic or shed
Rodent Infestation: Rat and Mouse Noises in Your Attic
Mice are primarily nocturnal creatures and become most active and noticeable when the rest of the house is quiet, often leading people to mistake them for larger animals. Both mice and rats produce distinct chewing, scratching, and squeaking sounds within ceilings and walls. In attic spaces, they commonly build their nests near access panels and hatches where temperatures are often slightly warmer, providing a cozy environment.
If you suspect a rodent infestation based on these signs, contacting a pest control professional is highly recommended. Experts can effectively remove and prevent rodent infestations in your home, addressing entry points and implementing control measures. When dealing with wildlife issues, questions often arise about the scope of services, such as [does animal control remove bees], [animal control toms river new jersey], or [animal control oak ridge tn].
A small mouse sitting on a wooden surface, likely in an attic
How to Get Rid of Critters in the Walls and Attic
Wild animals are inherently unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially when cornered or nesting. The safest and most effective course of action to remove wildlife from your home is always to hire a qualified professional. Most wildlife specialists offer a comprehensive range of services beyond just removal, which may include:
- Cleanup and sanitization of contaminated areas.
- Repairing damaged entry points like roofs or siding.
- Removal and replacement of soiled or damaged insulation.
- Assistance with home insurance claims related to wildlife damage.
- Proper waste removal (like guano or droppings).
- Safe and humane dead animal removal.
- Implementing prevention strategies and sealing entry points to prevent future intrusions.
Safe and Effective Attic Wildlife Removal
Don’t let those unsettling scratching, thumping, or chirping noises in the attic persist and potentially cause extensive damage or health risks. Identifying what animals live in attics is the first step, but the subsequent step should be contacting a licensed wildlife technician. These professionals possess the expertise and equipment to safely remove animals from your home humanely and know how to fortify your structure against future unwelcome guests. For the removal of animals in your attic, contacting a trusted wildlife control service is your best course of action to restore peace and safety to your home.
