Hearing Scratching in the Walls? It Could Be Mice

If you’re hearing scratching sounds in your walls, it’s not just an annoying mystery, it could be a sign of mice or other critters taking up residence in your home.

Mice and other small animals can squeeze into surprisingly tiny spaces, making your home their own. Let’s explore the signs, causes, and solutions for this problem.

Key Takeaways

Scratching noises in walls usually mean critters like mice, rats, or raccoons are moving, nesting, or eating.
Mice can chew wires, spread diseases, and multiply fast, turning a small problem into a big one.
Sealing gaps, setting traps with peanut butter, and acting quickly can help keep mice out of your walls.
Professional pest control can inspect your home, block entry points, and get rid of mice for good.

WHAT CAUSES SCRATCHING NOISES IN WALLS?

Scratching sounds in the walls often occur when small animals like mice, rats, or even raccoons move, nest, or search for food. Mice are especially common culprits, as they can slip through holes as small as a dime.

Here are some reasons you might hear these sounds:

Nesting: Mice build nests in wall cavities, using materials like insulation and shredded paper.
Foraging: They’re looking for food and may scurry through walls to access your pantry or kitchen.
Gnawing: Mice chew on wood, drywall, or even electrical wires to keep their teeth from overgrowing.

WHY MICE IN WALLS ARE A PROBLEM

Mice in your walls aren’t just annoying—they can lead to serious issues.

Their constant gnawing can damage drywall, wooden studs, and even electrical wiring, which creates a fire hazard.

On top of that, mice can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella through their droppings and urine, putting your family’s health at risk. What makes the situation even worse is how fast they reproduce.

A small problem can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation if you don’t act quickly.

HOW TO GET RID OF MICE IN YOUR WALLS

If you suspect mice, swift action is crucial. Here’s how to tackle the problem with the right pest management:

Identify Entry Points

Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, voids, gaps, or holes where mice could enter. Pay attention to areas around utility pipes, vents, and the foundation.

Seal the Openings

Use materials like steel wool or caulk to block entry points. Mice can chew through many materials, but steel wool is too tough for them.

Set Mouse Traps

Traps are one of the best ways to tackle a mouse problem.

Snap traps are highly effective and, when used right, a humane option. Glue traps, on the other hand, aren’t as effective and can be inhumane, so they’re not recommended.

When it comes to bait, peanut butter is a great choice—it’s sticky and has a strong scent that mice can’t resist.

For the best results, place your traps near nesting areas or along walls where you’ve seen signs of activity.

Call a Professional

For larger infestations or when DIY efforts fail, a pest control company can provide a more comprehensive solution. LaJaunie’s Pest Control, for example, offers rodent control services, including thorough inspections and exclusion methods.

SIGNS YOU’RE DEALING WITH MICE

Aside from the scratching noises, there are other telltale signs of a mouse infestation:

Droppings: Look for small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings near food sources or along walls.
Gnaw Marks: Mice may leave teeth marks on wood, wires, or food packaging.
Tracks or Smudges: Greasy streaks along walls or floors can indicate their regular routes.
Squeaking: You might occasionally hear squeaks or scurrying sounds, especially at night.
Nests: Nests made of shredded material can be hidden in wall cavities or insulation.

IS PROFESSIONAL HELP NECESSARY?

If you’re hearing scratching noises in the walls of your home, don’t wait. Ignoring the problem can lead to bigger issues like property damage and health risks.

At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your home. From sealing entry points to setting effective traps, our exterminators can ensure your home is pest-free.