What Should I Do If I Hear Animals in My Attic?
If you hear animals in your attic, do not wait too long and do not seal openings unless you are sure the animal is outside and there are no young inside.
In Southern New Hampshire, attic wildlife calls commonly involve bats, squirrels, flying squirrels, and raccoons. Each situation is different, but the first step is the same: avoid making the problem worse before the animal and entry point are properly identified.
Animals in attic Southern NH: what it might be
The most common attic wildlife issues we deal with involve:
- Bats
- Squirrels
- Flying squirrels
- Raccoons
Bats are often seen before they are heard. A bat in the living space, a bat seen flying near the roofline, or repeated sightings near a gable, soffit, or roof edge may point to a larger entry issue.
Squirrels and flying squirrels are more often noticed by scratching, scurrying, or chewing noises.
Raccoons can be loud, but young raccoons may sound surprisingly like small birds when they are in an attic or chimney.
Do not wait too long
Waiting can make an attic wildlife problem harder to solve.
This is especially true with bats. Bat exclusions are normally avoided from mid-May through mid-August because pups may be present. Waiting too long can turn a simple inspection into a timing problem.
If you think bats may be using your home, call before the seasonal window becomes a bigger issue.
If the sound is in the chimney
If the noise is in the chimney, make sure the flue is closed and do not start a fire.
A nest can block smoke, create a chimney-fire risk, or push smoke back into the home. Keeping the flue closed also helps prevent a raccoon, bat, or other animal from entering the living space.
If you suspect a nest or wildlife blockage in the chimney, contact BTNE before using the fireplace. Do not try to smoke the animal out.
Do not use poison
Do not use poison for attic wildlife problems.
Poison can cause wildlife to expire inside an attic, wall, or hidden void. That can create odor, sanitation issues, and a much harder recovery problem.
A dead animal hidden in a wall or attic is often harder and more expensive to locate than the original wildlife issue.
Do not seal openings too soon
Do not seal holes, gaps, vents, soffits, roof edges, or other openings unless you are sure the animal is outside and there are no young inside.
Sealing too early can trap animals inside the structure. It can also separate adults from young, forcing animals to scratch, chew, or push into living spaces.
If you are unsure, call a professional before sealing openings, setting traps, or disturbing the area.
What to document safely
You do not need to climb on a roof or enter a tight attic to help identify the problem.
From a safe location, take photos or notes of:
- Droppings
- Staining
- Exterior holes or gaps
- Damaged soffits or vents
- Scratching or chewing areas
- Chimney activity
- Roofline activity
- Times of day when sounds are heard
- Animals seen entering or leaving
If you have photos or video, email them separately to [email protected] with your name, town, and wildlife issue.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if:
- You hear repeated scratching, scurrying, or chewing
- You see bats inside or near the structure
- You suspect animals in a chimney
- You find droppings in an attic
- You are not sure whether young animals are present
- You are thinking about sealing an opening
- You smell odor or suspect an animal expired inside
The goal is not just to remove an animal. The goal is to identify the species, find the access point, prevent repeat entry, and avoid creating a worse problem.
Service area
We generally work the Concord–Peterborough–Portsmouth triangle, with Manchester near the center of that service area.
How to get help
Start with the contact form at:
btne.net/contact
If you have photos or video, email them separately to:
Include your name, town, and the wildlife issue.
You can also scan the QR code to save our contact card.
Bottom line
If you hear animals in your attic, do not wait, do not use poison, and do not seal openings unless you are sure the animal is outside and no young are present.
If you are unsure, call a professional before disturbing the area.
FAQ
What animals are usually heard in attics in Southern New Hampshire?
Common attic wildlife issues include bats, squirrels, flying squirrels, and raccoons. Squirrels often make scratching or scurrying sounds, while raccoon young may sound like small birds.
Are bats usually heard in the attic?
Bats are often seen before they are heard. A bat inside the living space or repeated sightings near the roofline may point to an entry issue.
Should I seal the hole if I hear animals in the attic?
Not unless you are sure the animal is outside and there are no young inside. Sealing too early can trap wildlife inside the structure.
What should I do if the noise is in my chimney?
Keep the flue closed and do not start a fire. A nest can block smoke or create a fire risk. Contact BTNE before using the fireplace.
Should I use poison for attic wildlife?
No. Poison can cause wildlife to expire inside walls, attics, or hidden voids, making odor and recovery much worse.
Who should I call if I am unsure?
Call a wildlife professional before sealing openings, setting traps, or disturbing the area.