EXPERT ADVICE
Are noises in your attic a sign of pests?
Updated 07/26
By: Emma Potter
Reviewed: Content Team
Dark, quiet, rarely-disturbed lofts are exactly the kind of space mice, rats, birds, bats, and insects look for. If you've heard something moving up there, the type of noise and droppings you find can narrow down exactly what you're dealing with, and how urgently to act.
The telltale signs of mice and rats specifically
How to identify other loft pests: birds, squirrels, bats, wasps
Why acting fast matters more than you might think
When DIY methods aren't enough
Roughly what professional removal costs
How to prevent it happening again
Find pest controllers near you
Why loft pests are a genuine problem
Left unchecked, mice, rats, and other vermin multiply quickly, spreading germs and disease. They can also cause serious damage, gnawing through woodwork, furniture, and electrical wiring, creating real fire or flooding risks in the process.
Telltale signs of mice and rats
Before calling a professional, it's worth checking for signs of habitation yourself.
Signs of mice
Smell: a stale ammonia odour, more noticeable with a larger infestation
Droppings: dark brown/black, spindle-shaped with pointed ends, roughly the size of a grain of rice
Noises: faint scratching, more audible with larger numbers
Gnaw marks: on cabling, woodwork, or stored items
Shredding: paper, plastic, fabric, or loft insulation used for nest-building
Signs of rats
Rats can squeeze through a gap the size of a ten-pence piece and climb as high as five feet, so a loft is well within reach.
Rat smells: a foul ammonia odour from urine
Decomposing smells: possibly from a previous, unsuccessful trap
Droppings: dark, pellet-shaped, 1½-2cm, noticeably larger than mouse droppings
Noises: distinct gnawing, scratching, and squeaking
Gnaw marks: on wiring and stored items
Nests: shredded paper, plastic, fabric, or insulation
Signs of other loft pests
Rats and mice aren't the only creatures drawn to a warm, quiet attic.
Birds
Flapping or chirping
Droppings
Visible nests
Squirrels
Scratching sounds
Droppings similar in size to rat droppings (around 1½-2cm)
Bats
Distinct vocals at night
Droppings 4-8mm long, noticeably smaller than rodent droppings
If you'd rather stop pests getting into your loft in the first place, our guide to pest prevention methods covers sealing the common entry points before they become a problem.
Wasps and flies
A continuous, loud buzzing sound
Sightings around window fixtures or floor cavities
Wasp nests resembling a papery balloon or rugby ball; fly clusters showing as a small group of black spots (eggs), which return year after year if left untreated
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
When to call in the professionals
It can be tempting to save money with DIY traps, poison, or smoke treatments, but rodents and other vermin multiply fast, and getting a professional in early tends to be quicker and cheaper overall than letting a problem establish itself.
Look for a pest controller who's a member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). They'll hold a pesticide licence where treatment requires one, and can advise on the most humane, effective method for your specific pest.
Our guide on how pest control gets rid of mice and rats covers the typical methods used.
Cost to remove squirrels from an attic in 2026: UK prices
Do you have squirrels in your loft? Find out what squirrel removal costs in the UK, from initial pest control visits to proofing and biocide treatment. Get quotes from local pest controllers.
How much does a pest control professional charge?
Cost depends on the scale of the problem and the treatment method needed. Our pest control cost guide has current pricing, and our rat extermination cost guide gives a more specific steer if rats are the concern.
Before you call a professional
Find a local tradesperson
Find pest controllers near you
Final thoughts
Never ignore telltale signs of pests; acting fast can stop a full infestation
Always hire a professional for removal; this is a job where experience matters
Regular loft maintenance and sealing entry points is the best long-term prevention
Related guides
Find pest controllers near you
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job