Are strange noises coming from your attic? Scratching, chewing, banging and thumping sounds can be unsettling. Identifying the source of these noises is key to resolving the issue, and paying attention to the time of day and type of noise can provide crucial clues about the unwanted animals living in your attic.
Is It Normal To Hear Noises In My Attic?
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.
What Animal Is Most Likely In My Attic?
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 in the attic are common, yet unwanted inhabitants. Recognize their presence through these distinctive signs:
1. Habits
Raccoons are nocturnal, but they exhibit increased daytime activity during Spring, particularly during baby season.
2. Sounds
Heavy walking or thumping sounds, similar to moving furniture, often indicating raccoons moving around or playing.
3. Baby Season (March – August)
During their first three weeks, baby raccoons, whose eyes and ears are still closed, make high-pitched, loud chattering sounds to communicate with their mothers and siblings.
4. Location
Mother raccoons often choose quiet, secluded areas like primary bedrooms to den and care for their young, but once inside, they can roam freely throughout the entire attic, potentially causing widespread damage.
What Do Squirrels In The Attic Sound Like?
Squirrels in the attic can be noisy and destructive. Identify their presence through these distinctive signs:
1. Habits
Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours, particularly around dawn and dusk. Squirrels constantly chew on wood and wires to keep their continuously growing teeth trimmed and short.
2. Sounds
The quick scampering sounds in your attic could be squirrels rapidly moving across the space. Running sounds in aluminum soffits often indicate squirrels scurrying through the attic’s overhead spaces.
3. Baby Season
Baby squirrels rarely make vocal sounds, but when they do, it’s usually a distress signal, such as a high-pitched squeak.
4. Location
Hearing multiple animals moving across the attic suggests that baby squirrels, now mobile, are actively exploring their surroundings.
What Do Mice In The Attic Sound Like?
1. Habits
Mice are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, and often produce chewing sounds in a specific area of the attic. Due to their constantly growing teeth, mice engage in relentless chewing to keep them trimmed and short.
2. Sounds
Mice make localized chewing noises at night. The quietness of nighttime can make the sounds of mice seem louder and more pronounced. Despite their activity, mouse footsteps are rarely heard due to their extremely light weight.
3. Location
Mice typically build nests beneath insulation and chew directly on drywall to create cozy hiding spots.
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.
What To Do If There Are Animal Noises In Your Attic?
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.
Raccoon Removal From Attics, Chimney’s Etc:
Squirrel Removal From Attics, Chimney’s, Walls Etc:
Contact A Wildlife Professional
Gates Wildlife Control specializes in safe and humane raccoon removal, sealing entry points, and offering long-term prevention solutions. Our experienced wildlife technicians will evaluate your property, repair any damage, and ensure that animals cannot invade again. Contact Gates Wildlife today to safeguard your home and prevent future wildlife issues.
