What Do Mice Sound Like in Walls? Pest Detection Made Easy

Hear faint scratching behind the drywall after dark? Those quick, papery rustles and light, rapid scurries aren’t the house settling. They’re classic mouse signatures moving through wall voids and insulation. Peak activity usually lands a few hours after dusk and again before dawn.

Pinpointing the difference between soft gnawing, swift pattering, and occasional squeaks can turn guesswork into fast action, helping you spot a nesting site before it becomes a full-blown infestation.

Common Sights and Sounds of Mice Infestation

Scritchy-Scratch

Mice in walls can be distinguished by their scratching and scampering sounds. These sounds are mostly heard at night and can be quite annoying. Listen along baseboards and electrical chases where travel paths are common. You may also hear gnawing or chewing as mice work on wood, wires, and other materials inside walls. Repeated crunching in one spot suggests active chewing that can expose wiring and increase fire risk. If you’re hearing these sounds, chances are you have a mouse infestation, and it’s time to act fast.

Thumpity Thump-Thump

Another way to identify mice infestations in your home is by listening for the sound of their movements within the walls. Mice are quick footed and when they run in the walls, it is often a light patter, not heavy bangs. Heavier thuds point to squirrels or raccoons rather than mice. If you hear this sound repeatedly, it’s likely that the mice are using your walls as a runway. Note time and location so a technician can target those voids for trapping or exclusions.

Nibble Nibble Little Mouse

Mice are curious creatures, and they’ll gnaw on anything they can get their teeth on. This means that if you hear scratching sounds within your walls in the middle of the night, chances are they are coming from mice trying to gnaw through the walls or wiring in search of food. A faint plastic rasping sound often means they are chewing cable sheathing.

Mice Babies

If you hear squeaking noises in your walls, it’s a strong indication that your house has a nest of baby mice. Baby mice usually make high-pitched sounds, which can be heard when they are hungry or in distress. Cluster squeaks near warm chases or appliance walls often reveal the nest zone. If you hear these noises, call a mouse control service to deal with the infestation effectively. Removal should include sealing and sanitation or new mice will follow the same scent trails.

Not a Mouse?

In some cases, the noises you hear within your walls may not be coming from mice at all. It’s important to rule out other possible causes, such as electrical issues or other household pests, to ensure that you get the right help. A steady mechanical buzz can be duct or electrical, not wildlife. Use the cues below to quickly and accurately identify a pest infestation.

Secret Squirrel

Squirrels tend to be louder and more erratic than mice. They are active during daylight, so daytime ceiling runs and rolling sounds can point to squirrels. Look for pulled soffit edges or nesting near warm ducts. You may also hear nut cracking or heavier chewing.

Rats

Rats, like mice, are common pests found in homes. However, rat noises are much louder and coarser than those made by mice. Rats are also more nocturnal, and their sounds can be heard mostly at night. Tail drags and larger droppings help confirm. They may also exhibit a grinding noise as they chew through materials.

Trust the Experts for Pest Control Services

Pest infestations can be a significant problem for homeowners, and detecting them early can prevent further damage. By recognizing the different noises that pests make, you can quickly determine the type and severity of the infestation and call in an expert to take care of the problem.

At Best Pest & Wildlife Control, our team of experienced professionals will identify and humanely remove whatever pests have nested in your home. Get in touch with us today for wildlife and pest removal services in Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico.