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Scratch, Scratch, Scamper: Is it a Rodent or a Squirrel in Your Wall? Hearing strange noises inside your walls can be unsettling. Is it just the house settling, or could you have unwanted guests?
Rodent Control – Vanish Pest Control
If the sounds are scurrying, scratching, or gnawing, you might have rodents or squirrels. But how can you tell the difference? This blog post will help you distinguish between the sounds of these two common wall-dwelling critters.
Squirrel Sounds: ** Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. If you’re hearing noises primarily in the daytime, especially in the morning or late afternoon, squirrels are a likely culprit. Here’s what to listen for:
Scampering and Thumping: Squirrels are relatively large and agile. You might hear loud scampering or thumping as they move around in the wall voids or attic.
Rolling Nuts or Objects:
Squirrels love to stash their treasures. You might hear the sound of nuts or other objects being rolled or moved around.
Gnawing or Chewing: ** Squirrels have powerful teeth and constantly gnaw on wood to keep their teeth trimmed. This can sound like a distinct, rhythmic chewing or rasping. * **Chattering or Vocalizations:
Squirrels are relatively vocal animals. You might hear chattering, chirping, or other vocalizations, especially during mating season. ** Rodent (Rats/Mice) Sounds:
Rodents, such as rats and mice, are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. If you’re hearing noises predominantly after dark, rodents are more likely the cause. Listen for these sounds:
Scratching and Gnawing:** Rodents constantly gnaw on anything they can find, including wood, wires, and insulation. This can sound like a persistent scratching or gnawing sound.* **High-Pitched Squeaking:** Mice, in particular, emit high-pitched squeaks and chirps, which can often be heard through walls.
Light, Quick Scampering:** While rats can be quite large, their movements are generally lighter and quicker than squirrels. You might hear a rapid, light scurrying sound.* **Dragging Sounds:** Rodents may drag materials like nesting materials or food scraps, creating a dragging or rustling sound. Key Differences in a Nutshell: Feature |Squirrel | Rodent (Rat/Mouse) |Time of Day | Primarily diurnal (daytime) | Primarily nocturnal (nighttime) Movement Sounds | Scampering, thumping, rolling objects | Light, quick scampering, dragging sounds | Gnawing | Rhythmic chewing, rasping | Persistent scratching, gnawing |Vocalizations | Chattering, chirping | High-pitched squeaks, chirps |
Rodent Control – Vanish Pest Control
**What to Do if You Hear Noises: ** Regardless of whether you suspect squirrels or rodents, it’s important to address the issue promptly. These animals can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks. Contact a qualified pest control professional to inspect your property and recommend a course of action. They can identify specific pests and implement effective removal and prevention strategies. **
