Call us to get started 855-854-2679

Call us to get started 855-854-2679

How to Identify Squirrel Sounds

Schedule a Free Inspection

If you hear sounds in your attic during the day, most times it is a squirrel. Squirrels will most likely make noises during the early morning and late evening when squirrels enter and exit the home. Squirrels commonly produce scurrying, scampering, and scratching sounds in the attic.

Because of their size, it can be fairly loud. They often roll acorns or nuts, which describes that odd rolling sound emerging from the ceiling. Squirrels will also produce gnawing and grinding sounds similar in mice.

Listen to squirrel sounds

Squirrel Vocalizations

They have a wide range of vocal sound features, including squeaks, barks, and grunts. When distressed, squirrel kits make high-pitched, chirping noises similar to birds. 

According to mammologist Bryan Harding, squirrels use sound to protect themselves and their territories. Their alarm calls are made up of screeches, rattles, barks, and snorts. The kuk, muk-muk, and quaa sounds are used to convey an interest in mating.

Squirrel Sound Meanings

SoundMeaning
RattlesDefending territory
ScreechingDefending territory
BarkingAlarm call
BuzzAlarm call
Kuk-kuk-kukWarning to predator
QuaaWarning to predator
SeetTerrestrial predator
Seet-barkAerial predator
Muk-mukMade by young squirrels or when mating
High-pitched chirpYoung calling for mother
CryingYoung squirrels

Baby Squirrel Sounds

Baby squirrels produce distinct sounds, but they are rarely loud enough to hear—probably a good thing, if predators happen to be nearby. When they are hungry, they will call their mother with a soft “muk muk” sound.

While newborns can barely make any sounds, the vocal ability of a squirrel develops rapidly. At three days old, baby squirrels can make a small squeak noise. At three weeks, they can growl out to their mother when hungry; at four weeks, they become capable of short screams.

Unsure what noises you are hearing in your attic?

Squirrel Movement Noises in Attic

Hearing sounds emanating from your attic when nobody should be up there is never a welcome occurrence. After getting over the initial fright, listen carefully. Squirrels commonly establish nests in these areas, and make certain noises that give their presence away:

Scurrying. Light running and scratching noises can mean that a squirrel has gained entry to your attic and is maneuvering about.

Rolling. Squirrels are eager collectors of nuts and acorns. They often transport these objects by rolling, which can be audible.

Rustling. Despite their impressive agility, squirrels aren’t the smallest creatures and can generate a considerable amount of noise while performing their day-to-day activities, like making nests and storing food. These activities generate clear rustling noises.

Squirrel Sounds in Walls

Squirrels make many of the same scurrying, squeaking noises in walls as they do in attics. These sounds are more prevalent in the morning and evening, when squirrels are less likely to be outside searching for food. Squirrels are easily frightened, so if you bang on the wall, you will likely hear them scurrying away.

What Do You Do if You Hear Squirrels in Your House?

If you start hearing any of the aforementioned noises in your home, it’s unlikely that they will just go away without some sort of intervention. Therefore, it is best to contact a professional to assess and address the situation. At Trutech Wildlife, our team is ready to identify and remove nuisance squirrels from your residence using only the most efficient and humane methods.

Call Trutech In To Get Squirrels Out

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.

Thank you for subscribing! We'll be in touch.