You’ve had a long day, and you’re looking forward to catching some shuteye. But as soon as you lay your head down on the pillow, you hear scratching noises, and it’s really concerning you.
Chances are, you’ve got pests in your home, and you’ll want them out fast. Here’s how you can tell the difference between the critters that may be uninvited guests.
Mice Scratching at Night
Mice are one of the most common pests seen by wildlife removal services in Georgia and beyond, and they’re usually the culprit for nighttime scratching noises. Their sounds are typically light, rapid, and repetitive, and they usually come from inside the walls, ceilings, or attics.
You’re more likely to hear mice shortly after sunset and throughout the night since they’re nocturnal. They like to search for food and nesting materials during these times. You might also hear faint squeaking, scurrying, or chewing sounds.
If the noises are almost nightly and seem concentrated in one area, there may be an active nest nearby. Don’t seal entry points, though, as trapping mice inside the walls can create additional problems.
Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels create much louder scratching and scampering sounds than mice. You might notice the noises at night, but squirrels are usually most active around dawn and dusk. Their movements often sound like quick runs across the ceiling, attic floor, or roofline, and you might hear thumping noises when they jump between surfaces.
If the scratching starts shortly before sunrise and continues intermittently during the day, then it’s most likely squirrels. Persistent activity in the same location may be a sign of a nesting female.
Again, avoid sealing openings yourself since babies can become trapped inside.
Raccoons and Bats
Noises high in your house may be raccoons or bats, but the sounds they make differ.
Raccoons are large animals that make heavy footsteps, dragging sounds, and loud scratching in the attic, crawl spaces, or on rooftops. They’re strongly nocturnal, so activity usually peaks well after dark.
Bats create much lighter sounds. You may hear faint scratching, fluttering, or rustling shortly after sunset and again before sunrise (they leave to feed and then return home).
What to Do When Nighttime Scratching Disrupts Your Sleep
When unexplained scratching keeps you awake, take notes. Pay attention to the timing, volume, and location of the sounds.
The most important thing is to resist the urge to seal up holes, vents, or roof gaps. The smarter option is to look for supporting evidence, such as:
- Droppings
- Nesting materials
- Visible entry points from outside
You can then get a professional pest control company to take effective and humane steps. After that, you can restore a peaceful environment that’s conducive to sleep and self-care.
Take Care of Pests Effectively
When you hear scratching at night, it’s essential to note down the details so pest control experts know what to look for and where. You should also never DIY solutions, as they may not work or may even make the situation worse.
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