What Are Rats Doing When You Hear Scratching?

Key takeaways

Scratching at night can indicate rat activity in your walls, ceiling or roof cavity.

Rats may be building nests, searching for food, gnawing materials or moving through wall cavities when you hear scratching.

Gnawing can damage electrical wires, pipes, timber and plastic, creating potential safety and property risks.

Other signs include rat droppings, musky smells, gnaw marks and greasy rub marks along walls or beams.

Do not ignore repeated scratching, as rat activity can continue and the infestation may grow.

It seems like you've heard scratching in your walls or ceiling at night. These signs disrupting your peaceful nights indicate that you have uninvited guests in your home. These signs mean that you have a rat problem, and they have started making your home their own.

Why Do Rats Make Scratching Noises?

Rats scratch for several reasons. They build nests by shredding materials like insulation or paper, gnaw constantly to file down their ever-growing teeth, and scamper along beams and walls looking for food. If you're hearing scratching at night, it’s likely they’ve made themselves at home and are carrying out their nightly routine behind your walls.

Scratching, Gnawing, and Scurrying

Gnawing noises

Rats have strong teeth that never stop growing, and it seems like they have a mission to damage your home by now. These rodents constantly gnaw, so keep them in check. They’ll chew on timber, pipes, electrical wires, and even plastic. This isn’t just annoying but is also dangerous. Chewed wiring is a known fire hazard. It's time to get these rodents out of your home!

Scurrying sounds

Other Signs You May Have Rats

Don’t ignore more signs of rat infestations. Alongside scratching, you might spot small black droppings, smell a musky odour, or see gnaw marks around food containers, wires, or skirting boards. You might also notice greasy rub marks where rats travel along walls or beams. All these clues together point to an infestation that needs urgent attention. You can read this blog about “9 Signs of Rodents You Shouldn’t Ignore” for more insights into rat infestation in your home.

What Should You Do If You Hear Scratching?

Stop the Scratching and Call in the Pros!