Noises from the loft are unsettling. Is it mice? Birds? The house falling down? Usually it's something mundane - but sometimes action is needed.
Identify the Sound
Scratching and Scrabbling
What you hear: Scratching, scuttling, running sounds
When: Often at night, may be seasonal
Likely cause: Rodents (mice, rats) or squirrels
Signs to confirm:
- Droppings (small pellets)
- Gnaw marks on woodwork or pipes
- Nesting material (shredded insulation)
- Smell (particularly with rats)
Action: Pest control needed. Mice can chew wiring (fire risk).
Flapping and Cooing
What you hear: Wing sounds, bird calls
When: Dawn/dusk especially
Likely cause: Birds - often pigeons, but could be starlings or others
How they get in: Gaps in eaves, broken roof tiles, open soffits
Signs to confirm:
- Feathers
- Bird droppings (white splashes)
- Visible nest material
- Birds entering/exiting from outside
Action: Remove birds humanely (outside nesting season), seal entry points.
Buzzing/Humming
What you hear: Continuous or intermittent buzzing
When: Summer months especially
Likely cause: Wasps or bees
Signs to confirm:
- Wasps/bees visible entering roof area from outside
- Increased activity in warm weather
- Visible nest (paper-like for wasps)
Action: Pest control for wasps. For bees, contact local beekeeper first - they may relocate them.
Banging and Creaking
What you hear: Loud bangs, creaks, groaning
When: Often when heating comes on/off, or temperature changes
Likely cause: Thermal expansion
What's happening: Pipes, timber, and tanks expand and contract with temperature changes. They move against each other or against fixings.
Action: Usually nothing. Can fit foam sleeves on pipes or adjust pipe clips if very bad.
Dripping or Gurgling
What you hear: Water sounds, dripping, flowing
When: After rain, or when heating/water system active
Possible causes:
- Roof leak
- Tank overflow
- Pipe issue
- Condensation drip
Action: Investigate to identify source. Check tank, roof, condensation.
Constant Hum
What you hear: Steady mechanical hum
When: Continuously or intermittently
Likely cause:
- Boiler or pump
- Extractor fan
- Electrical hum (transformer)
Action: Identify the source. May be normal operation or may need attention.
When to Investigate
Go up and look if:
- Noise is new or changed
- You suspect animals
- There's a water sound
- Noise is accompanied by other signs (smell, damp patches)
Take with you:
- Torch
- Phone (photos)
- Careful footsteps (walk on joists, not between)
Look for:
- Signs of animals (droppings, nests, damage)
- Water stains or active leaks
- Damaged insulation
- Anything out of place
Common Culprits in Devon
Mice
Prevalence: Very common, especially autumn/winter as they seek warmth
Entry: Tiny gaps - they can squeeze through 6mm holes
Signs: Small droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds at night
Squirrels
Prevalence: Common in leafy areas
Entry: Larger gaps, can gnaw through soffits
Signs: Larger droppings than mice, damage to entry point, daytime noise
Birds
Prevalence: Very common, especially starlings and sparrows
Entry: Gaps in eaves, displaced tiles, open soffits
Signs: Feathers, bird droppings, visible nest
Wasps/Bees
Prevalence: Seasonal (spring-autumn)
Entry: Gaps in soffits, gaps around pipework, ventilation
Signs: Visible activity from outside, nest visible in loft
What to Do About Each
Mice
DIY options:
- Traps (snap traps most effective)
- Block entry points with wire wool and filler
- Remove food sources
Professional: For infestations, call pest control.
Squirrels
DIY: Humane traps exist but tricky
Professional: Usually better - they can relocate and seal entry
Legal note: Grey squirrels (UK) can be controlled; red squirrels are protected.
Birds
DIY: Seal entry points once birds have left
Professional: For difficult access or protected species
Legal note: Don't disturb nesting birds (March-August). Wait until they've fledged.
Wasps
Professional: Recommended. Wasp stings are dangerous, especially in enclosed space.
Bees
First step: Contact local beekeeper (British Beekeepers Association has a swarm line)
Many beekeepers will remove/relocate honeybees for free.
If not honeybees: Pest control may be needed for problem locations.
Thermal Expansion Noises
If the noise is definitely just the house "settling":
Reduce it by:
- Foam insulation around pipes at clip points
- Flexible pipe clips instead of rigid
- Ensuring pipes have room to move
Accept it if:
- It's just thermal noise
- Happens predictably with heating cycles
- No other issues
When to Get Help
Pest control:
- Confirmed rodent or wasp infestation
- Can't identify the pest
- Problem persists despite DIY efforts
Handyman/roofer:
- Need entry points sealed
- Roof damage allowing entry
- Water ingress issues
Structural engineer:
- Ongoing structural noises
- Visible damage to timbers
- Concerns about roof structure
Strange noises and not sure what's causing them? I can take a look and advise on next steps. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
