If you hear scratching noises in your ceiling, there are several causes. You could hear a small mouse scratching your ceiling, or the claws from a large raccoon. Sometimes you can hear the scratching better when you talk or watch TV. Some people notice the noises at night even if they are asleep.
Grey squirrels
If you are experiencing noises coming from the ceiling or attic, you may have encountered rodents. These creatures often access attics through roof vents, siding, and eaves. Although their behavior is similar to mice, they are quite different. These rodents usually live in groups of between two and seven. These rodents can also be heard snarling and thumping. They are smaller than mice, but they are still larger than adults.
The first step in getting rid of grey squirrels is to determine the location of the problem. Grey squirrels often enter property during the day and leave at night. If you see these creatures in your attic, you will want to place a trap there so they can get out. A trap can be placed on the ground of your property or on a tree that grey squirrels are known to climb.
Possums
If you’re hearing a lot of scratching in your ceiling, possums may be your problem. Possums are large mammals that live in attics. They are nocturnal, and so they’re most active at night. You might hear them scratching at the ceiling, walls, and roof. You can also look for signs of their presence, such as droppings. Possum droppings are typically cigar-shaped and jelly-sized and emit a sweet, eucalyptus-like smell.
A professional pest control company that specializes is the best way to eliminate possum infestations. Possums often live in buildings that have roofs. Their droppings are often scattered around their sleeping areas. Unlike rats, possums are large animals that can weigh up to four kilograms. They make a lot of noise, especially when moving, and they are most active at night and early in the morning.
Birds
You are not the only one who has noticed birds scratching at your ceiling. These noisy animals can attract a variety of insects to your roof space. Depending on the species of animal, a mouse might make a continuous sound, a rat may make a sound as it moves its paws and birds will make noise when they flap or call.
It may be a bird or a bat if you notice fluttering noises through your ceiling. It’s important to remove these animals safely to avoid harming them, especially if they’re stuck in the attic insulation. Other sounds that can indicate an animal’s presence include electric humming and knocking sounds from pipes or floorboards.
Insects
You should first identify the noise source if you hear insects scratching your ceiling. It could be a mouse or rat. These creatures scratch your home’s wood, wiring, or plumbing. You may also hear birds calling or flapping wings. The sounds are most common during the day. However, in some cases, they may appear during the night. If this happens, it is best to call a pest control professional.
Bats can make scratching sounds in your ceiling. Bats can carry a number of diseases and are known to cause trouble in homes. They can also make noises in attics or other areas of the house. Because of their quiet nature, homeowners often don’t realize they’ve been infested with bats for years. Sometimes they can fall behind walls and only get noticed when they return to the house.