What is the scratching sound in my roof?

Author: Jettie Stoltenberg  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

While there isn't necessarily anything wrong with the roof, the scratching noise may result from some common pest problems. Usually, the noise is caused by animals or insects trying to get into your home. If you can hear the scratching noise, likely, that the animals or insects are already inside your home.

What animal makes a scratching sound?

If you hear scratching noises in the attic during the night, you are probably facing mouse, rat, or raccoon problems. If the scratching is faint, it's likely a rodent. If the scratching is loud, it could be a larger animal like a raccoon. Knocking sounds in your home can be unsettling.

What is scratching in my ceiling but no droppings?

If you're hearing a scratching noise in the wall but haven't found any droppings, it doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear. Rodents often remain hidden, especially in the early stages of an infestation. They may be traveling through your walls or ceilings, where droppings aren't easily visible.

Why does it sound like something is crawling on my roof?

  • Animals: One of the most common reasons for strange noises on the roof is wildlife. Animals such as raccoons, squirrels, opossums, or birds might be exploring or nesting in your attic or on the roof.
  • Wind and Weather: Strong winds can cause trees or branches to rub against the roof, creating unusual sounds.

What is the weird scratching sound at night?

These noises usually come from the places where rodents most often live. This could be your walls, ceilings, beneath floorboards, piles of mice attracting clutter or in your kitchen or attic. Rodents love to nest in these areas. They emerge at night to breed and feed and scamper around your house.

3 Ways To Get Rid Of Mice or Rats, And Keep Them Out!(#1 tip at10:14 mark for the impatient viewers)

Why do I hear scratching on my roof?

While there isn't necessarily anything wrong with the roof, the scratching noise may result from some common pest problems. Usually, the noise is caused by animals or insects trying to get into your home. If you can hear the scratching noise, likely, that the animals or insects are already inside your home.

What is the strange scratching noise in my house?

If you've noticed scratching or other strange noises coming from what sounds like the inside of your walls, you may think you're going crazy. Be rest assured however that it's unlikely the case. Scratching in walls is actually a sign that you could have a rodent infestation.

What does a rat in the roof sound like?

Sounds. Possums and rats make very different sounds from one another. Rats tend to make a scuttering sound, as their claws tip-tap across your roof cavity. Possums are larger animals and often make more noise.

What are mice doing when you hear scratching?

Scratching noises indicate mice are climbing, crawling, or digging inside your walls, and it also means that they are gnawing on your drywall, insulation, electrical wires, or pipes. Like other rodents, mice have two sets of incisors that grow continuously and must be ground down regularly.

How to get rid of roof rats?

5 Steps for Getting Rid of Roof Rats
  1. Step 1: Protective Gear Recommendations. Protective gear can protect you from dust, insulation particles, rat droppings, urine, or fleas. ...
  2. Step 2: Set Up Traps & Bait Stations. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove Food & Water Sources. ...
  4. Step 4: Seal Entry Points. ...
  5. Step 5: Call a Pest Control Company.

What animal is on my roof at night?

Usually, it is roof rats or mice but squirrels are common animals that run on roofs. One thing that could have attracted the squirrel to your roof is a bird feeder. Squirrels love birdseed, so they can easily be drawn to a bird feeder. Other common animals that run on roofs are raccoons and rats.

How do I get rid of rodents in my ceiling?

How to Get Rid of Mice in Walls and Ceilings
  1. Set Up a Rolling Mouse Bucket Trap.
  2. Get a Plank Bucket Trap.
  3. Use an Ultrasonic Rodent Repeller.
  4. Deter Mice with Essential Oils.
  5. Clear Away Open Food and Water Sources.

How can I tell what animal is in my ceiling?

Check for droppings: Animal droppings can provide valuable clues about the type of their presence. For example, rat droppings are small and pointed, while squirrel droppings are larger and more rounded. Look for damage: Different animals may cause different types of damage in your loft.

What is making noise on my roof at night?

First, your roof may make creaking, cracking, or popping noises when temperatures drop significantly at night. This is caused by the contraction and expansion of the roof's material due to the temperature change. If you hear these noises, it is important to inspect your roof to make sure there are no structural issues.

What is the scratching sound in my attic during the day?

Therefore, any apparent activity during daylight hours will be very telling of the presence of squirrels. Fast, scurrying noises: Squirrels make quick scratching and scurrying noises, and it isn't uncommon to sometimes hear nuts or acorns rolling around on the floor.

What does a possum scratching sound like?

Loud Scratching Noises

As opossums nest, they make lots of ripping, scuttling, and scratching noises. These noises can sound similar to rats or mice, but you will likely notice that the noises seem louder because they're created by a bigger animal.

What to do if you hear scratching in your ceiling?

  1. Identify Which Animal Makes the Sound.
  2. Eliminate the Pest in the Attic.
  3. Clean, Seal, and Prevent Future Infestations. Seal All Roof Holes. Throw Away the Nesting Materials. Trim Trees Near the Attic. Other Preventative Measures.
  4. Hire Professional Help from On Demand Pest Control.

What smell do mice hate?

The strong scent of peppermint is overwhelming to mice. Similarly, essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil are potent in keeping mice at bay. One study noted that eucalyptus oil applied once a day was more effective as a rat repellant than once a week.

How much is an exterminator for mice?

Our research shows that hiring a mouse exterminator costs an average of $394, with some professional exterminators charging between $90 and $150 per visit. Promptly dealing with a mouse infestation is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy home.

Why do I hear weird noises in my roof?

Hearing strange noises like scratching, scrabbling, or hissing in your roof is unsettling. These sounds are often a sign that pests have made their way into your home. Identifying what type of pest is causing the noise is the first step to resolving the issue.

How do you know if you have a rat in your roof?

Rats make noises which may occur when they are excited, or leaping from one spot to another within the roof space. You may even hear loud thuds at times as the rats land on the ceiling and scamper around. The disturbance is louder in roof spaces that do not have insulation.

How much does it cost to remove rats from an attic?

The average cost of rat removal from the attic ranges from $300 to $3000, and the cost varies depending on the type of infestation and the location of the property.

What are rats doing when you hear scratching?

There are a number of reasons why rats may be making scratching noises. They could be trying to get from one area of the house to another, they could be trying to access food or they may be gathering nesting materials. Rats tend to move pretty quickly so you're likely to hear scurrying noises.

Why do I hear a scraping noise?

In a nutshell: A scraping noise could be caused by a worn wheel bearing, transmission problems, a damaged water pump or alternator, a failing aircon compressor, a worn CV joint or old brake pads.

What is the scraping sound in my house?

If you tend to hear the scratching noises more frequently during the day, you're likely dealing with squirrels that have found a way into your walls. On the other hand, scratching noises at night tend to point towards mice or rats, both of which are nocturnal, unlike squirrels.

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