Scratching in the Walls or Ceiling at Night?

Scratching or scurrying in your walls and ceiling after dark almost always means rodents. Rats and mice are nocturnal, so noise that starts at night and moves along wall cavities or overhead is the classic sign of an active infestation in a Whidbey or Fidalgo home.

What’s most likely going on

Roof rats travel wall voids and attics, mice nest inside walls and cabinets, and Norway rats work lower in crawl spaces. The direction and height of the sound helps identify which — overhead usually means roof rats, low and in the floor usually means mice or Norway rats.

What it means for your home

Rodents gnaw wiring (a fire risk), pull apart insulation to nest, and contaminate the space with droppings and urine. A pair becomes a population fast, so early action matters.

What to do next

Do not just set a few traps and wait — the entry point is what matters. We inspect, remove the rodents, and seal how they are getting in. You can read more in our Pest Library entry on roof rats, or head straight to our Rodent Control service.

Frequently asked questions

Is it rats or mice?

Overhead, climbing noises usually point to roof rats; low, in-the-wall sounds are often mice. An inspection confirms the species and the entry points.

Will the noise stop on its own?

Rarely. Rodents are establishing a nest, and the population grows until the entry is sealed and they are removed.

Not sure what you’re dealing with? Call (360) 206-3293 for a free estimate over the phone, or browse the full Pest Library.