Why Do I Hear Scratching in My Walls? Diagnosing Roof Rats in Sacramento

By the Clark Pest Entomology Team

If you’re hearing scratching, scurrying, or thumping noises in your walls or ceiling -especially at night - it’s can be a sign of roof rats. In Sacramento, roof rats commonly enter attics and wall voids seeking shelter, food, and nesting areas.

Why are roof rats active in Sacramento right now?

Roof rats have become increasingly common throughout Sacramento neighborhoods, from older tree-lined areas to newer suburban developments. Unlike Norway rats, roof rats prefer elevated spaces and thrive in urban and suburban environments with abundant trees, fruit, and fence lines.

In recent years, roof rat pressure in the Sacramento region has remained consistently high, with less seasonal slowdown than we typically expect. Mild winters, dense landscaping, backyard fruit trees, and easy access to structures all contribute to increased activity.

Homeowners often first notice roof rats outdoors at night along fences or power lines. Once access is found, garages, sheds, and attics provide quiet, undisturbed spaces for them to establish nesting sites leading to noises inside walls and ceilings.

Are roof rats a risk?

Yes. Roof rats pose both property and health risks once inside a home, including:

• Structural damage from constant gnawing on wood, insulation, and wiring
• Electrical fire risk caused by chewed wires
• Food contamination in garages and pantries
• Disease exposure, including salmonellosis and leptospirosis
• Bites, which can occur if rats are disturbed or trapped

Because roof rats tend to reuse the same travel paths, damage often worsens quickly once they establish their presence in a structure.

Clark’s Expert Insight

Clark’s Tip: “In Sacramento homes, we often find roof rats entering through small roofline gaps or utility penetrations, then nesting above insulation in attics. Scratching noises late at night are usually the first sign homeowners notice.”

How can I stop roof rats from getting into my home?

Prevention starts outdoors, but exclusion must be precise to be effective.

Steps homeowners can take include:

• Sealing gaps around rooflines, vents, and utility entry points
• Removing fallen fruit from trees and limiting bird seed spillage
• Trimming tree branches away from roofs and eaves
• Reducing clutter in garages and sheds

DIY efforts by homeowners often fail because roof rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter and are highly cautious of new traps or objects. Without addressing entry points and nesting areas, activity typically continues.

Frequently Asked Roof Rat Questions

Q: Do roof rats make noise during the day?
A: Roof rats are nocturnal, so noises are most common at night or early morning.

Q: Are roof rats the same as mice?
A: No. Roof rats are much larger, more destructive, and typically live in attics and elevated areas.

Q: Will roof rats leave on their own?
A: Unlikely. Once established, roof rats tend to remain unless professionally removed and excluded.

Professional Pest Control in Sacramento

If you’re hearing scratching or movement in your walls or ceilings, the Clark Pest Control Sacramento team is ready to help. We understand the local roof rat pressures unique to the region and use proven inspection, exclusion, and control strategies to protect your home.

Call 833/580-1126 or visit [Link to Sacramento branch page]
https://www.clarkpest.com/locations/sacramento-ca