Rat Noises and Sounds

What Does a Rat Sound Like?

Rat Audio

Thought you heard a rat? Listen to an audio recording (mp3 file) of rat noises and sounds.

Home-invading rats are typically brown to black in color. They have long tails and poor eyesight, but excellent hearing, smell, taste, and touch. They are skilled jumpers, climbers, and swimmers, which helps them sneak inside buildings. Infestations tend to gather in attics, basements, and the spaces between walls.

Rat Noises

You are most likely to hear rats moving as opposed to vocalizations. Mice typically squeak but almost all of the rat sounds are ultrasonic. Rats make noises like squeaks, chirps, and hisses sound. They can communicate different emotions depending on the frequency of the noise. Often, squeaks or hisses signify that a rat is afraid or in pain. Almost all rat vocalizations are undetectable by the human ear because they are ultrasonic.

The sounds of rats you will hear are movement noises. You can hear scratching, gnawing, and rustling in your attic or inside walls. Rats also chomp and grind their teeth (bruxing).

Risks & Dangers

Not only do rats infest homes and cause costly damage, but they also lead to health problems. Rodent diseases are spread through bites when individuals breathe in dust from rat droppings, or the ingestion of contaminated food or water. The diseases they’re capable of spreading include leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. They can also cause destruction to wiring, walls, and insulation where they nest and feed.

Rat Removal

Rat noises are one of the first signs of a rodent infestation you’ll notice. If rats are heard or seen inside houses, it is essential to contact experts to remove them. Rat control is challenging once populations are well established. If you don’t seal all entry points to your house, you’re vulnerable to other nuisance wildlife and rodent infestations. The professionals at Critter Control will eliminate infestations and give tips on preventing their return.

Learn more about rat removal.