What to Do When You Hear Scratching Noises in Your Attic

Published January 2nd, 2025 by My Wildlife Service

Scratching sounds in your attic often signal unwanted wildlife visitors. Michigan homes commonly face this issue, especially during fall and winter months when animals seek warm shelter. Quick action can prevent serious damage to your home.

Common Sources of Attic Noises

Different animals make distinct sounds. Understanding these can help identify your visitor:

  • Light scratching and running: Usually indicates squirrels or rats
  • Heavy walking sounds: Often raccoons moving around
  • Chirping or squeaking: May signal birds or bats
  • Scratching in walls: Could be mice or flying squirrels

When You Hear Noises

Take these immediate steps when you hear attic sounds:

  • Document the timing: Note when you hear the sounds
  • Track the location: Identify which areas of the attic are affected
  • Listen for patterns: Different times of day suggest different animals
  • Check for visible signs: Look for droppings or damage around your home

Safety First

Before investigating attic noises yourself, remember:

  • Never corner or approach wild animals
  • Avoid touching droppings or nesting materials
  • Use proper protective gear if entering the attic
  • Keep children and pets away from affected areas

Property Damage Risks

Waiting to address attic noises can lead to serious problems:

  • Electrical damage: Chewed wiring creates fire hazards
  • Insulation destruction: Animals tear up and soil materials
  • Structural weakness: Gnawing can damage wood supports
  • Health risks: Animal waste causes air quality issues

Professional Inspection Benefits

Wildlife control experts provide crucial services:

  • Proper identification: Determine exactly what animal is present
  • Safe removal: Humane techniques to remove wildlife
  • Entry point sealing: Find and fix access holes
  • Damage assessment: Check for repairs needed

Prevention Methods

After removing animals, protect your home by:

  • Sealing all potential entry points
  • Installing proper vent covers
  • Trimming tree branches near your roof
  • Regular attic inspections

For professional animal removal help with attic noises in Southern Michigan, contact Ancon Wildlife Services at 248-930-1882. Our animal control team provides fast, effective wildlife removal with lasting results.


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Testimonials

  • After calling and hiring a competitor company, which failed miserably at solving my squirrel problem, I found Ancon Wildlife Services. Dave came out and performed an inspection of my home and informed me that the solution to my problem would be accomplished through a process known as exclusion. The other company only offered trapping services and didn't seem as knowledgeable. Dave informed me that a good portion of Ancon's customers have had a similar experience with other animal control companies. from start to finish I felt good about doing business with Ancon. I highly reccomend their service and I wish I would have called them first.

  • Mike was awesome! my experience should have been filmed and put on T.V.! Seriously. We were hearing chirping noises in our fire place and called Ancon. Mike climbed up on the roof and some how motivated the raccoon to the top. He then wrestled the critter out of the chimney with a pole of some sort and put it in cage. WOW! He wasnt done yet...he went back in the living room and removed the baby raccoons from the fireplace put them in cage and informed me that he would relocate the family all together. Fearless and caring, these guys are incredible! He then installed an animal proof chimney cap to prevent any future animal problems. Top notch service and excitement to boot.