If you’ve ever been jolted awake by strange noises echoing from behind your walls in the middle of the night, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Florida report hearing scratching sounds, scurrying noises, or even eerie clicking sounds coming from within their homes. While it might sound like something out of a horror film, these unexplained noises often have very real—and very natural—causes. Understanding what you’re hearing could be your first step toward reclaiming a pest-free home.
Welcome to Florida, where wildlife isn’t just something you spot on a nature trail—it’s often right behind your drywall.
Why You’re Hearing Sounds in Your Walls
Walls may seem solid, but they often contain wall voids—spaces that make cozy hiding spots for rodents, insects, and even small animals. These spaces are protected from predators and the weather, offering food, shelter, and safety. If a creature can find an entry point, your walls may quickly become a home base.
Noises are your first sign that something is amiss. Whether it’s scurrying sounds at night, faint scratching during the early morning, or the occasional clicking, each sound can point to a specific wildlife culprit.
Common Culprits of Wall Noises in Florida
Florida’s climate is prime real estate for nocturnal animals looking for a place to hunker down. Here’s a breakdown of some common culprits and the specific animal sounds they make:
1. Rats and Mice
These rodents are among the most frequent offenders when it comes to scratching noises in walls.
Rats and mice make the following noises when they are living in your walls:
- Scurrying noises at night
- Faint scratching behind the drywall
- Occasional gnawing sounds as they chew insulation or wires
Other clues that you have a rodent infestation include gnaw marks on baseboards or food containers and small droppings around your home
Rats and mice come into your home in search of warmth, food, and nesting spots. Even a tiny gap can serve as an entry point.
2. Squirrels
Squirrels are more active during the day, and are known for their loud, erratic movement and can do serious damage quickly.
If there are squirrels in your walls, you’ll hear:
- Rapid scratching
- Loud scurrying sounds in the walls or attic during daylight hours
Other clues of squirrels in your walls include chewed fascia boards or attic vents, and visible nests in gutters or soffits
Florida’s urban sprawl pushes squirrels to seek alternative nesting spaces—and your walls are often the next best option.
3. Bats
Florida is home to several bat species, including some that prefer attics and wall spaces as roosting sites.
If there are bats in your walls, you might hear the following sounds:
- Light clicking sounds
- High-pitched squeaks or fluttering during twilight hours
Other clues of bats include dark-colored droppings (guano) near entry points and a strong ammonia-like smell in your home.
Bats seek quiet, dark spaces to rest during the day. While they help control insects, they don’t belong in your home.
4. Birds
Yes, even birds—especially barred owls and starlings—can make their way into your home’s walls or vents.
When birds are living in your walls, you’ll hear:
- Chirping or flapping, often early in the morning
- Repetitive pecking sounds
Other clues of birds infesting your home include seeing nesting material protruding from vents and noticing bird droppings around the roofline
Birds often seek vertical structures to nest in during mating season. Chimneys, vents, and even wall cavities can seem ideal. To get rid of birds, contact a wildlife removal expert.
5. Insects and Termites
Though certain insects are less noisy, heavy termite infestations can create soft tapping or clicking sounds.
If you have termites in your walls, you’ll notice sounds like:
- Subtle clicking or tapping within walls
- Light rustling from behind baseboards
- Hollow-sounding wood
You might also notice piles of frass (termite droppings), which indicates that termites are causing damage to your home.
Termites and ants are drawn to moisture and wood. Florida’s humid climate makes it a hotspot for infestations.
Nocturnal Activity: Why It Matters
Most of the animals listed above are nocturnal, which means their activity spikes after dark. If the scratching or scurrying gets louder at night, it’s a strong signal you’re dealing with a wildlife issue—likely rats, mice, or bats. Daytime activity is more consistent with squirrels or birds.
Knowing the time of day you hear the noise can help a pest control professional narrow down the list of suspects quickly.
What You Should—and Shouldn’t—Do
If you’re tempted to set traps or seal up holes on your own, take a minute to think. Sealing an active animal inside your walls could cause it to die, creating new problems (and unpleasant odors).
Here’s what you should do instead:
Call a Licensed Wildlife Removal Expert
In Florida, many pest control companies specialize in wildlife removal. These professionals can:
- Identify entry points
- Trap and relocate animals humanely
- Repair damage and prevent re-entry
Inspect for Signs of an Infestation
Look for:
- Gnaw marks on wiring or walls
- Nesting materials
- Droppings
- Holes near foundations, vents, or eaves
Store Food Securely
Keep pet and human food in airtight containers to deter pests looking for easy meals.
Avoid Poison
Using poisons may kill the animal, but often in inaccessible places like your walls, leading to decomposition and new infestations from insects or scavengers.
Don’t Ignore the Noise
Ignoring it won’t make it go away. If you wait too long, one animal can become a full-blown infestation.
Why Infestations are a Big Deal
Rodents and other pests are more than a nuisance. According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread more than 35 diseases worldwide, either directly (through contact) or indirectly (via fleas and ticks).[1] CDC source
And the numbers are only growing. Florida’s warm, wet climate creates year-round conditions for pests to thrive. A 2024 report from the National Pest Management Association shows Florida ranks in the top 5 U.S. states for residential wildlife infestations.[2]
How to Keep Your Home Pest Free
Once your home is cleared, you’ll want to ensure it stays that way. Here’s how:
- Seal cracks and crevices with steel mesh or caulk
- Install chimney caps and vent covers
- Trim tree branches touching your roofline
- Keep trash bins sealed
- Schedule routine inspections with a licensed pest control professional
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Wildlife Removal Company
Those unexplained noises in your walls aren’t your imagination. Nature is knocking on your drywall—and sometimes kicking it in. The good news? You’re not powerless. By identifying the type of sound, understanding the likely wildlife involved, and contacting a professional help service, you can reclaim your peace, protect your property, and keep your Florida home pest-free.
If you’re hearing noises in the walls, don’t wait. Call Nuisance Wildlife Rangers today and put the silence back in your sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions: Noises in Walls and Wildlife Intrusions in Florida
1. Can animals cause structural damage to my home?
Yes. Animals like rodents and squirrels can chew through wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring, which can increase the risk of fire. Nesting materials and waste can also degrade air quality and lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.
2. Are there laws in Florida about removing certain wildlife?
Absolutely. Florida law protects some species, including bats, during maternity season (typically April 15 to August 15). This means you cannot legally remove or exclude them during this time. Hiring a licensed wildlife professional ensures compliance with all state regulations.
3. How do professionals find animals inside walls?
Wildlife removal specialists use tools like thermal imaging cameras, fiber-optic scopes, and acoustic detection to locate animals hidden behind walls or in attic spaces. They also inspect common entry points like vents, rooflines, and crawl spaces for signs of activity.
4. Could these sounds be caused by plumbing or HVAC issues instead?
Yes, it’s possible. Pipes expanding or contracting, loose ductwork, or air pressure changes can mimic some wildlife sounds. However, these typically follow predictable patterns. If the noises are irregular, increasing, or seem to move, animals are more than likely the cause.
5. Do ultrasonic pest repellents work?
The effectiveness of ultrasonic repellents is still debated. Some studies suggest they may deter certain pests temporarily, but most wildlife and rodents quickly adapt. Long-term solutions almost always require physical exclusion and professional intervention.
6. Is it safe to inspect wall voids myself?
Doing it yourself is not recommended. Disturbing animals inside walls can trigger defensive behavior or accidental injury, especially with stinging insects, nesting birds, or aggressive rodents. DIY inspections may also worsen the problem if animals become trapped or flee deeper into the structure. Always consult a professional first.
References:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Rodents
- WKMG: Florida’s biggest bug problems are in this city, data reveals
