It’s late, the house is quiet, and then you hear it – a faint scratching, rustling, or tapping from behind the walls or ceiling. Many people dismiss these sounds as the house creaking, but in many cases, those mysterious night-time noises can be signs of unwanted visitors. Recognising the sounds pests make can help you act quickly before a small issue turns into a serious infestation.
Scratching and Scurrying
The most common night-time noises associated with pests are scratching and scurrying sounds, often heard in lofts, under floors or within walls. Rats and mice are the usual culprits, particularly during the night when these nocturnal pests are most active.
Mice tend to make lighter, quicker movements, while rats sound heavier and slower. You may also hear gnawing as they chew through wood and insulation. If these sounds are frequent or regular, it’s likely you’re sharing your space with rodents.
Fluttering and Buzzing
If the noise you hear is more of a flutter or buzz, insects could be to blame. Wasps or bees trapped in loft spaces or walls make distinctive buzzing sounds as they move around their nests. Other insects that may flutter or buzz inside walls include flies, beetles and moths. They often become trapped while seeking warmth or shelter, producing faint, irregular noises. While these pests are less noisy than rodents, they can still cause damage and discomfort if left untreated.
Scraping and Tapping
Larger pests such as squirrels often produce scraping or tapping sounds. These are usually heard during early morning or late evening when squirrels are active.
They may roll nuts or scratch at timber as they build nests in lofts or roof spaces. Birds nesting in eaves can create similar night-time noises, though their activity usually follows daylight hours.
Barking and Screeching
Not all night-time noises come from inside your property. If you hear strange barking, screeching, or shrieking outside at night, foxes are the likely culprits. Urban foxes are common across London and make loud, high-pitched calls – particularly during mating season. Though they rarely enter homes, they can scatter rubbish, dig in gardens, and leave unpleasant smells.
If night-time noises are keeping you awake, it’s worth investigating sooner rather than later. A professional pest inspection can identify the source and prevent further damage. Whether it’s rodents in your walls, buzzing insects or barking foxes outside, those unsettling sounds may be more of an issue than they seem.