Rats, mice, and other rodents are some of the most damaging, dangerous pests to have on a property. Their size, diseases, longevity, destruction, and survival ability make them the best you want to see the least.

But the problem is you may not see them at all.

Rodents are often heard before they’re seen. They are nocturnal animals, excellent hiders, and their entrance and exit points are often outdoor facing. Even when they live on your property, they tend to live in places where they can hide easily, like the walls, and only come out when they do not expect a threat.

If you’ve noticed unusual noises coming from your walls, ceiling, or attic – especially at night – there’s a good chance you may be dealing with mice, rats, or squirrels. These pests are active, fast-moving, and frequently use structural voids in a home as nesting or travel routes. But sometimes it can be hard to tell what sounds are rodents and what might be other noises, as well what those noises mean.

Common Rodent Noises in Walls and Attics

Rodents create a range of sounds as they move, nest, and search for food. These noises can vary based on species, time of day, and level of activity.

• Scratching Sounds – One of the most frequently reported noises. Scratching often occurs when rodents climb or dig through insulation, drywall, or wood. They are usually most noticeable in walls or ceilings at night when rodents are most active (and fairly consistently, as well – if you hear them at about 10pm, they may make noise at 10pm most days). Mice tend to make lighter, more rapid scratching sounds, while rats produce slower, heavier movements.
• Scurrying or Running – Fast, irregular scurrying noises typically indicate a rodent moving through a wall void or across attic insulation. These sounds are often heard during the evening or very early morning hours when rodents are foraging. In attics, scurrying may also indicate the presence of squirrels, which are larger and more energetic in their movement patterns.
• Gnawing or Chewing – Rodents need to gnaw continuously to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Chewing sounds may indicate a rodent is damaging wood, plastic, wires, or drywall. Repetitive tapping or grinding noises are a strong indicator of gnawing activity.
• Thumping or Bumping – Heavier rodents, like rats or squirrels, can produce thudding or bumping sounds when jumping or falling between structural elements. These sounds are more common in attics or between floorboards. Squirrels may make louder, more erratic bumps as they move and jump.
• Chirping, Squeaking, or Vocal Sounds – Mice and rats occasionally emit high-pitched squeaks, especially if they are startled, communicating, or in distress. These sounds may be faint and intermittent but can be more common in areas with an active nest. Squirrel vocalizations are louder and can include chattering or low growling noises.

Can you see a rodent on your property? Maybe. Or you may see its droppings. But, for most people, the sign of a rodent invasion isn’t the rodents, but the sounds that they make around your property.

Where You’re Most Likely to Hear Rodents

In theory, rodents can be found anywhere. But they’re careful. They are excellent at hiding and always do their best not to be caught. That means that you’re more likely to find it in places that are easier for them to hide. Rodent noises are most commonly reported in the following areas of a home:

• Attics – Rodents use attics for nesting and shelter. Noises are often loudest here, especially at night.
• Walls – Wall cavities offer protected travel routes between nesting and feeding areas.
• Ceilings or Between Floors – Movement between floors may sound like scratching, thumping, or rolling.
• Vents and Ductwork – Rodents sometimes enter through ductwork and make noises in metal vents, which can amplify the sound.

If you try to enter any of these areas, you might also hear them quickly running away. If there is a hole they’re using to enter. You might hear a big bang sound as they rush to the hole to escape.

When to Be Concerned

Hearing these sounds consistently – especially during quiet hours or after dark – is often a sign of an active infestation. There is also not really such thing as a “one time rodent” – at least when it comes to mice and rats. That’s because these pests follow scent paths, so if they get onto your property then other rats and mice will follow. The longer rodents are allowed to stay in the home, the more damage they can cause, including:

• Chewed electrical wires (fire hazard)
• Insulation damage
• Contamination from droppings and urine
• Structural damage from gnawing and burrowing

If the noises are becoming more frequent or louder over time, the infestation may be growing. The longer you wait, the more problematic issues will be.

What to Do If You Hear Rodent Noises

If you suspect rodents are in your walls or attic, professional pest control is the safest and most effective way to confirm and eliminate the problem. A licensed exterminator, like our team here at ExtermPRO, can:

• Identify the species and entry points
• Assess the level of infestation
• Provide targeted removal and exclusion methods
• Offer guidance to prevent future activity

Avoid trying to seal holes or place traps without identifying where the rodents are nesting, as improper placement or timing may drive them deeper into your walls or attic.

Don’t Ignore the Sounds

Rodent noises are more than just a nuisance – they’re often the first warning sign of a larger issue. Addressing the problem early can help prevent property damage, reduce health risks, and ensure your home remains pest-free.

If you’re hearing any of the noises described above, it’s time to have your property inspected. Professional pest control can confirm the presence of rodents, safely remove them, and help ensure they don’t come back. If you’re ready for pest control in the Gainesville, VA area, reach out to ExtermPRO, today.