Scratching In The Walls Or Ceiling At Night

What's happening?

Dartford Borough Council says rats make scratching noises that can be heard in walls, under the floor, under decking and in attics, and that they are most active after dusk. Colchester City Council says the first sign most people report with mice is scrabbling or scratching in the loft, walls or under the flooring, and Dartford adds that mice stay hidden in the day and look for food at night. Sheffield City Council describes grey squirrels in lofts gnawing cables, fouling insulation and gnawing timber. Redcar and Cleveland Council says bats can be heard chattering in the loft or walls, particularly in July and August around dusk, and are protected. The pages on rats, mice and squirrels cover treatment once you know which it is. This page is for finding out.

What usually causes it?

• Rats, which scratch in walls, under floors and in the loft after dusk and leave dark capsule-shaped droppings and gnaw marks
• Mice, which scrabble and scratch at night and gnaw cables to keep their teeth worn
• Grey squirrels in the loft, which gnaw cables, foul insulation and gnaw timber
• Bats in the loft or walls, which chatter around dusk in July and August

Is it dangerous?

Medium. Dartford Council says rats can cause fires by chewing through cables, and Colchester Council says mice gnawing electric cables creates a serious fire risk, so have the wiring checked if you confirm rodents. Do not touch droppings with bare hands.

Can I fix it myself?

Note the time, how long it lasts and what it sounds like. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks along beams and holes. If it is between May and September and the noise is near the eaves or ridge at dusk, treat it as possibly bats: do not enter the roof space, and call the National Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228 before doing anything. For rats and mice, find and seal the gaps they use only after you are sure nothing is still inside, and ask your council or a pest controller about treatment. Do not set poison or traps for squirrels yourself: Sheffield says these methods are strictly controlled by legislation.

When should you call a pest controller?

Call a pest controller or your council when droppings or gnawing confirm rats, mice or squirrels, when it is heard in more than one place, or when it has gone on for more than a few days. Call the bat helpline first if bats are possible.

What will the pest controller actually do?

• Inspect the loft, eaves, airbricks and voids and identify the animal from signs, not noise alone
• Check for bats at the roof line first, and stop and refer if a roost is suspected
• Treat rats, mice or squirrels in line with the legal controls on traps and poisons
• Proof the entry points once the animals are gone, to stop a return
• Advise on checking cables and insulation for damage

Who fixes this

• Mice and rat control
• Pest control inspection

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. Dartford Borough Council: rats and mice
2. Colchester City Council: mice
3. Redcar and Cleveland Council: pest control (bats)
4. Sheffield City Council: pest control advice (squirrels)