It’s late at night and the house is quiet, but then you hear it: scratching, scurrying, or thumping coming from inside your walls. For many Northern Virginia homeowners, this is an unsettling and all-too-common experience. While it may be tempting to ignore the noise and hope it goes away, those sounds are almost always a sign that wildlife or pests have found a way inside your home. Acting quickly is essential to prevent damage to your home and keep your family safe.
If you suspect you have a critter inside your walls, call Summit Wildlife Removal today at 703-884-2124 or complete our contact form to schedule a professional inspection.
What Could Be Making the Noise?
The type of sound you hear can provide clues about which animal has taken up residence:
- Mice and rats tend to create fast, light scratching or gnawing sounds as they squeeze through tiny gaps in walls or chew on wires.
- Squirrels are usually louder and more erratic, often heard during early morning or evening hours when they are most active.
- Raccoons make heavy, deliberate movements, sometimes accompanied by chattering or thumping.
- Bats may produce faint fluttering or soft scratching as they roost in attic or wall voids.
No matter the species, the activity is typically more noticeable at night when your home is quiet and nocturnal animals are most active.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Hearing wildlife inside your walls is more than just a nuisance – it can lead to serious consequences if left unchecked:
- Animals inside your home can often chew insulation, drywall, wood, and even electrical wiring, creating expensive repairs and fire hazards.
- The droppings and urine left by wildlife in your home can also soak into walls and insulation, leaving behind strong odors and exposing your household to dangerous bacteria and parasites.
- Many species also reproduce quickly, meaning what starts as a small issue can grow into a full-blown infestation in a matter of weeks.
What to Do Right Away
If you hear scratching at night, the best first step is observation. Pay attention to where and when you hear the noises, as this information can help professionals determine the type of animal.
A quick inspection of the exterior of your home may reveal entry points such as holes near the roofline, loose vents, or gaps around the foundation. However, resist the urge to block these openings yourself. Sealing entry points while animals are still inside can trap them in your walls, leading to further destruction and even dead animals inside your home. Avoid using poisons or DIY traps, as these methods are often ineffective and may create more problems than they solve.
The Importance of Professional Removal
The safest and most effective solution is to bring in a professional wildlife removal company. At Summit Wildlife Removal, we begin with a thorough inspection to identify the species involved, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the damage. Our team uses humane, proven methods to remove wildlife and prevent them from returning. Just as important, we repair vulnerable areas of your home, ensuring long-term protection. With decades of experience dealing with the unique wildlife challenges in Northern Virginia, we understand how to address these problems quickly and effectively.
Best Wildlife Removal Company in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax
If you’re lying awake at night listening to scratching inside your walls, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to prevent costly damage and protect your home. Contact Summit Wildlife Removal today at 703-884-2124 or fill out our contact form to schedule a professional inspection. Let our team handle the wildlife so you can get back to a quiet, safe, and comfortable home.
