Your alarm goes off. As you wipe the sleep from your eyes, you think you hear scratching noises. Upon investigating, you find the noise is coming from inside your exterior bedroom wall. There is likely an animal living in the cavity, and as it is daylight, it is most likely a squirrel. Still, before you call wildlife control for squirrel removal, understand that many species can cause scratching sounds in your wall.

Wildlife control experts suggest the noises often come down to three culprits: squirrels, mice, or bats. Each animal makes unique noises, and they usually make sounds at different points during the day or night. Paying attention to when the animal makes noise and the type of noise can help you identify the species.

1. Squirrels

Before searching for squirrel removal near me, it is best to know the characteristics of squirrel noises. Aside from the usual scratching noises, you might hear them running around in your attic space. Squirrels are agile animals. They are also full of energy in the daytime.

A squirrel wakes with the sun and returns to its nest at dusk. If the noises you hear somewhat coincide with your sleep-wake cycle, you can feel confident the culprit is a squirrel. The noises you hear in the morning likely occur as the animal wakes and leaves its nest. If you hear the noises again in the evening, it is the animal returning home.

Do not remove a squirrel using DIY methods or traps. A nesting squirrel might have babies. By removing it from your home, you leave the babies to starve. Also, DIY methods are dangerous to both you and the animal. It is best to call wildlife control in Madison.

2. Mice

Mice are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. The sounds of mice are anything from scurrying, gnawing, or squeaking. Because of the animal’s size, you are more likely to hear squeaks or chewing than scampering.

The primary problem with mice is the animal’s reproduction rate. The gestation period for a mouse is only 19 to 21 days. Unlike other animals, a mouse can become pregnant immediately after giving birth. An average mouse can give birth between five and 10 times per year, and its litter can range in size from five to 12 pups. With the frequency and size of litters, it is possible to experience an infestation of hundreds or even thousands of mice.

3. Bats

Like mice, bats are nocturnal, so if you hear noises, they will occur at night and before dawn. From inside the wall, you might hear shuffling or sliding as the animal makes its way to the open attic space. Bats are also prone to vocalizations, such as squeaking and chirping.

You will most likely hear noises when bats exit the house or return to it before dawn. You will probably not hear any noises during the day.

Many people fear bats because of rumors about rabies. While bats can transmit rabies to humans, the likelihood of such an interaction is rare. Since 1924, the first reporting of rabies in Canada, only 25 people have died of the disease. Since 2000, only three people have died from exposure to rabid bats.

Still, a risk exists, so you should never handle any animal. You should call a wildlife professional if you suspect bats are in your home.

All wildlife is precious and beautiful, but it does not belong in your home. Only a professional should deal with the removal of wild animals. Many homeowners often feel that DIY solutions will save them money, but they put their safety and health and the health of the animal in jeopardy with such tactics. If you suspect you have a wild animal in your home, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control.