Things That Go Boom In The Night

One of the most common calls we get from our customers involves strange “noises” in the walls or ceilings. The call will go something like this: “I am hearing scratching noises in my wall right above my bed and it is driving me crazy, can you do something?!”

The first step is to try to determine the cause of the noise over the phone. Our Customer Service Representatives are trained to ask questions that may lead to a possible source. Step 1 is to ask if physical evidence has been found such as droppings, gnawing’s or an actual sighting of a pest. If nothing physical is evident, Step 2 is to dive deeper into the noise. Questions like time of day or night the noise is occurring, what the noise sounds like and the location will help us determine a possible cause.

If our CSR’s are not able to determine a possible cause from the information you supply, then they may recommend an inspection by one of our trained technicians. In most circumstances the technician will be able to determine the source and will be prepared to begin corrective service on the day of inspection.
Small rodents such as Mice, Rats, Gray Squirrels, Red Squirrels, Flying Squirrels or Bats can be the cause of the noise. Insect pests, such as Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees or Yellow Jackets are also known to make noises. Or, the noise could be something larger, such as raccoons walking your roof at night.

Noises in wall and ceiling voids can be caused by a number of pests. Sometimes they are not pests at all. We have performed many inspections only to find that the noise was coming from a tree branch blowing in the wind against the house or a power or phone line!

So, before you call for service, take a quick walk around your house to ensure no obvious causes are evident; it might save you some time and some sleepless nights!