You're lying in bed and you hear it: scratching, scampering, a rolling sound
overhead. It's one of the most common reasons Marietta homeowners call us, and the
good news is the type of noise and when you hear it usually point straight to
the animal. Here's how to read the signs.
What the timing tells you
- Daytime scampering, loudest at dawn and dusk → most likely squirrels.
They're active in daylight and go quiet at night, so a busy attic during the day
and silence after dark is a classic squirrel signature. - Heavy, slow movement that starts after dark → likely a raccoon. Raccoons
are nocturnal and large enough that you'll hear real weight: thumping, dragging,
even vocal sounds from young. - Light, fast scurrying in the walls and ceiling, mostly at night → usually
rats or mice. Quick little feet, often heard running along the same "runways"
night after night. - Fluttering, scratching, or high chirping near the roofline at dusk → could
be bats leaving to feed, or birds nesting in a vent.
Why you shouldn't ignore it
Whatever's up there is doing three things: chewing (squirrels and rats gnaw on
wiring, a genuine fire risk), leaving droppings that contaminate insulation, and,
if it's a female, very possibly raising young that turn one animal into several.
The problem only compounds the longer it's left.
What to do next
Don't seal the entry hole yet. If there are animals or babies inside, trapping
them in creates a much worse (and smellier) problem. The right order is inspect,
remove everything including any young, then seal. That's exactly the process we
follow.
If you're hearing noises in your Marietta attic, Marietta Wildlife Removal can identify what
it is and get it out. Call (678) 693-3668. We answer 24/7.