Have you ever lain in bed at night and heard scratching coming from above you? More often than not, that is the sound of pests living in your roof. Rats, mice and squirrels are all perfectly content up there, because a loft is warm, dry and out of the way: an ideal place to sleep, shelter and breed. As a homeowner, of course, you are unlikely to feel the same way about your new tenants.
What is the scratching sound in my roof?
What you are hearing is usually pests moving across the ceiling. You might also catch screeching, yelping or squealing. That is the sound of animals marking their territory against rivals, or of breeding.
How do pests get into the roof?
Roofs are a magnet for mice, rats and other rodents, especially as the weather turns cold, because they offer warmth, comfort and plenty of dry space. Mice and rats often climb up drainpipes to get in, while squirrels squeeze through gaps and cracks. Some pests come down a chimney, and others simply migrate up from elsewhere in the house.
Why are pests in my roof a problem?
The noise is the least of it. Once pests settle in, they start building nests and breeding, and rodents multiply quickly. Before long they can cause real damage to the roof, the loft and the wider home.
Rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth filed down, and they are not fussy about what they chew. Roof timbers, brick, concrete and even metal are all fair game. If there are electrical cables in the roof space, those are likely to be chewed too, which can interrupt your power supply and, more seriously, create a real fire risk.
What to do about the scratching sound in your roof
Start by giving it a few days. The rodents may decide your roof space does not suit them and move on to someone else’s. If the noise carries on, though, it is worth doing an inspection. Look for the pests themselves, for nests, or for droppings. If you find any of these, it is time to call in the experts.
Our pest removal team will carry out a full, thorough inspection of your roof space, clear the pests and put an end to the scratching. Call us to find out more. We are open every day except Christmas Day, from early until late.