Serious need to know question *Update*

[Medusa]

Both Puddy and I were awakened abruptly at 4:30 this morning by a sound the likes of which I've not heard before. First it sounded like it was in my bedroom wall, then it sounded like it was on the roof. Puddy ran from one end of my bed to the other, looking up. It sounded both like scuffling and chattering. I don't know if it's mice or what but it was quite loud and after 25 minutes of it, I couldn't take any more and had to get up. If it is mice, what do I do? Call an exterminator, what? It really creeped me out. It wouldn't be bats, would it? (Please say 'no'. )

[critters]

Sounds like a critter of some sort--my guess would be squirrel/s. Personally, I wouldn't call an exterminator; I wouldn't want the dead body stinking. I'd call AC for ideas; some ACs will loan traps to residents, or they may be able to rec. a local critter catcher.

PS--I don't think it would be bats, because they can fly and shouldn't need to scuffle around.

[Medusa]

PS--I don't think it would be bats, because they can fly and shouldn't need to scuffle around.

The reason I mentioned bats is because I can't adequately describe the sound. At first, I thought it might be birds because there was a fluttering type of noise, too. I don't know; I've not heard bats and I don't even know if they flutter their wings and I honestly don't want to know. Ok, yes, I do because I obviously have some sort of infestation. Bad part of it is that it's only 13 degrees right now so if it is bats or whatever, how in the world do I get rid of them? I guess I can call AC but I can't imagine that anyone is going to be anxious to come out in this freezing cold and snow.

[IRescue452]

Definately not mice. Mice generally don't make noises, rarely even a squeak. And, believe it or not, they suck and jumping and are very slow cautious climbers. If a mouse got in through a home's basement or first floor it may never make it up another floor. Bats hibernate at this time of year. It could have been squirrels or a bird. Did it sound like a bird?
Don't freak out yet, you usually don't have an infestation the very first time an animal gets into your house. It was probably accidental. You do want to get them out quickly though and block their way in because you don't want a squirrel chewing a wire and starting a fire. First thing you do is look for places an animal could have gotten in near the roof. Vents are usual culprits. If you block the entrance, they won't get back in. You can set a trap to be sure nothing is left, but it probably will remain empty.

[Medusa]

Oh boy. Getting up on the roof is going to be a problem. I've got problems w/my balance and am really not supposed to even get up on a ladder. Plus we got a good 8 inches of snow. My son is home visiting from LA and I guess I'll have to promise to cook really yummy dinners in order to coax him onto the roof to have a look. Oh maaaaaan!

[moosmom]

Mary,

STEP AWAY FROM THE ROOF!!!!!! Especially if you have problems with your balance. I had a mouse problem years ago when I lived in the country. I could hear a "shuffling" noise in the walls.

I don't know what to tell you about your little visitors. Good luck. Let us know when you find out what it is.

[critters]

Unless you have an unusually customer service-oriented AC, I doubt very seriously you'll have to worry about somebody coming in; plenty of them don't even do wildlife anymore. Some of them do, however, rent or loan traps, and they should know if there are any critter catchers around. With bats, you'd probably have to wait until they flew out, at night, then close the route they're using to get in. For squirrels, etc. you could trap and evict them, then close the entry route. Regardless, if you don't close the "door" they be back!!