
Have you ever heard scratching noises coming from your roof at night? This can be disturbing, especially if you’re trying to fall asleep. Your imagination can run wild with thoughts of what could be hovering overhead.
The most likely culprit, however, is pests. Most of these invaders find cover in attics or roofs, so that can possibly explain the scratching noise. So, let us explore the common culprits causing those creepy sounds and what you can do to keep them away.
- 1. Rats
You will often find this vermin infesting ceilings, lofts, and attics. Most UK homes are often plagued by both brown and black rats.
Brown rats typically favour lower areas like basements and the ground level. In contrast, roof rats, as their name suggests, prefer high places, such as attics and ceilings.
Since rats are nocturnal animals, if you hear scratching at night, it can signify rat activity. They can pass even the smallest of holes, which makes them rather difficult to keep out.
Rats possess constantly growing teeth. To keep them worn down, they’ll bite into almost everything. Without control measures, these rodents could significantly damage your house’s insulation, wiring, and overall structure.
If your suspicions are confirmed, you have to act straight away. Usually, professional rat control is the best option.
They can swiftly implement effective rat control strategies to minimise damage and health risks.
- 2. Mice
Although mice seem innocent when compared to rats, do not let their small size fool you. They can still cause just as many problems as their counterparts.
These pesky rodents are especially common invaders of homes. They are nocturnal and quite adept at climbing houses and descending from rooftops and lofts, much like rats.
The scratching sounds you hear could indicate breeding activity, mice searching for food, or biting on objects to regulate the growth of their teeth.
This can be a cause of serious concern for many homeowners as these activities could lead to electrical fires. Mice also procreate rapidly, meaning a small issue can become a huge one quite fast.
Common methods for controlling mice are bait and traps, but you first have to make sure that all possible entry points are blocked.
Professional pest control offers more all-encompassing solutions, ensuring that every vermin is eliminated and future infestations are halted.
- 3. Squirrels
Even if they seem adorable when they are running about the trees in your loft, they will not be as charming as you originally thought.
Grey squirrels, in particular, are well-known to cause trouble in many households. They come in via open vents, broken roofing, or gaps in the eaves.
Squirrels are most active during the day. So, if you hear scratching sounds during the mornings, they could be the culprit.
They are notoriously known for building nests in attics using insulation, twigs, and leaves. Like rats and mice, their relentless chewing can cause damage to your property.
Although it is feasible to trap and eradicate squirrels, UK legislation prohibits releasing grey squirrels into the wild once they are captured.
Professional pest control services are thus the safest and most compassionate means of eliminating squirrels.
- 4. Birds
Birds can potentially cause the sounds of rustling and scratching coming from your roof. Typical species that invade rooftops are pigeons, starlings, and sparrows.
Once inside, they create nests that block gutters and vents, thereby causing water damage. They usually enter via damaged soffits, vents, or broken roof tiles.
Should birds be nesting on your roof, you will probably hear flapping, cooing, and scratching as they move about.
Installing spikes or nets is one of the best ways to bird-proof your roof from birds.
If birds are already there, it is advisable to contact an expert since some species are legally protected. You usually need an expert to safely and legally remove them.
- 5. Bats
Although less common than some of the other pests on this list, bats do occasionally occupy lofts. Remember, they’re protected species, so extreme care is necessary when you’re dealing with them.
They can be easily identified by the high-pitched squeaks and fluttering they produce. Yet, their noise can sometimes be quite inconspicuous.
Bats are generally harmless and beneficial. They do feed on insects, after all. However, if they take up residence on your rooftop, seek advice on how to deal with them.
The best course of action is to get in touch with a pest control business or bat conservation group. They understand the legal regulations regarding handling and removing bats.
- 6. Wasps
Although you will not instantly think of wasps when you hear scratching noises, a nest on your roof can possibly create humming or rustling noises.
They typically build nests in remote locations, which makes lofts and rooftops ideal hiding places for their nests.
Although wasps themselves do not scratch, the rustling noise could be caused by their wings and bodies. This sound occurs as they rub against the nest or surrounding structures.
When attacked, wasps can be violent. So, it is advisable not to disturb a suspected nest. Eliminating a wasp nest could be hazardous, particularly if it is a large one.
Expert pest control treatments are strongly advised since they can carefully remove the nest without risking severe stings.
- 7. Woodworm
Although woodworms do not make scraping noises, the damage they produce can lead to structural issues. This can cause creaking sounds from your roof. These worms are actually the larvae of various beetle species.
Evidence of woodworm invasions is visible if you see tiny holes in wooden supports. Piles of sawdust beneath these holes also indicate an infestation.
If you are struggling with a woodworm infestation, you must act fast before they cause serious damage to the wooden sections of your house.
Treatment typically involves utilising specific insecticides. However, in cases of larger infestations, you must contact professional pest control services at once.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to live in an infested house. Whether it is rats or bats, it is essential to address these issues promptly to avoid trouble.
Remember, inspecting your house and sealing any access points can help you deter animals and insects from invading your space.
By doing so, you can enjoy your home free from unwanted guests and put an end to those mysterious scratching noises.