Noises in the attic are worrying and can be an indication that rodents or other wildlife may be living in your roof.
Attics (lofts or ceiling cavities) are ideal environments for possums, rats and mice, who damage stored items and electric cabling by gnawing and possibly causing fires. They are also ideal environments for nesting birds that can spread disease, mites and fleas.
Noises should be investigated quickly - nests and droppings become ideal breeding sites for insects, which may then carry nasty bugs and diseases into your home.
Inspect your attic and look for visible signs of habitation, commonly their droppings.
Hearing noises in your attic, especially at night, could mean that wildlife or rodents have found a way inside. Common pests in the attic include rats, mice, squirrels, and even larger animals like raccoons and possums. These creatures often enter looking for shelter, warmth, or nesting spots.
Identifying the source of the noise matters because different pests bring different risks. Rodents can chew through wires and insulation, while larger animals can damage ductwork and leave behind droppings that may carry disease. The sooner you determine what’s making the noise, the sooner you can take steps to protect your property.
If you’re unsure, our pest control experts can inspect your attic and provide a tailored solution.
We will discuss your pest problem, arrange a survey if necessary, and provide a quote and recommendations.
Our QualityPro certified specialists will come out to provide your treatment
We'll make as many visits as you require to ensure your problem is resolved
There are a couple of indicators to tell you what type of ‘guest’ you have staying in your attic. If they are rats or mice in the attic, you’ll hear scratching as they scurry across the attic floor or rafters at night. Possums generally leave the attic when it becomes dark and return at around dawn. Identifying these signs early can help in addressing the issue before it worsens.
Squirrels are typically most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If they’re in your attic, you may hear rapid scurrying, scratching, or rolling sounds as they move and play. They can chew on wood beams, cables, and insulation.
Visual signs include small, round droppings and shredded materials used for nesting. You may also spot entry points on rooflines or vents.
Rodents like mice and rats are mostly active at night. You may hear light scratching, squeaking, or the sound of gnawing on wood or plastic.
Signs include small black droppings, greasy marks along walls, and shredded paper or fabric used for nesting. You might also spot thin, spindle shaped droppings, and chew marks on wires, boxes, or furniture.
Insects like carpenter ants, wasps, and termites may not make loud sounds, but you might hear a faint rustling or buzzing.
Other signs include insect wings, frass (insect droppings), or visible nests. Chewed wood or small holes in beams could point to carpenter ants or termites.
Bats are active around dusk and dawn. You might hear fluttering, high-pitched squeaks, or rustling when they return to or leave the attic.
Their droppings (guano) are small, dark, and crumble into powder when touched. Look for piles of guano near walls or entry points, along with staining around entry holes.
Raccoons are mostly active at night. They make heavy thumping, walking, or dragging sounds as they move around. They may also vocalize with chattering or growling.
Raccoon droppings are large, tubular, and may contain seeds. Check for torn insulation, overturned items, and damaged entry points around the attic.
Birds may enter attics through broken vents or gaps. You’ll likely hear flapping, chirping, or scratching, especially during the day.
Bird droppings are typically white and dark in color and may be found in concentrated spots. Nests made of twigs, feathers, or straw are another clear indicator.
Once we’ve identified the pest, our technicians can work to remove the infestation, seal entry points, and help protect your attic from future problems.
Squirrels often chew through wood to get inside. We can help to remove squirrels humanely and seal entry points to prevent return visits.
Rodents multiply quickly and can be tough to manage alone. We’ll identify how they’re getting in, help get rid of them, and set up measures to keep them out.
Mice and rats need to be treated quickly, to avoid an infestation taking hold. Proofing your attic space is an effective way of preventing entry, but the infestation must be treated first. Your Ehrlich pest technician specialist will devise a comprehensive plan to get rid of rodents from your ceiling space.
Bats are protected in many areas, so safe and legal removal is important. We help identify their entry points and use approved methods to guide them out of your home. Get rid of bats for good with the help of our highly trained technicians.
Raccoons are strong and smart, often breaking in through vents or loose shingles. We can help with effective raccoon removal and implement measures to block re-entry.
Pigeons, Indian Mynas or other birds in the attic create mess, health risks and annoying noise. It's important to block entry points with chicken wire or another solid barrier. We also provide exterior barriers such as spikes, wire systems, and netting. Learn more about our effective bird control solutions and when you might need to call in our professional bird technicians to help manage an infestation.
An insect infestation is most likely to be caused by attraction to food, textiles or wood stored in your loft, or they may be living off the droppings of other pests in the loft such as rats, mice or possums. At Ehrlich, We have extensive experience in eliminating insect infestations, so you can be sure we have the right solution for you.
Find out more on how to deal with particular insects you may find in your attic:
Possums can cause significant damage by gnawing on wood and electrical cables. As possums are native to the U.S., there are regulations around their correct removal from a premise. An Ehrlich expert will use a specially-designed possum trap and know the proper stipulations for releasing after capture.
Our technicians will conduct a thorough pest inspection to assess how the pest got in and seal off those access points to help protect your home and your peace of mind.
For attic pest control, call us at 800-837-5520 to schedule your free inspection today.
Noises in the attic at night are often caused by pests like rodents, bats, or raccoons. These animals are most active when it’s dark and quiet.
Scratching sounds usually mean animals are moving through insulation, walls, or wood. This can be a sign of pests in the attic.
Repeated or loud attic noises may mean you have a pest infestation. It’s best to have a technician check the space as soon as possible.
Most attic pests are active at night, especially after dusk and before dawn. This is when they move around and look for food.
Yes, pests can chew wires, damage insulation, and spread droppings. Over time, this can lead to bigger problems if not dealt with.
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