Noises Rats Make in Walls

 

Rats inside walls create a range of distinct sounds that you can often use to tell if you have an infestation. The most common noises include scratching, scurrying, gnawing, squeaking, and thumping. These sounds are the direct result of rats moving, nesting, eating, and communicating. The noises tend to be most noticeable at night, when rats are most active.

 

Specific Types of Rat Noises and What They Mean

 

• Scratching: This is probably the most common noise. Rats use their claws to climb, burrow, and build nests within insulation or other materials inside the walls. The sound is a rapid, light scratching or scraping that repeats as the rat moves or digs.
• Scurrying or Rushing: As rats run along wall cavities, especially when startled, you may hear a soft, quick pattering sound. This can move from one end of the wall to another and sometimes between floors, as rats are skilled climbers and can access vertical spaces.
• Gnawing: Rats constantly chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. When they gnaw on wood, drywall, plastic, or even metal pipes, the noise is a steady, repetitive crunching or grinding, which can sometimes sound quite loud for their size.
• Squeaking and Chattering: Rats use high-pitched squeaks, squeals, or even a rapid clicking or chattering sound to communicate with each other. While these vocal noises are less obvious than movement or gnawing sounds, in quiet environments you might still hear them.
• Thumping or Bumping: If rats are running, fighting, or jumping within wall voids, you could hear dull thuds or bumps. These noises are less frequent but can indicate a higher level of activity or multiple rats inside the walls.

 

When and Where Are the Noises Most Noticeable?

 

Rats are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active from dusk until dawn. You’re likely to hear these sounds late at night or early in the morning when the house is quiet. The noises often come from floor-level or ceiling-level walls, attics, crawl spaces, or behind appliances and cabinetry that connect to wall voids.

 

Distinguishing Rat Noises from Other Animals

 

• Rats make quicker, lighter scratching and scurrying than larger animals like raccoons or squirrels, which move more heavily and sporadically.
• Compared to mice, rat noises are generally louder, more pronounced, and have a lower pitch when it comes to scratching and gnawing, due to their larger size and stronger jaws.
• If you hear regular thumping, it may suggest rats are moving in groups or actively fighting over food or nesting territory.

 

Why You Should Pay Attention to These Noises

 

If you hear these noises repeatedly, particularly at night, it’s a strong sign that rats may have nested or are traveling within your walls. Ignoring these sounds can lead to bigger problems, as rats can chew through wiring (creating fire hazards), damage insulation, or spread disease. Early identification by listening for these noises is crucial for effective pest control. If you’re unsure, record the noises and consult a pest specialist for a professional assessment.