What's Scratching in My Attic?
What's Scratching in My Attic? Identifying Tree Squirrels, Bats, and Rats by Noise, Time of Activity, and Damage
Hearing scratching noises from the attic can be unsettling. Knowing the type of animal causing the disturbance helps to prevent more significant issues and avoid costly repairs. In this article, we'll discuss common attic invaders—tree squirrels, bats, and rats—and how to tell them apart by the time of activity, type of noise, and signs of damage, both outside and inside your home.
1. Tree Squirrels
Time of Activity: Tree squirrels are diurnal, meaning they’re active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon. If you hear scratching and scurrying during these daylight hours, a squirrel is a likely culprit.
Types of Noises: Squirrels make rapid scratching sounds, especially as they move about the attic looking for insulation or materials to build their nests. You might also hear the patter of feet or jumping sounds as they move quickly across beams or scamper up and down walls.
Possible Exterior Damage: Tree squirrels often enter through roof edges, gable vents, or eaves where wood or flashing has rotted. Outside, you might see chewed areas on shingles or fascia boards and damage around vents or soffits where squirrels have gnawed to get inside. Damage will be large enough to see, if it is somewhere it can be seen. It is most common to find pink or yellow attic insulation leading from the hole to nearby trees
Possible Interior Damage: Inside the attic, squirrels can wreak havoc by tearing up insulation to make nests. They’ll often chew on wooden beams, electrical wires, and stored items. Wiring damage is especially hazardous, as it can increase the risk of electrical fires.
2. Bats
Time of Activity: Bats are nocturnal and are usually active just after sunset as they leave to hunt insects. If you hear faint scratching or squeaking noises in the evening or early morning before dawn, it’s likely bats returning or preparing to leave for the night.
Types of Noises: Bats are relatively quiet compared to squirrels or rats. They make light scratching sounds as they grip surfaces, often accompanied by occasional squeaking or chittering sounds, especially if there are many of them roosting.
Possible Exterior Damage: Bats can squeeze into small gaps, such as under loose shingles, through roofline cracks, or via soffit and fascia gaps. These small entry points may look like minor damage from the outside but are enough for bats to enter. Stains or dark smudges from their oily fur around these openings can indicate bat entry points.
Possible Interior Damage: Bats’ droppings, or guano, accumulate quickly and can cause a strong ammonia odor. Piles of guano are often found below their roosting spots. Bat guano not only smells bad but can lead to health risks if not cleaned properly. The guano can also damage insulation and drywall, leading to costly repairs.
3. Rats
Time of Activity: Rats are primarily nocturnal, so if you hear scurrying and scratching at night, particularly in the late evening or early morning, rats may be to blame.
Types of Noises: Rats are notorious for making constant scratching, scurrying, and even gnawing noises as they burrow or create pathways within the walls. You might hear a repetitive gnawing sound, as rats frequently chew to keep their teeth sharp.
Possible Exterior Damage: Rats can enter through surprisingly small openings, often gnawing around holes to make them larger. Outside, look for chewed openings around rooflines, vents, pipes, or loose siding. Rats may also take advantage of overhanging tree branches or utility lines to access your attic.
Possible Interior Damage: Rats chew insulation, drywall, wires, and even plastic piping, causing various structural and health risks. You may find droppings, shredded insulation, and gnawed wires or beams in the attic. Their droppings, urine, and nesting materials create a strong odor and pose health hazards.
Identifying the Culprit
Each type of animal leaves clues that can help identify what’s scratching in your attic. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Tree Squirrels
Active Time: Morning and late afternoon
Type of Noise: Rapid scurrying, pattering, jumping
Exterior Damage Signs: Chewed wood, damaged shingles, vent damage
Interior Damage Signs: Torn insulation, chewed wiring and wood
Bats
Active Time: Dusk and dawn
Type of Noise: Faint scratching, occasional squeaks
Exterior Damage Signs: Dark smudges, small gaps near roofline
Interior Damage Signs: Piles of guano, ammonia odor, stained insulation
Rats
Active Time: Night, late evening to early morning
Type of Noise: Constant scratching, gnawing, scurrying
Exterior Damage Signs: Chewed entry points, small gaps or holes
Interior Damage Signs: Shredded insulation, droppings, gnawed wires
Handling Attic Pests Safely
If you’re dealing with one of these attic invaders, it’s essential to take swift action. Gold Country Wildlife Control specializes in humane and effective removal of squirrels, bats, and rats, along with the exclusion work needed to keep them out for good. We provide long-term solutions by locating and sealing entry points, cleaning any contamination, and restoring your attic as necessary.
Ignoring attic noises can lead to major damage and health concerns, so reach out if you need a hand identifying and solving the problem. By addressing it early, you’ll protect your home from further damage and regain your peace of mind.
