Are you being kept up at night by mysterious scratching noises in your attic? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Connecticut experience this problem, especially during the colder months when animals seek shelter in warm spaces. In this post, we’ll explore what might be causing those noises and what you can do about it.
First Things First: The Bang Test
Before we dive into the potential culprits, there’s a simple way to help determine what kind of Connecticut animal is making noise in your attic: the bang test. Simply bang on the ceiling or walls and listen for a response. Here’s what to expect in CT:
- Squirrels: will run around and make a lot of noise.
- Mice: will often freeze in place and be silent for a time. The ok I am not dead wait time.
- Bats: won’t respond to the banging, as they use echolocation rather than hearing.
- Raccoons: may sound like a human walking in the attic and could potentially yet rarely respond aggressively.
- Flying squirrels: are nocturnal and will often scurry away in response to the noise. Flying squirrels will usually run twards the exit so take not what direction. This will help us find one of the entry points for exclusion later.
Now that you know what to listen for let’s take a closer look at some of the common culprits that might be making noise in your attic.
Raccoons
Raccoons in Connecticut are notorious for finding their way into attics and other indoor spaces. They’re attracted to attics because they offer a warm, dry, and secure location to nest. You might hear them walking around, scratching, or even vocalizing in your attic. They can also cause significant damage, as they’ll often rip apart insulation or chew through wiring.
If you suspect that you have raccoons in your attic, it’s important to call in a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove them.
Squirrels
Squirrels are another common cause of attic noise in CT. They’ll often enter attics through small openings in the roof or siding, and once inside, they’ll build nests and scurry around. They can also cause damage by chewing through wood and wiring. If you hear scratching, running, or chattering noises in your attic, it’s likely that you have squirrels.
A wildlife removal service can help remove squirrels from your attic and help you take steps to prevent them from returning.
Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels are nocturnal and can be difficult to spot during the day. They’re attracted to attics because they offer a safe place to nest and plenty of places to store food. They’re also social animals, so you’ll often hear them chattering or making high-pitched squeaks. If you hear scurrying or rustling noises in your Connecticut attic at night, it could be flying squirrels.
A wildlife removal service can help safely remove flying squirrels and their nests from your attic.
Bats Usually Big Brown Bats in Connecticut
Bats are another nocturnal animal that might be making noise in your attic. They’re often attracted to attics because they offer a dark and secure location to roost during the day. If you hear high-pitched squeaking or chirping noises coming from your attic at night, it could be bats. It’s important to note that bats are protected in many areas and should only be removed by a professional wildlife removal service.
Mice Typically White Footed or Deer Mice in CT
Mice are small and can fit through incredibly small holes in your home’s exterior. Once they’ve made it into your attic, they’ll scurry around and gnaw on just about anything. If you hear scratching or squeaking noises coming from your attic at night, it could be mice.
A pest control service can help you safely remove mice from your attic and take steps to prevent them from returning.
Scratching in the Ceiling
If you’re hearing scratching noises in your attic at night, it’s important to take action to identify the source of the noise and address the issue promptly. Ignoring the problem could lead to damage to your home and potential health hazards from animal waste.
It’s always best to call in a professional wildlife removal or pest control service to safely remove any animals from your attic. They can also help you take steps to prevent future infestations, such as sealing up any holes or gaps in your home’s exterior. RF Wildlife 860-510-6313
In addition to calling in a professional like RF Wildlife, there are a few things you can do to help prevent animals from entering your attic in the first place. Trim back any trees or branches that might be providing animals with easy access to your roof. Seal up any holes or gaps in your home’s exterior, including vents, chimneys, and rooflines. And make sure your attic is well-ventilated and dry, as animals are attracted to warm, moist environments. Never seal up these spots when animals are residing in the attic even if you see one leave.
In conclusion, if you’re hearing scratching noises in your attic at night, don’t ignore the problem. Take action to identify the source of the noise and call in a professional to safely remove any animals and prevent future infestations. With the right help, you can restore peace and quiet to your home and protect it from potential damage.