There can be several reasons why you are hearing scratching sounds coming from your walls. Some of the common causes include:
Animals or Pests: One of the most common reasons for scratching sounds in walls is the presence of animals or pests. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other small animals might find their way into your walls, seeking shelter or food. As they move around, they can create scratching or scurrying noises.
Insects: In some cases, insects like termites or carpenter ants could be present in the walls, causing noise as they burrow through the wood.
Expanding and Contracting: Temperature changes can cause the materials in the walls to expand or contract, which can sometimes lead to creaking or scratching sounds.
Pipes and Plumbing: If there are loose pipes or plumbing lines running through your walls, water flowing through them or the pipes rubbing against the wall can produce scratching sounds.
Settling of the Building: Buildings, especially older ones, can settle over time, causing various materials to shift and make noise.
Wind or Weather: In windy conditions, the exterior of the building may make noises as the wind blows against it or causes other objects to hit the walls.
Electrical Issues: In rare cases, electrical arcing or faulty wiring within the walls might create a scratching sound.
If you're concerned about the noises or want to determine the cause, here's what you can do:
Inspect the walls and nearby areas for signs of animals or pests.
Check for visible cracks or openings in the walls where animals might be entering.
Listen carefully to the sound to try to identify its source and pattern.
If you suspect pests or animals, contact a pest control professional to inspect and address the issue.
If you can't identify the source of the sound or are worried about potential structural issues, consider consulting a building inspector or a professional contractor to examine your walls and provide a more thorough assessment.
It's essential to address any potential issues promptly, especially if pests or animals are involved, as they can cause damage to your property and create potential health risks.