Hearing strange noises in your attic can be alarming. Whether it’s a loud thud, scratching, or chirping, it likely means an animal has moved in. This blog will help you figure out which critter is causing the noise and how to safely remove it.
Identifying Which Animal Could Be in Your Attic
Different animals make different noises at different times of the day. Understanding what you’re hearing can help you identify which critter is causing the ruckus. Creaking and settling noises in your attic, especially on windy days, are completely normal due to structural movement. However, persistent noises like scratching, scurrying or thumping typically indicate animal presence. Animal sounds are usually heard on a consistent daily basis, often at dawn, dusk or night.
Common attic dwellers include raccoons, squirrels, mice, opossums and bats, distinguished by unique sounds and activities. Raccoons thump and chatter at night, especially during spring. Squirrels scamper and chew during the day, while mice make localized chewing noises at night.
What Do Raccoons In The Attic Sound Like?
Raccoons are a common attic invaders. These large, clever animals can easily pry open vents or make their way through weak spots in your roof. If you hear loud thuds, they might be the cause.
- Sound: Loud banging or thudding, growling, or chittering sounds. Raccoons are large animals, so you’ll hear them moving around.
- Time of Day: Mainly active at night, especially after sunset or before dawn.
- Season: Raccoons are always looking for a warm, dry place to live. During the Spring they will be on the hunt to find a safe place to give birth and raise babies.
Raccoons are quite destructive when they get into your attic. They can tear apart insulation and chew on wiring. If you suspect raccoons are in your attic, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and health risks.
To keep raccoons out of your attic, it’s a good idea to keep trees trimmed back and eliminate access points to your roof. Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily get on roofs via tree branches. Installing screens on vulnerable features on your roof can prevent the entry of raccoons into your attic.
Learn more about raccoon removal here.
What Do Squirrels In The Attic Sound Like?
Squirrels in the attic can be noisy and destructive. Squirrels love attics for their warmth and safety, especially when they’re preparing for winter or raising babies. These furry acrobats can get in through small gaps and vents.
- Sound: Squirrels make a lot of scratching, scampering, and gnawing noises. They are always on the move, so you might hear fast, light-footed running sounds. They also chew a lot, so scratching and gnawing are big giveaways.
- Time of Day: Squirrels are diurnal, which means they’re most active during the day. If you hear noises in the morning or late afternoon, it’s probably a squirrel.
- Season: Squirrels will invade attics throughout the entire year. During the fall they’re looking for a safe spot to store food and get ready for winter. You can also hear them in Spring and Summer when they’re giving birth and raising babies.
Squirrels are notorious chewers, which can be especially concerning if they’re chewing on wiring in your attic. Damaged wires can be a fire hazard, putting your home at serious risk. Additionally, squirrels are active animals, which means you’re likely to hear a lot of scampering and scratching, especially early in the morning as they start their day.
To prevent squirrels from entering your attic, inspect your roof and soffits regularly. Squirrels are persistent, and any small opening can be an invitation for them. Make sure any vents are covered with screen. If squirrels have already entered, it’s best to get professional help, as removing them can be challenging, especially if babies are involved.
Learn more about squirrel removal here.
This video will help you understand how squirrels get in and how we can help get them out.
What Do Mice In The Attic Sound Like?
Mice are tiny but troublesome. They love sneaking into attics, especially when the weather turns cold. Since they’re small, mice can get in through even the tiniest gaps or holes.
- Sound: Mice make light scratching sounds as they move around, chew, and build nests. You might hear faint rustling or scratching, especially in the walls or attic.
- Time of Day: Mice are nocturnal meaning they are mostly active at night. Late-night scratching in a specific area of the attic could point to mice.
- Season: Mice often enter homes in the fall and winter, trying to escape the cold. Once they’re in, they’ll happily settle down in your attic all year long.
Mice may be small, but they can cause significant problems. They chew on wires, damage insulation, and leave droppings throughout your attic. Mice reproduce quickly, which means a small problem can become a big one in no time. If you hear light scratching and find small droppings, it’s likely that mice have moved in.
Why Is It Important To Remove Animals Living In My Attic?
Removing animals from your attic is crucial for several reasons:
Property Damage: Animals chewing wires, insulation and structural elements compromise attic integrity and safety.
Health Risks: Animal droppings, urine and saliva spread diseases.
Fire Hazards: Gnawed electrical wires increase fire risk.
Insulation Damage: Compromised insulation raises energy bills.
Odour and Sanitation: Unpleasant smells and unsanitary conditions.
Safety: Avoid confrontations with potentially aggressive animals.
5 Steps If You Hear Animal Noises in Your Attic
If you hear something strange coming from your attic, don’t panic. Here are five steps you can take:
- Listen to the Sounds Carefully: Try to figure out what the noise sounds like—scratching, thumping, or chirping. Also, note what time of day it’s happening. Different animals are active at different times, so paying attention to the timing can give you a big clue as to what you’re dealing with. Write down what you hear and when, as this will help a wildlife expert identify the animal more easily.
- Check for Entry Points: Look around your home’s exterior for holes, gaps, or damaged vents. Animals need a way to get in, and sealing up these entry points (after removing them) will prevent future problems. Common entry points include roof vents, soffits, and gaps around chimneys. Pay particular attention to areas where different materials meet, as these can be weak points. Hire a professional to go into your attic with a flashlight to look for signs of animal activity, such as droppings, nests, or visible damage.
- Call a Professional: Wildlife removal experts can help you figure out what animal is in your attic and how to remove it safely. Professionals have the right tools, knowledge, and permits to deal with wildlife effectively. They can also make sure any young animals are handled properly so they’re not left behind. Attempting to remove wildlife yourself can lead to injury or worse, so it’s best to leave it to people who know what they’re doing. Book an appointment here.
- Don’t Try DIY Trapping: Many animals are protected by law, and trying to trap them on your own can be dangerous for both you and the animal. It’s best to leave it to the experts. Trapping can also lead to unintended consequences, such as separating a mother from her babies, which could lead to even more problems if the babies are left behind. Improper handling of traps or the wrong bait can cause stress or injury to the animal, and you could end up facing fines if the trapping is illegal in your area.
- Prevent Future Issues: Once the animal is out, make sure your attic is sealed up tight. Use screen to cover vents, seal any gaps, and make sure chimneys are capped properly. Also, consider trimming back tree branches near your roof since they make it easier for animals to get in. Prevention is the best way to avoid dealing with animals in your attic again. Inspect your roof and attic regularly for any signs of wear or damage that could let animals in. Consider installing motion-sensitive lights or repellents in your hard to deter animals.
To resolve the issue, hire a reputable wildlife control company prioritizing humane removal. Look for experts offering free on-site estimates and have excellent customer reviews on HomeStars and Google. Ensure they use one way doors, seal entry points, and provide animal-proofing measures for long-term peace of mind.
Why Animals Choose Attics
Attics are attractive to many types of animals because they offer safety, warmth, and a quiet place to raise young. In nature, animals look for dens that are out of sight and away from predators, and your attic fits those needs perfectly. Insulation in attics also provides warmth, especially during colder months. For animals like raccoons, squirrels, and mice, attics are an ideal replacement for hollow trees or burrows they might use in the wild.
Human activity also contributes to why animals choose attics. As cities expand, natural habitats are being reduced, and animals have fewer places to go. Attics become a convenient alternative. By understanding why animals find your home attractive, you can take better steps to keep them out.
The Dangers of Ignoring the Noise
It might be tempting to ignore the noises in your attic, especially if they aren’t happening often. However, ignoring these sounds can lead to significant issues down the line. Animals can cause considerable damage by chewing on electrical wiring, damaging insulation, and leaving droppings. Chewed wiring isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to electrical fires.
Additionally, the longer these animals stay, the more they will reproduce, and the bigger the problem becomes. Addressing attic noise as soon as you notice it is crucial to avoid costly damage.
Final Thoughts
Hearing noises in your attic can be alarming, but understanding what’s making those sounds can help you take the right steps. Whether it’s a raccoon, squirrel, or mouse, each animal has its own behaviour, and the sooner you identify it, the easier it will be to deal with. Wildlife removal experts are here to help you solve the problem.
If you’re dealing with animal noises in your attic, don’t hesitate to reach out to Gates Wildlife Control for help. We have the expertise needed to handle wildlife problems humanely and effectively, giving you peace of mind and restoring your attic to a safe, quiet space.
