What is making the scratching noise in my wall?

Question

I keep hearing this scratching noise in my wall. It is pretty constant and doesn't stop if I approach the wall and pound on it a couple of times (if it was mice, they'd stop for a minute or two). I don't see any evidence of mice in the basement and haven't trapped anything.

So, my question is this. Could carpenter ants make enough noise for me to hear them through the wall? We had a section of sill replaced a few years ago due to carpenter ant damage and I'm wondering if they are back.

Answer 1

When I heard that noise I put out mice traps.  I caught 13 of those little buggers.  Sounds the same to me.  And no, you won't hear ants or termites.  I have since moved and live in a cinder block house.  And now squirrels get in my attic.  I chase them out and block the hole.  I know they can cause damage too, but they're just too cute to kill.

Answer 2

If you can hear ants or termites crunching, you've got good ears!  There are also wood boring beetles......those you should be able to hear!  

Other thoughts are birds, squirrels, pack rats, and raccoon.  Time to visit the attic to see if you have some bird nests up there or signs of larger animals.  You may need to hire an exterminator for an insepction and if some critter is there, a way to remove and prevent reinfestation.

Answer 3

I doubt your hearing ants...

I have had birds somhow get stuck in the walls.. They dont stop if you bang on the wall...

I have forced hot air, with a wall vent, i was able to bend down the aluminum and see into the wall with one of those little dental mirrors. When I realized it was birds, I'd leave the vent bent and open with the door to the room closed...Eventually they would find thier way to the light, trap them, and let them go...

If you have someone handy, and you can pin-point where the noise is, you can cut a square in the sheetrock, and take a look. As long as the cut is clean, it should be easy to repair the wall after you discover what it is.

All though.. this all seems like alot to do...

Answer 4

it could be,mice.ants,termites,rats or just your imagination