Determining the Rodent or Pest Scratching in your Wall

I Hear Something in My Wall! What Should I Do Next?

If you hear scratching sounds or tapping noises in your walls, the next step is identifying what’s making the sounds. To do this, you should look for additional evidence. This can come in the form of:

• Gnaw Marks and Holes: Look for chew marks on wood, wiring, and drywall. Small, clean-cut holes are indicative of rodents. Larger, more torn-open holes could be a sign of a raccoon.
• Nests: If you can access the area, look for nests made of shredded materials like paper, insulation, or fabric.
• Grease Marks: Rats and mice often leave greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards from their fur as they travel along the same paths repeatedly.
• Exterior Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for any potential entry points, such as cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes and vents, or holes in the siding.
• Droppings: If you find individual droppings, it’s a sign you’re dealing with rodents, birds, or other types of wildlife. Insect droppings are generally too small to notice individually, but if there’s a specific area they frequent, you may find accumulated droppings.

What If You Hear Scratching in Walls But Can’t Find Droppings or Other Warning Signs?

Finding no droppings does not necessarily mean your home is pest-free. Some animals, like bats or certain insects, leave less noticeable traces, or their droppings might not make it into visible areas. Continual scratching with a lack of other evidence might warrant a closer inspection by a professional.

Pay attention to the timing and patterns of the noise. Nighttime noises are more indicative of mice, rats, or nocturnal animals. Daytime noises could point to squirrels or birds.

What’s Making That Scratching Sound in the Wall?

Scratching noises or popping sounds in walls or ceilings are typically caused by rodents, wildlife, or insects. They’re there to seek shelter, build nests, or search for food. The type of animal can often be inferred from the nature and timing of the noise.

Here are some ways to tell some scratching sounds apart from others:

• Mice and Rats: Rats and mice are notorious for living in walls and making scratching and scurrying sounds as they navigate through cavities and between floors. You’ll often hear the sounds start in one part of the wall and end elsewhere. Both of these rodents are nocturnal, so if scratching sounds are coming at night, it’s a sign you’re dealing with rodents.
• Squirrels: Squirrels make scratching and scurrying sounds that are similar to rats and mice. The biggest difference is that squirrels are diurnal (active during the day). So, ask yourself when the sounds are most pervasive. If during the day, you might have squirrels in your walls.
• Bats: Bats frequently end up trapped in attics, but inside walls is a common scenario, too. Their scratching is softer, and you might also hear flapping wings or squeaking.
• Birds: Nesting birds make scratching sounds and distressed squawking, screeching, or chirping. If you hear any combination of these noises, check for nests in vents or under eaves.
• Insects: Certain insects, like carpenter ants or termites, can produce faint sounds as they burrow into wood. These sounds are more like “rustling” and less like “scratching.”

How Do You Deal with Pests in Your Walls?

Once you’ve identified or suspected a particular pest, the next steps involve removal and prevention.

• Professional Pest Control: For effective and safe removal, consider hiring a pest control professional, especially for protected species like bats.
• Sealing Entry Points: To prevent future invasions, seal all potential entry points, including small openings around pipes and cracks in the foundation. This practice, known as “exclusion,” is one of the most effective ways to prevent pests and rodents in your walls.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your home clean, decluttered, and ensure that food is stored in airtight containers to discourage pests.

Are Animals in Your Walls Dangerous?

Yes, having rodents or wildlife in your walls is dangerous. Just how dangerous depends on the type of animal. In general, the risks of pests in your walls include:

• Health Risks: Pests contaminate your home with droppings and urine, spreading diseases like Salmonellosis and triggering allergies or asthma from airborne particles.
• Hidden Fire Hazard: The most immediate danger is from rodents gnawing on electrical wiring inside your walls, which can expose live wires and spark a house fire.
• Costly Structural Damage: Pests don’t just live in walls; they destroy them. They tear up insulation (raising energy bills), chew through wooden supports, and can damage pipes, leading to expensive repairs.

Have You Noticed Unexplained Noises Coming From Inside Your Walls? We Can Help!

Identifying the source of scratching sounds in your walls is the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind and ensuring the safety of your home or business. Whether the culprit is a mouse, squirrel, bird, or insect, understanding the behavior and habits of these potential pests is crucial for effective resolution.

Here at Batzner Pest Control, our team of exterminators can be invaluable in cases where identification and removal become challenging. Remember, prevention is key to keeping your home pest-free. Call us today for a free quote.

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