What's That Noise? A Guide to Identifying Animals in Your Attic

The sound of footsteps in your attic is unsettling. Before you call a professional, you can do some detective work. The sound, time, and location of the noise are key clues in identifying your unwanted guest.

1. Heavy Thumping or Walking

• Time: Nighttime (10 PM - 4 AM)
• Sound: Sounds like a human or a heavy dog walking. Slow, deliberate steps.
• Likely Culprit: Raccoon. Raccoons are heavy (10-20 lbs). They are nocturnal. If you hear this noise, you have a large animal that can cause significant damage quickly.

2. Fast Scampering or Running

• Time: Daytime (Morning and Evening)
• Sound: Fast, energetic running back and forth.
• Likely Culprit: Gray Squirrel. Squirrels are active during the day. They are hyperactive and often chase each other.

3. Light Scratching or Gnawing

• Time: Nighttime
• Sound: Very faint scratching, like fingernails on wood.
• Likely Culprit: Mice. Mice are quiet. You usually only hear them if the house is very silent. You might hear gnawing as they chew on wood or wires.

4. Rolling Noises (“Marbles”)

• Time: Deep Night (1 AM - 3 AM)
• Sound: Sounds like an acorn or marble rolling across the drywall.
• Likely Culprit: Flying Squirrels. These small nocturnal squirrels often bring acorns into the attic and drop them.

5. Fluttering or Squeaking

• Time: Dusk and Dawn
• Sound: High-pitched chirps or the sound of wings.
• Likely Culprit: Bats or Birds. Bats are active at dusk as they leave to hunt. Birds (like swifts) are active during the day but settle down at night.

Knowing the “schedule” of your pest helps us set the right traps. If you hear noises, record the times and call HWCS for a targeted inspection.