Hear This at Night? Rats Might Be Invading Your House!

There’s nothing quite as unsettling as lying in bed, the house silent around you, when you suddenly hear faint scratching or scurrying noises. At first, you might dismiss it as the house settling, but then it happens again—and again. Could it be rats? If this sounds familiar, don’t panic just yet. As a professional wildlife removal expert, I’ve helped countless homeowners identify and resolve issues like this, and I’m here to help you too.

In this guide, we’ll explore why those eerie nighttime sounds could be rats, what they mean for your home, and what you can do about it.

Why Do You Hear Rats at Night?

Rats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they’re most active when the world around them is quiet—typically at night. This is when they feel safest to scavenge for food, build nests, and explore their surroundings.

What Do Rat Sounds Actually Sound Like?

If you’re unsure whether the noises are coming from rats, here are the most common sounds to listen for:

Scratching: Often caused by rats climbing inside walls or scurrying through insulation in the attic.
Scurrying: Quick, light movements across ceilings, floors, or walls.
Gnawing: Rats need to chew constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long, so you might hear them munching on wood, wires, or even plastic.
Squeaking: While not always audible, rats sometimes communicate with high-pitched squeaks.

I’ll never forget a homeowner who called me after hearing what they described as “tiny footsteps” in their ceiling. Sure enough, when I inspected their attic, I found an active nest of rats that had been chewing through their insulation for weeks!

Where Are These Sounds Coming From?

The location of the noises can give you important clues about where rats might be hiding in your home. Here’s where to look:

Attics and Roof Spaces

Warm, quiet, and often full of soft insulation, attics are prime real estate for rats looking to build nests. If you hear scratching or scurrying above your head, your attic is a likely culprit.

Walls and Ceilings

Rats are excellent climbers and can easily squeeze through wall voids and ceiling cavities. If the sounds seem to move vertically, they might be traveling through your walls.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Dark, damp, and secluded areas like basements and crawl spaces provide easy access for rats and plenty of places to hide.

Kitchens and Pantries

If the sounds are concentrated near your kitchen or pantry, rats might be drawn to the smell of food. Look for signs like chewed food packaging or droppings.

What These Sounds Mean for Your Home

Hearing rats isn’t just annoying—it’s a warning sign that could spell trouble for your home and family.

Structural Damage

Rats are notorious chewers. They’ll gnaw on wood, insulation, and even electrical wires, which can lead to fire hazards. A homeowner I worked with once had rats chew through the wiring of their HVAC system, leaving them with a hefty repair bill.

Health Risks

Rats carry diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus, and their droppings and urine can contaminate your living spaces. This is especially dangerous for families with young children or pets.

What to Do If You Suspect Rats

If you think rats might be the source of those nighttime noises, don’t ignore the problem. Here’s what you can do:

1. Inspect Your Home for Signs of Rats

Start with the areas where you’ve heard noises. Look for:

Droppings: Small, dark pellets often found along walls or in corners.
Gnaw Marks: Chewed wood, wires, or plastic.
Grease Marks: Oily smudges left behind as rats squeeze through tight spaces.

2. Seal Entry Points

Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, cracks, or holes and seal them with steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth.

3. Set Traps

Place snap traps or live traps in areas where you’ve noticed activity. Be strategic—position traps along walls or near entry points, as rats rarely travel in open spaces.

4. Avoid Common DIY Mistakes

Using the wrong traps or bait can waste time and allow the infestation to worsen. For example, glue traps are often ineffective for large rats and can create a messy situation.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY methods can sometimes help with small infestations, there are situations where professional intervention is the best choice.

How Experts Can Help

Professionals have the tools and experience to:

Conduct a thorough inspection to locate nests and entry points.
Use safe and effective removal methods, including humane options.
Provide long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.

When to Make the Call

If you hear persistent noises despite your efforts.
When you find multiple signs of rat activity (droppings, gnaw marks, etc.).
If the infestation seems widespread or overwhelming.

One family I helped tried DIY traps for weeks without success. By the time they called me, the infestation had grown, and the rats had caused extensive damage to their attic. Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand!

How to Prevent Rats from Returning

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate issue, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent rats from coming back.

Seal Your Home

Inspect your home regularly for gaps or holes and seal them immediately. Pay close attention to areas around vents, pipes, and the foundation.

Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Store food in airtight containers, especially in the pantry.
Clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
Fix leaky faucets and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Declutter and Clean Regularly

Rats love cluttered spaces where they can hide and nest. Keep attics, basements, and yards tidy, and dispose of cardboard boxes and other potential nesting materials.