Hearing scratching in your attic at night? Found droppings but not sure what left them? Use our free animal identifier tool to figure out what is living in your attic, walls, or crawlspace. Answer 4 quick questions about the sounds, timing, signs, and size to get an educated guess and recommended guides.
1. What sounds do you hear?
2. When do you notice activity?
3. What signs have you seen?
4. Estimated size of the animal?
Raccoon
This tool provides a educated guess based on your answers. Contact a professional for a definitive identification.
Common Attic Wildlife Signs
| Animal | Sounds | Active | Droppings | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Heavy thumping, scratching | Night | Large, like small dog | Torn vents, destroyed insulation |
| Squirrel | Rapid scurrying, scratching | Day | Small, oval, 1/4-1/2 inch | Chewed wires, gnaw marks |
| Snake | Silent | Variable | Dark with white cap | Shed skin, no gnawing |
| Possum | Slow scratching, hissing | Night | 1-2 inch, pointed ends | Nesting debris, slight damage |
| Bat | High-pitched squeaks | Dusk/Dawn | Small, crumbly (guano) | Stains at entry points |
| Rat/Mouse | Light scurrying, gnawing | Night | Small, 1/4-1/2 inch | Chewed food, droppings |




