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Noises in the Attic: Squirrels, Rats, Mice or Raccoons?
The time you hear it and the kind of sound are the two best clues to what’s in your attic or walls.
Quick answer: Morning and evening scurrying = squirrels. Light scratching all night = mice. Heavier scratching and gnawing at night = rats. Loud thumping and walking at night = raccoons.
Sound guide
| Animal | When | What it sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Gray squirrel | Dawn and late afternoon | Running, scratching, rolling nuts |
| Flying squirrel | Night | Light, quick scampering; often several animals |
| Mouse | Night, sometimes day | Light scratching and scurrying in walls and ceilings |
| Rat | Night | Heavier scratching, gnawing, dragging |
| Raccoon | Night | Heavy walking, thumping, chattering, kits crying in spring |
| Bat | Dusk and dawn | Faint squeaking, rustling near vents or chimneys |
| Birds | Daytime | Chirping, fluttering near vents |
Other clues to check
- Droppings: mouse droppings are tiny; rat droppings are larger and capsule-shaped; squirrel droppings are rounder; raccoon droppings are large, like a small dog’s, and in one spot.
- Entry size and location: tiny gaps low on the house point to rodents; chewed roof corners to squirrels; torn vents and soffits to raccoons.
- Season: rodents push indoors in fall; raccoons den in spring; squirrels nest in winter, spring and late summer.
Next steps
Write down when you hear the noise for two or three days. Then look at the roofline from the ground with binoculars. If it’s squirrels or raccoons, see squirrel proofing or raccoon proofing. If it’s mice or rats, ask us about rodent control and exclusion.
Watch: how we seal animals out
Want it handled? Silver Bullet removes squirrels and raccoons humanely and seals your home with steel. Call 973-510-2585 or request a free quote.
What to look for
Our wildlife services
- Squirrel Proofing in New Jersey
- Raccoon Proofing in New Jersey
- Animal Proofing & Wildlife Exclusion in New Jersey
- Chimney Animal Proofing & Chimney Caps in New Jersey
- Wildlife Damage Repair in New Jersey
- Animal entry point sealing
More tips & questions
- Squirrels in the Attic: 9 Signs and What to Do
- How Raccoons Get Into Attics (and How to Stop Them)
- Raccoon in the Chimney: What to Do (and What Not To)
- One-Way Doors: How Squirrel & Raccoon Exclusion Works
- Squirrel Damage to Soffits, Fascia, Vents and Wires
- Home Remedies for Squirrels and Raccoons: What Works and What Doesn't
- How Much Does Squirrel or Raccoon Proofing Cost in NJ?
- Baby Squirrel and Raccoon Season in New Jersey
- Raccoon Latrines and Attic Cleanup: The Health Risks
- 15 Tips to Keep Squirrels and Raccoons Out of Your House
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- What Keeps Mice Out of Your House? Steel, Caulk and a Little Attitude
- Does Pine-Sol Keep Mice Away? Clean Floors, Unbothered Mice
- How to Get Rid of Rats Permanently
- Getting Rid of Mice in the Attic
- Rodent Exclusion
- Dryer Vent Mesh Cover
- All pest questions, answered: ants, bees, mice, rats, roaches & more
Common questions
Why do I hear scratching in my ceiling at night?
Usually mice or rats, sometimes flying squirrels or raccoons. Gray squirrels are mostly quiet at night.
What does a raccoon in the attic sound like?
Heavy footsteps, thumping and sometimes chattering or growling. In spring you may hear kits crying.
Can I tell squirrels from rats by the time of day?
Yes. Squirrels are active in daylight, especially early morning and late afternoon. Rats are active at night.
Schedule today
Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.