No homeowner in Elmhurst likes to hear scratching sounds in their walls. These noises might indicate the presence of unwanted visitors. The noises may not be too much of a disturbance at first, but ignoring them can lead to frustrating consequences. Noises in the walls can be due to pests busy building their nests or making themselves comfortable. These pests can be destructive or pose health threats. So, it is important to know what causes the noise. This way, you can contact Pointe Pest Control as soon as possible to help you address the issue. The company employs trained technicians who can identify the type of pests you have in your home and develop treatment strategies to eliminate them. Below are possible causes of noise in walls:
Rodents Looking for Shelter
Mice and rats can make scratching sounds in the walls. These rodents search for warm, protected spaces to build nests as the weather cools in Elmhurst. Wall voids provide safety, warmth, and easy access to food inside the home. Their constant gnawing, scurrying, and nest-building efforts create the scratching and rustling noises you might notice at night.
Squirrels Nesting Indoors
Squirrels can also find their way into walls, especially during colder months. They can enter homes through roof gaps, soffits, or damaged vents. They gather nesting materials such as leaves, twigs, and insulation once inside. Their scratching is often louder than that of mice because of their size and strength. In addition to noise, squirrels pose risks by chewing wires, damaging insulation, and causing fire hazards through their gnawing behavior.
Raccoons Taking Over Attics and Walls
Raccoons typically enter through damaged roofs or chimneys. They may move down into wall spaces once inside. They can be hard to ignore because of their size. Their activity can include growling, heavy movement, and tearing insulation apart.
Birds Trapped in Wall Voids
Small birds can become trapped inside walls if a vent cover is loose or siding has gaps. Their flapping and scratching are often heard during daylight hours. This may seem less threatening than rodents, but birds can cause damage, spread mites, and leave behind droppings that contaminate wall spaces.
Insects Creating Hidden Activity
Carpenter ants or termites can produce faint scratching or rustling sounds in walls. These pests carve through wood, weakening structural supports. Termites in particular work quietly, but you may notice the soft clicking or tapping of their activity in a quiet home.
Bats Roosting Indoors
Bats sometimes slip through tiny openings near the roofline or attic vents and end up inside wall cavities. They don’t gnaw like rodents, but their claws create light scratching as they move around. You may also hear fluttering wings when they change positions. Their presence is concerning because bat droppings can build up inside walls and create health hazards.
Opossums in Wall Spaces
Opossums can make their way into wall voids, especially if there is easy access from a crawl space or basement. Their scratching is heavier and slower than that of smaller pests. Opossums are messy animals, leaving behind waste and debris that can cause odors and sanitation issues if not removed quickly.
Chipmunks Seeking Warmth
Chipmunks may invade walls when temperatures drop. They can squeeze through cracks or holes near the foundation. They create scratching and scurrying sounds as they gather food and nest inside. Chipmunks can chew wiring and insulation.
Wasps or Hornets in the Walls
Wasps and hornets can slip into small cracks in siding and establish colonies. The sounds may be faint buzzing combined with scratching as they expand their nest. These infestations can be dangerous, as disturbing the wall or attempting DIY removal risks painful stings.
