What Do Rodents Sound Like?

We all know how noisy our houses can sometimes be. Most of the time, these noises are of no concern; it might just be your new fridge settling in or just the natural sounds your house makes over time. But there’s a chance that these are mouse sounds. Speaking of which, what does a mouse sound like?

Mice, rats, and all other rodents make many sounds, some of which are audible to the human ear, while others are ultrasonic. If you hear any rat sounds, like chirping, gnawing, or scratching, you might be dealing with a rodent infestation.

Considering that rodent-borne diseases can be deadly, we’ll take a look at some common rodent noises. This way, you’ll be able to take action quickly enough so that the infestation doesn’t ruin your house.

Common Sounds That Rodents Make

Right off the bat, there are a few distinct sounds that all rodents make. These can be both mice and rat noises, as both rodents give off similar sounds.

Scratching

One of the most common rat noises is scratching. Rodents have small claws that they use to navigate around your house. For example, hearing scratching noises from your walls is a clear sign that there are rats in them.

Also, the same noise can be heard when rodents are climbing up your house to reach the attic. In that case, you should ensure that there aren’t any holes in your roof, which are easy entry points to your attic.

Chirping

Mice mostly use chirping and squeaking to communicate with each other. These are easily distinguishable, as they are very high-pitched noises. These are also used when rodents groom themselves, which indicates that they’re already living comfortably in your attic.

Gnawing

Arguably the most well-known rodent sound is gnawing. All rodents have incisors that are constantly growing, so they have to chew on surfaces that pack a punch to keep them sharp.

In turn, if you hear any chewing sounds coming from your attic or your walls, chances are that you have a rodent issue. Since they constantly gnaw, you might not have an infestation yet. But this is still a sign that they found an entry point to get inside your house.

Scurrying

Scurrying is a telltale sign that you have a rodent infestation. This is the sound that rodents make when they travel from one part of your house to the other. In turn, this means that they’ve already made a nest and are scavenging for their favorite food sources.

What Does A Mouse Sound Like

Now that you know some of the general sounds that all rodents make let’s focus on the most common mouse noises.

For starters, mice are more vocal than rats, so you’ll most likely hear them chirping and squeaking. Like all other rodents, mice also gnaw, so if you notice any chewing sounds around your house, there’s a chance that it’s a mouse.

What Sound Does a Rat Make

Rats are pretty silent in terms of other rodents – at least, to the human ear. While they communicate with each other a lot, they make ultrasonic sounds, which we can’t hear.

In turn, you’re more likely to hear rats scurrying as they try to find some food or when they go back to their nest. Plus, we’ve noticed that rats make much more scratching sounds than mice.

How to Tell if the Noises You’re Hearing Are Rodents?

As we mentioned above, identifying the noises that rodents make is difficult. Sometimes, you might confuse these with normal sounds that the AC system makes.

However, to ensure that these noises are rodents, notice when you hear them. Rats and mice are nocturnal animals, meaning that they are mostly active at night. So, if most of these rodent-related sounds pop up right as you’re about to go to bed, it’s probably a rodent.

Discover if You Have a Rodent Infestation, the Green Way

Sounds from mice and rats are one of the first signs of an upcoming or already existing rodent infestation. That’s why you’ll need to consult a professional rodent removal company. And, if you’re based in SoCal, look no further than us.

At Green Rodent Restoration, we aim to keep your house rodent-free for a long time, the green way. If you’re currently hearing mice or rat sounds, contact us for a free estimate!