Animal Noises in the Attic: Identifying the Animal and Taking Action

If you’re hearing scratching noises or loud thumps overhead, there’s a good chance it’s not your imagination, but a wild animal has taken up residence in your attic. If there are strange noises in your attic, it’s important to act fast before they lead to serious damage and health risks. 

In extreme cases, such as 24 Sussex Drive‘s improper handling of its rodent issues, can result in decomposing carcasses, mold, building damage, and even compromised air quality. 

At SWAT Wildlife, we specialize in identifying these animal noises in the attic and taking swift, humane action to resolve them before further damage occurs.

Attic Sounds That Tell the Story

Different animals create different attic sounds, and being able to recognize these noises can help identify the culprit. 

• Squirrels: Commonly produce scurrying and grinding sounds similar to scratching sounds as they move during daylight hours. 
• Mice and rats: Typically a nocturnal species, so you may hear light scratching at night, especially around insulation or wall voids. 
• Raccoons: A larger species that often make louder thumping noises or growling sounds, especially during the early morning period when raccoon mothers are active with hiding baby raccoons. 
• Bats: Listen for them to emit high pitched singing sounds or bat noises, as well as irregular flapping noises. 
• Birds: Unusual sound patterns such as tapping noise or fluttering sounds could indicate birds or flying squirrels. Also listen for the tell tale chirping or singing of the bird’s call.

What the Seasons Reveal

Wildlife behavior shifts with the seasons, and so do animal noise problems and attic infestations. 

During colder months, rodents and other pests seek shelter to escape extreme cold, which leads to more scratching noises in attics during winter and fall. Spring brings raccoons and other wildlife searching for safe shelter to birth and raise their young, while summer is prime time for attic bats and other nocturnal animals to roost. 

These seasonal patterns mean the time of year you’re hearing attic noises can be a huge clue in determining what animal is involved.

Common Animal Clues in the Damage and Droppings

Once you hear noises in your attic, it’s time to take a look and investigate further for potential entry points like roof vents, soffits, and eaves for damage or nesting materials. 

There are common signs of rodent infestations to keep an eye out for, such as gnawed wires and shredded insulation. Raccoons like to leave behind sizable animal droppings and can create entry points by forcing open weak spots in your home’s exterior. Rat and mouse noises are often accompanied by smaller pellets and narrow paths along wall edges. 

If you see signs of a pest infestation and are hearing kitten-like noises frequently, your attic has likely become home to one or more wild animal residents. In one small attic space, even a typical rat or mice infestation can cause considerable damage if not dealt with.

The Trouble with DIY Solutions

Trying to trap animal intruders on your own can do a lot more bad than it can good. 

Without proper knowledge, you could trap an animal inside to die in your attic or even separate a mother from her babies. Dead animals left in your attic or crawl space can result in lingering smells, health risks, and even mold growth. Check out our blog to learn how to recognize the signs.

Giving these animals the humane treatment they deserve and safely removing them requires experience and the right tools. Let wildlife removal experts handle the removal process and sanitization properly, instead of risking more damage and health concerns .

Leave Your Animal Removal to the Experts – Call SWAT Wildlife

If you continue to hear animal movements, or persistent, unusual sounds emerging from your attic, it’s time to call in professionals. 

SWAT Wildlife offers reliable animal removal services that focus on humane removal and secures your home against future invaders. Our trained team carefully inspects for all potential entry points and offers fair pricing for the full removal and restoration. We also provide related services like chimney capping and attic insulation to prevent reinfestation.Contact us today for a thorough inspection.