What Should You Do If You Hear Scratching Noises in Your Walls?

Hearing scratching in the walls? You’re not alone. Many homeowners across Australia report odd noises coming from behind plasterboard or inside the ceiling, especially at night or early morning. While it might be tempting to brush it off as the house settling, these sounds are often a warning sign of something living where it shouldn’t be.

If you think you hear scratching in your walls during the day or you’ve noticed nighttime activity without any clear signs of droppings, it could still be a rodent or pest problem that’s developing quietly behind the scenes. Here’s what might be causing those noises and what you should do about it.

Mouse in a Wall Scratching Sounds Are More Common Than You Think

One of the most common culprits behind unexplained noises is a mouse in the wall scratching and nesting. Mice can squeeze through incredibly small gaps—just 6mm wide—and once they’re inside, they’ll tunnel through insulation, nibble on wiring, and create nests from shredded materials.

The noises often sound like:

• Light tapping or chewing
• Faint scurrying, especially at night
• Repeated movement in the same area

It’s not unusual to hear movement for a few seconds, then silence, then another burst of activity. This stop-start pattern is typical rodent behaviour.

Even if you don’t see obvious signs like droppings or chewed food, mice can live behind walls for weeks before making their presence fully known. That’s why acting early is so important—before damage and contamination spread through your home.

Scratching Noise in Wall Australia – What Else Could It Be?

If you’re hearing a consistent scratching noise in a wall in Australia, don’t assume it’s just mice. Several pests are known to nest in roof voids and wall cavities across the country.

Other likely suspects include:

• Rats – louder, slower movements, often at night
• Possums – heavier thumping or crashing noises
• Birds – fluttering or chirping from roof spaces
• Cockroaches – light clicking or rustling sounds
• Wasps – faint buzzing or chewing as they build nests

If the scratching is coming from higher up or sounds larger in scale, it could be a possum or rat. These animals can cause extensive structural and electrical damage, so it’s worth getting an inspection done by a licensed technician.

E1 Pest Solutions provides comprehensive rat pest control in Sydney, including inspection, removal, and sealing of all known entry points. If you suspect rats and not mice, call us before they do any more damage.

Scratching in Walls But No Droppings? Don’t Ignore It

If you’ve searched the house but found no signs—no food damage, no smells, no droppings—it doesn’t mean nothing’s there. In fact, scratching in the walls but no droppings is a very common early-stage sign of an infestation.

Pests may have just arrived or are nesting in places you can’t easily check. Wall cavities, roof insulation, and underfloor spaces are all areas where rodents can build nests without leaving droppings in visible spots.

In these cases, what you hear is more useful than what you see. Consistent noise in the same location over multiple days almost always indicates movement. And if it’s near kitchens or bathrooms, the likelihood of rodents goes up—these spaces offer warmth, food scraps, and water.

That’s where professional rat removal can help. At E1, we use thermal cameras, bait stations, and expert tracking to confirm what’s hiding behind your walls—before it gets worse.

I Hear Scratching in My Walls During the Day—Should I Worry?

Rodents are mostly nocturnal, but not exclusively. If you’re thinking I hear scratching in my walls during the day, this might indicate:

• A larger infestation with disrupted sleeping patterns
• Nesting parents protecting young
• Activity due to nearby construction or noise
• Less-common daytime pests like wasps or birds

Daytime noises don’t mean it’s not a serious issue. In fact, if you’re hearing activity both day and night, it usually means the infestation is well established—and growing.

It’s also worth noting that sounds during the day may be easier to hear because the house is quieter. Many customers only notice the problem after spending a day at home or during holiday breaks.

What You Should Do if You Hear Scratching in the Walls

Here’s what to do if you’re dealing with strange noises behind the plaster:

Listen carefully

Try to identify the location and time of day. Are the sounds near the kitchen, roof, or floor? Are they more active at night?

Don’t start breaking walls

Avoid trying to fix it yourself. Pests will often retreat deeper into the house or spread to new areas if disturbed without being removed.

Check for entry points

Look around for gaps under doors, in brickwork, or through roofing tiles. Rodents can exploit the smallest openings.

Book a professional inspection

E1 Pest Solutions offers thorough inspections, tailored removal plans, and 7-day follow-ups for peace of mind.

Seal up access after treatment

Once we’ve removed the pests, we’ll advise you on how to prevent them from coming back, such as sealing weep holes or trimming trees near the roofline.

Call E1 Pest Solutions for Fast, Friendly Help

Hearing something scurrying behind the walls isn’t just unsettling—it’s a sign of a growing problem. Whether it’s a mouse in a wall scratching, an unidentified scratching noise in a wall, or you’ve noticed scratching in walls but no droppings, don’t wait for it to get worse.

At E1 Pest Solutions, we help Sydney homes stay safe, clean, and rodent-free. From rat removal to tailored rat pest control in Sydney, we act fast so you don’t have to deal with the noise, damage, or health risks.

Call now or book online. We’ll get to the bottom of it—fast.