Scratching in the Walls? What Animal Could Be in Your Home?

Hearing scratching, scurrying or movement inside your walls can be a little unsettling, especially when you have no idea what's causing it.

This is a common reason homeowners contact us. They know they hear something in the wall or attic, but they aren't sure if they're dealing with mice, squirrels, raccoons, bats or even birds.

The location of the noise, the time of day you're hearing it and other signs around your home can sometimes help narrow down what may be inside.

Scratching in the Walls at Night

If you're hearing scratching or movement mostly at night, there are several animals that could be responsible.

Mice and other rodents can create scratching, scurrying and chewing sounds inside walls and ceilings. Because they're small, the noises can sometimes seem like they're coming from different areas of the house.

Raccoons can make much heavier noises. Homeowners may describe hearing walking, thumping, scratching or movement in the attic, especially at night.

Bats are another possibility. Their sounds are usually much lighter, but homeowners may hear scratching or movement near walls, ceilings or the attic.

The sound alone isn't always enough to identify the animal, which is why looking for other signs is important.

Hearing Noises in the Attic During the Day?

The time of day you're hearing activity can provide another clue.

Squirrels are active during the day and can make quite a bit of noise once they're inside an attic. Homeowners may hear running, scratching or chewing, particularly in the morning or during daylight hours.

Birds can also enter attic spaces or become established in vents. Chirping, fluttering or scratching around bathroom vents, dryer vents or other exterior vents can point toward bird activity.

While timing can help narrow down the possibilities, wildlife doesn't always follow a perfect schedule. An inspection is the best way to determine exactly what's happening.

How Are Animals Getting Into Your Home?

Wildlife can take advantage of openings around a home that may be difficult to see from the ground.

During a wildlife inspection, some of the areas we look at include soffits, fascia, rooflines, vents, construction gaps and other potential entry points.

An animal doesn't necessarily need a large opening to get inside. Some wildlife can use surprisingly small gaps, while others may enlarge an existing weak spot to gain access.

Finding how the animal got inside is just as important as determining what animal is there.

Why Removing the Animal Isn't Always the End of the Problem

Getting an animal out of the home solves one part of the problem.

If the entry point isn't addressed, wildlife may be able to get right back inside. There may also be damage, nesting material, droppings or contaminated areas left behind depending on the animal and how long it has been there.

That's why wildlife control can involve more than removal alone.

At KBC Wildlife Solutions, we can inspect the property, identify signs of wildlife activity, determine potential entry points and recommend the appropriate next steps for removal, exclusion repairs and cleanup when needed.

What Should You Do If You Hear Scratching in Your Walls?

If you're hearing unexplained scratching or movement, avoid immediately sealing openings if you aren't sure whether an animal is still inside.

Pay attention to where you're hearing the noise and what time of day it happens. Those details can be helpful during an inspection.

And if the noises continue, having the home inspected can help identify what's inside and how it's getting there before the problem becomes larger.

Wildlife Inspection in Central Ohio

If you're hearing scratching in your walls, noises in your attic or other unexplained wildlife activity, KBC Wildlife Solutions can help determine what's going on.

We provide wildlife inspections, nuisance wildlife trapping and removal, exclusion repairs and cleanup services throughout Central Ohio, including Delaware County and surrounding communities.