Scratching in the Walls at Night? Signs You Have Mice

What that noise usually is

Light scratching or scurrying in walls and ceilings at night is most often mice. Heavier thumping can point to rats. Activity usually rises in fall and winter as rodents move indoors for warmth.

Other signs to look for

Small dark droppings in cabinets or along baseboards, chewed food packaging, shredded paper or insulation, and greasy rub marks along walls.

How they get in

A mouse can fit through a gap about the size of a dime. Common entry points include gaps around pipes and utility lines, garage door seals, vents, and cracks in the foundation.

Why traps aren't enough

Traps catch some of the mice already inside, but new ones keep coming as long as entry points are open. A professional inspection finds and addresses how they're getting in.