Soft thumps or subtle scratches can immediately grab your attention, and many people are surprised by how common these noises are. You might wonder whether itโs just the house settling or an unseen presence moving around. These moments of curiosity occur more often than most realize.
Small, consistent sounds often reveal the presence of animals or pests. Raccoons, squirrels, birds, and mice each have characteristic noises, and their behavior changes over the course of the day. Paying attention to these sounds can provide clues about whatโs nearby.
With expert insight, understanding these sounds is much easier. Noting the timing and location of each noise helps identify the source. Once the signs are recognized, deciding how to handle the situation becomes far less stressful.
Identifying the Source of Unexplained Noises
If a noise feels unusual, start by observing the basics. Take note of the soundโs behavior, where it starts, and how often it occurs. Simple attention to these details can reveal more than expected and reduce uncertainty. A focused moment of listening can make a big difference, especially if pests or wildlife might be present.
Each observation builds on the previous one, giving you a clearer sense of whatโs going on. These small details come together to show whether the source is wildlife, pests, or something else entirely.
As you piece together what you hear with what youโve already seen or noticed, identifying the source becomes easier. Once the pattern emerges, choosing the right next step feels much simpler.
A Homeownerโs Guide to Wall Noises
Wall voids provide shelter for a variety of pests, from tiny insects to larger wildlife. Rodents, raccoons, and other animals can slip into narrow spaces, with bigger creatures often causing noticeable bumps or scratching. Homeowners most commonly hear these sounds:
- Scratches in Walls
Scratching sounds coming from walls or ceilings often raise concern. Noticing the direction and consistency of the noise can help pinpoint whatโs causing it. Is the sound localized or shifting? Wildlife that frequently makes these noises includes:- Raccoons: Deliberate, slow scratching combined with heavier thuds at night often signals raccoons moving through walls or ceilings.
- Carpenter Ants: Gentle rustling or light tapping within wooden beams or structures can indicate the presence of active carpenter ants.
- Mice and Rats: Fast, light scurrying and occasional chewing or rustling sounds after dark are typical signs of mice or rats.
- Squirrels: Quick, repeated scratching during daylight hours usually points to squirrels moving through walls or attic spaces.
- Heavy Dragging Sounds in the Walls
If you notice slow, deliberate thumping or dragging beneath floors or in your attic, it typically points to a larger animal. These noises contrast sharply with the rapid scurrying of squirrels. Likely animals involved include: - Bumps in Your Attic or Crashes in the Garage
Seeking both food and safe hiding spots, many larger animals venture into garages and attics. The design of these areas often makes every movement more pronounced. Animals most commonly responsible include:- Mice and Rats: Fast and nimble, these rodents scurry through spaces, creating loud clattering whenever they disturb small items.
- Raccoons: Primarily nocturnal, raccoons frequently tip over tools or containers, and their larger bodies make every movement audible.
- Birds: When trapped, birds often flap frantically and strike nearby objects, producing loud, chaotic sounds as they attempt to escape.
- Opossums: Their clumsy, awkward movements often cause bumps and overturned objects as they search for food in dark, cluttered areas.
- Rustling in Vents or Chimneys
If you hear flapping, fluttering, or rustling where it shouldnโt be, birds or bats may be trapped indoors. These sounds typically come from vents or chimneys. The wildlife often behind the noise includes:- Birds: When trapped, birds may flap frantically and strike walls, vents, or chimneys, producing loud, chaotic sounds as they try to escape.
- Bats: In tight spaces like attics or vents, bats make rapid fluttering noises and high-pitched squeaks while searching for a way out.
- Gnawing or Grinding in Walls
Rodents chew continuously to manage their ever-growing teeth, often targeting wood, plastic, and wiring. This persistent gnawing is typically most audible at night or at dawn. Common culprits include:- Squirrels: Mostly active during the day, squirrels produce noticeable sounds as they scurry through wall voids or squeeze through narrow spaces.
- Mice and Rats: Active primarily at night, these rodents move quietly while foraging, though rats often create louder noises as they chew, scurry, and explore hidden areas.
- A Buzzing or Humming in the Walls
If you hear continuous buzzing or humming, stinging insects may be the cause. The sound comes from the rapid flapping of many wings and is especially noticeable during warm, sunny weather. Likely culprits include:- Bees: A consistent, deep hum often signals that bees are nesting within a wall or attic space.
- Wasps: A steady, piercing humming sound usually indicates that wasps are constructing a nest inside your walls.
- Hornets: A loud, forceful buzzing is typically a sign that hornets are active within a wall cavity.
- Ticking or Clicking Inside Walls
Repeated, subtle ticking or clicking sounds from walls can be a sign of wood-destroying insects at work. These noises are often most noticeable at night. Insects frequently responsible include:- Carpenter Ants: Gentle, irregular ticking or light rustling from wooden surfaces often indicates the presence of carpenter ants.
- Termites: Continuous, faint clicking or tapping inside walls usually signals termites feeding on wooden structures.
- Thuds on the Roof
Noises like thuds or bangs coming from above often point to animals traveling across your roof. Roofs offer simple access for wildlife in search of shelter or food. Common offenders involved include:- Tree Branches: On windy days, branches scraping or tapping the roof can sound like animals moving, making this a frequent non-pest source of noise.
- Squirrels: Quick scampering and the soft noise of rolling or falling nuts are common during daylight. Their movements are lighter and faster than those of larger animals.
- Cats: Soft, rapid footsteps often occur at night or during early morning and evening, sometimes accompanied by purring or meowing near entry points.
- Raccoons: Heavy, deliberate steps and strong thuds usually happen at night, with their larger size making every movement more pronounced.
Disturbing Sounds Around the House? Suburban Exterminating Can Help
Rustling or banging noises, even when subtle, can unsettle homeowners. Our inspections determine the responsible animal and the areas it frequents. Taking swift action minimizes damage and household disturbance, and our exclusion strategies help prevent wildlife from reentering.
Prevent wildlife and pests from entering your home. Contact Suburban Exterminating today.
