Rat, Squirrel or Raccoon?

We heard scratching last night in the ceiling of the 3rd floor of our 4 story house.  We are waiting for the exterminator to come, and from our description he thinks it is most likely a Squirrel or Raccoon. We are fearful that it is a Rat that somehow got in from the disgusting house next door. Is there anyway to determine what kind of critter it is without opening up the ceiling? Probably not, but if there is any advice I would love to hear it….

PHfamily

in Pest Control 13 years and 7 months ago

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JorgeF | 13 years and 7 months ago

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racoons tend to invade when the a giving birth I have had this problem at my house, if they want into your place they will find a way. You have to get them out and find out where they came in and secure that area so they do not come back.

elbow | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Here’s a good sound check summary. http://www.wildlife-removal.com/noisesatticnight.html

elbow | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Yikes.  Hopefully it’s a squirrel or raccoon.  Until your exterminator can take care of things make sure there are no holes and, since rats are great gnawers, check often.  Maybe you can tell by when you hear the sound.  Racoons and rats are nocturnal, squirrels are not.  Is it a full 4th floor?  Is the building next door 4 floors, too?

oneasternparkway | 13 years and 7 months ago

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where in Prospect heights? I just saw several raccoons in front of my bldg on Eastern Parkway last night (just tried to post a question about that), so they are definately around…..could be one of them…