Noises in the Attic. Noises in the attic are worrying and can be an indication that rodents or other wildlife may be living in your roof. Attics (lofts) are ideal environments for squirrels and rodents, who damage stored items by gnawing and possibly cause fire hazards by chewing electric cabling.

Is it normal to hear noises in the attic?

If you hear it at night primarily, it is either mice, raccoons, bats or (in some cases) a flying squirrel. If during the day, do you hear running around and “rolling” sounds? Squirrels will often be heard “rolling” nuts or other debris around in the attic during the day. Their movement is also very fast.

What causes noises in the attic?





House Noises

A loose shutter on an attic window or loosened attic vents can cause a banging sound if it’s windy, as can branches hitting the roof. Heating ducts as they cool also make banging noises, as do radiators. Water pipes can make loud noises known as water hammers.

Why does it sound like something is on my roof?

When it gets colder, your roofing materials are exposed to the cold while the inside of your house stays warm. This means roofing materials are contracting while the interior is not. This creates pressure changes that lead to movement and noises like popping or cracking sounds.

What do attic racoons sound like?

Raccoons are nocturnal animals meaning you will usually hear them at night. Sounds like a slow walking, sliding or shifting are typical raccoon in attic noises. Fast running or jumping is very rare for a raccoon in the attic but could be the result of a territorial dispute or mating.

What do raccoons sound like in attic?





Unusual noises

If you’re hearing thumping noises, it’s one of the surefire signs you have a raccoon in the attic. No other urban pest is big enough to create stomping noises. Squirrels will scurry and bang around, but a raccoon literally will sound like a small person is in there.

Why can I hear noises in my ceiling?

A repetitive ticking or clicking sound coming from walls and ceilings can result from the expansion and contraction of metal HVAC ductwork that conducts ventilation through these voids. When metal heats up, it expands; when the furnace stops pushing warm air through the system, the metal cools and contracts.

Why do I hear banging in my ceiling?

When pressure builds, joints and other areas of connections, such as nails and metal plates between the roof and attic walls, may move slightly, with one component or connection moving away from or toward another. The energy released by this movement is what causes the loud banging or cracking sound.

How do I scare animals out of my attic?



Scatter mothballs in your attic space to deter squirrels and rodents but be aware that the smell of naphthalene is unpleasant to humans as well and may be a health problem for some, as well as for pets.

What does a possum in the attic sound like?

Opossums have a wide range of vocalizations, including hissing and shrieking. Mother opossums also make clicking or lip smacking sounds to call their babies. If you notice these noises when inside a building, chances are you have an infestation or a single opossum trapped inside.

How do you tell if a raccoon is living in your attic?

Signs of Raccoons in Your Attic

  1. Feces inside the attic or on the roof.
  2. Attic noises, including footsteps, snarls, chewing and scratching.
  3. Soffit panels that are out of place or pulled apart.
  4. Pawprints and scratch marks on your home’s woodwork.
  5. Regular sightings of raccoons on the roof or in your yard.

How can I tell what animal is in my attic?



When inspecting an attic, we look for the traces an animal leaves behind. Droppings, footprints, and destruction are most the most common animal signs we spot. Mice have droppings that are about 1/3-1/5 centimeters in length while rats and squirrels have droppings that are about 1-1.5 centimeters in length.

What do animals in the attic sound like?

Signs Animals are in Your Attic

You may hear one or more of these pest noises coming from upstairs: Gnawing or squeaking at night (rats) Scampering or scurrying noises (squirrels or rodents) Purrs, whimpers, snarls, growls, hisses, screams and whinnies (raccoons)

What do squirrels in attic sound like?

Scurrying noises – Light running and scratching noises across your attic floor are a good signifier that a squirrel has gained entry to your attic and is maneuvering back and forth. Rolling sounds – Squirrels collect nuts, acorns, and other small items.

What do mice sound like in the ceiling?



The first sign of mice in your ceiling or attic will be the sounds. You’ll hear the skitter of their little claws across your ceiling tiles or occasional squeaks. Gnawing and digging sounds are additional signs of an infestation. Since mice are nocturnal, these sounds will be most evident at night.

What do mice in an attic sound like?

At night there will be a scratching or scurrying noise. Mainly coming from behind the wall or ceiling. It might sound like they’re running. They can be heard in the ceiling as well.

Are mice in attic a problem?

They are also capable of spreading diseases. Among the health risks associated with such rodents include salmonella, leptospirosis, and even Hantavirus. To prevent such health risks and property damage, you need to get rid of these mice. Here are the ways on how you can get rid of mice in your attic space.

How do you tell if there are mice in the attic?

Look for these signs of mice in the attic:

  1. Urine-stained areas.
  2. Mouse droppings. …
  3. Mouse nests made of shredded paper or other fibrous material in secluded areas.
  4. Mouse hallways (one to two inches deep) on the surface of the insulation.
  5. Mouse burrows (one-inch holes going down into the insulation)

Can mice live in the attic?



Mice can be the bane of the modern household. As these pests prefer to live in the attic of your house, making it hard for you to identify that you have uninvited guests. The attic is a perfect shelter for these pests – a warm, safe, dry place in which to go and make a home.

How do you tell if I have mice or rats in my attic?

You might hear scratching and gnawing as they crawl around or chew on your walls and wires. You could also hear a scurrying noise as they move quickly across your attic. Chirps and squeaks are also common in mice, but rats usually communicate at a pitch that humans cannot hear.