3 Surefire Ways to Identify the Animal in Your Wall

Have you ever heard strange noises in the walls of your home, like scratching, scurrying, or chewing? If so, you may have an unwanted guest: an animal in your walls. Identifying the type of animal can be crucial for determining the best course of action, whether it’s hiring a professional or using DIY techniques. Here are some telltale signs to help you narrow down the possibilities and determine what animal is currently residing in your walls.

The type of noise you hear can provide valuable clues about the animal’s size and behavior. Small animals, such as mice or rats, tend to produce high-pitched scratching or squeaking sounds. Larger animals, like squirrels or raccoons, may create louder noises, such as thumping or gnawing. Additionally, the time of day when you hear the noises can indicate the animal’s activity patterns. Nocturnal animals, like mice, are more active at night, while diurnal animals, like squirrels, are more active during the day. By paying attention to the timing and characteristics of the noises, you can start to narrow down the list of potential culprits.

Another important factor to consider is the location of the noises. Different animals tend to nest in specific areas of a home. Mice and rats, for example, often build nests in warm, dark places like attics or basements. Squirrels, on the other hand, prefer to nest in trees or hollow spaces in walls. By identifying the location of the noises, you can further refine your search for the animal responsible. Once you have gathered all these clues, you can start to research different animal species and their habits. Consulting with a pest control professional can also be helpful for obtaining a more accurate diagnosis and determining the best course of action for removing the animal from your home.

Identifying Sounds Associated with Common Wall-Dwelling Animals

Squirrels

Squirrels are agile climbers that can quickly scurry through walls. They are known for their distinctive sounds, including:

Chattering: Rapid-fire vocalizations often used as a warning call or to communicate excitement.
Barking: Short, sharp vocalizations that can indicate alarm or aggression.
Scratching: As squirrels move through walls, their claws can create a scratching noise.
Running: The sound of squirrels running through walls can sound like a light patter or thumping.

Mice

Mice are small, secretive rodents that can easily inhabit walls. Their presence can be detected through:

Squeaking: High-pitched vocalizations that can indicate communication, distress, or pain.
Chewing: Mice constantly chew on objects, which can create a gnawing sound.

li>Scratching: As mice navigate walls, their claws can produce a scratching noise.

Rustling: Mice can create rustling sounds as they move through insulation or debris.

Raccoons

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores that can find refuge in walls. Their presence can be identified by:

Vocalizations: Raccoons produce a variety of vocalizations, including growls, hisses, and chatters.
Scratching: Raccoons have strong claws that can create scratching noises as they move.
Thumping: The sound of raccoons moving through walls can cause a thumping or banging noise.
Droppings: Raccoons may leave droppings within walls, which can create an unpleasant odor.

Using Technology to Detect Animal Presence

Technology provides various tools that can help detect the presence of animals within your walls. Using these tools can save you time and effort in identifying the source of noises and other disturbances.

Motion Detectors

Motion detectors are sensitive devices that can detect even the slightest movement. They are commonly used in security systems but can also be utilized to monitor for animal activity. When placed along walls or near potential entry points, motion detectors can alert you to the presence of animals by triggering an alarm or sending a notification to your phone.

Acoustic Monitoring Devices

These devices are designed to detect and record sounds within a specific area. They can be placed in areas where you suspect animal activity, such as attics or crawl spaces. When animals move or make noises, the acoustic monitoring device will record the sounds, which you can then analyze to identify the species and determine their location.

Acoustic Monitoring Device	Features
Ultrasonic microphone	Detects high-frequency sounds emitted by rodents
Acoustic emission sensor	Detects sounds produced by insects and small mammals
Vibration sensor	Detects vibrations caused by animal movement

Infrared Cameras

Infrared cameras can detect the heat emitted by animals, revealing their presence even in dark or obscured areas. By placing infrared cameras near potential entry points or in areas where animals are suspected, you can obtain visual confirmation of their activity. These cameras can also help distinguish between different animal species based on their body temperatures.

Hiring a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

If you’re unable to identify the animal or eliminate it yourself, hiring a professional wildlife removal service is highly recommended. They have the expertise, experience, and equipment to deal with even the most challenging wildlife situations.

Choosing a Reputable Service

Check credentials: Ensure the company is licensed and insured, and verify their experience and references.
Specialization: Look for a service that specializes in wildlife removal. General pest control companies may not have the necessary expertise.
Methods used: Inquire about the humane and effective methods used by the service. Ethical wildlife removal professionals prioritize the animal’s well-being.

Initial Assessment

Thorough inspection: The professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the animal, entry points, and damage.
Assessment report: A detailed report will be provided, including the recommended solution and estimated cost.
Discussion options: The professional will discuss various options for removal, such as trapping, exclusion, or habitat modification.

Removal and Exclusion

Humane trapping: Animals may be captured using live traps designed to minimize stress and injury.
Exclusion techniques: Entry points will be sealed or blocked to prevent re-entry, such as installing barrier nets, chimney caps, or vent covers.
Habitat modification: Any factors attracting wildlife, such as food sources or shelter, will be addressed and modified to discourage future infestations.

Follow-Up

Clean-up and repairs: The professional will clean up any animal waste or damage caused to your property.
Warranty and guarantees: Some companies offer warranties for their services, ensuring the animal will not return.
Wildlife education: The professional may provide you with information on preventing future wildlife encounters and promoting wildlife safety.

Eliminating Entry Points and Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve identified the animal in your wall, it’s crucial to eliminate entry points and prevent future infestations. Here are some effective measures:

Sealing Cracks and Holes

Inspect your home thoroughly for cracks or holes in walls, foundations, siding, or soffits. These are common entry points for animals. Seal them with expanding foam, caulk, or steel wool.

Covering Vents and Openings

Ensure vents and openings around your home are adequately covered with screens or metal mesh. This prevents animals from accessing the space behind walls through pipes, chimneys, or dryer vents.

Trimming Vegetation

Overgrown plants and trees provide easy access to your roof and walls for animals. Keep vegetation trimmed away from your home to eliminate hiding spots and reduce entry points.

Installing Motion-Activated Lights

Bright lights can deter animals from approaching your home. Install motion-activated lights around entry points to scare away potential intruders.

Using Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can irritate animals. These devices can be placed in attics or walls to repel unwanted guests.

Excluding Animals with Trapping

If non-lethal methods fail, traps can be used to capture and relocate animals. Consider live traps or cage traps that do not harm the animal. Humane trapping methods are essential for minimizing harm and preventing animal suffering.

Encouraging Natural Predators

Attracting natural predators like cats or owls can help keep rodents and other small animals away from your home. Provide food and shelter for these predators to create a deterrent.

How To Tell What Animal Is In My Wall

There are a few telltale signs that can help you determine what type of animal is living in your walls. Here are a few of the most common:

Noises: Different animals make different noises. For example, mice and rats tend to make scratching and gnawing noises, while squirrels might make more chattering or scampering sounds. If you hear strange noises coming from your walls, it’s a good idea to investigate further.
Droppings: Another way to identify the animal in your walls is by its droppings. Mouse droppings are small and dark, while rat droppings are larger and more elongated. Squirrels typically leave behind larger, more oval-shaped droppings.
Tracks: If you can see any tracks near the hole in your wall, this can also help you identify the animal. Mouse tracks are small and have five toes, while rat tracks are larger and have four toes. Squirrel tracks are typically larger still and have five toes with claws.
Nests: Some animals, such as mice and squirrels, will build nests in your walls. If you find any insulation or other materials that have been gathered together in a secluded spot, this could be a sign that an animal is nesting in your walls.

Once you’ve determined what type of animal is living in your walls, you can take steps to remove it. There are a variety of humane and effective methods available, so be sure to do your research before taking action.