Rodents in the walls can be more than just annoying—they can chew electrical wires, damage insulation, and spread serious diseases like hantavirus or salmonella. You might hear scratching, squeaking, or even notice a bad smell around affected wall sections. These are clear signs of infestation hiding deep within wall voids. It’s important to act fast before the problem gets worse and harder to manage. This guide explains how to get rid of rodent in wall using 10 effective and safe methods. Rodents reproduce quickly and can turn a small issue into a large infestation within weeks, creating major health risks and structural damage if left untreated.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Rodents in Walls

1. Identify the Noise and Entry Points

Listen for scratching or gnawing sounds, especially during quiet nighttime hours. Look around your home’s exterior for small holes, cracks, or gaps. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, making inspections essential. Focus on foundation cracks, attic vents, soffits, and utility line entries. Mark suspicious spots with chalk or tape to track rodent activity over time and inspect frequently for changes.

2. Use Baited Snap Traps Near Suspected Areas

Place snap traps along baseboards, attic edges, or behind walls where activity is heard or suspected. Use peanut butter, bacon, or dried fruit as bait to lure rodents efficiently. These traps kill rodents quickly and are reusable if cleaned properly. Place them perpendicular to walls for maximum success. Check traps daily and rebait as needed to maintain effectiveness. Always use gloves while disposing to avoid spreading germs or parasites.

3. Install Rodent Bait Stations

Bait stations contain rodenticides and attract rodents hiding inside wall voids. Once consumed, rodents usually die within 2–3 days. Always follow safety instructions and place bait stations in secure areas away from kids or pets. Good locations include dark corners, under kitchen sinks, or near wall gaps. Use tamper-resistant stations to enhance safety. Rotate bait formulas regularly to avoid rodent resistance and increase your success rate over time.

4. Try Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that irritate rodents but remain silent to humans and pets. Place them near suspected wall areas, attics, crawlspaces, and basements for full effect. These repellents work best as a preventive measure or when used alongside other rodent control methods. Make sure no furniture or barriers block the sound waves, which can limit effectiveness. For larger spaces, consider using multiple devices throughout the home to maintain consistent rodent deterrence. While ultrasonic repellents don’t kill rodents, they help reduce the risk of disease transmission by keeping rodents away from living areas.

5. Use Natural Rodent Repellents

Strong scents like peppermint oil, ammonia, or vinegar are known to repel rodents. Soak cotton balls in essential oils and place them in attics, behind appliances, or near suspected nests. You can also use sachets or DIY spray bottles to distribute the scent evenly. Mix in cayenne pepper or garlic for stronger repelling power. Replace soaked cotton balls every 3–5 days to keep the smell potent and active.

6. Set Up Live Traps

Live traps are humane tools that catch rodents without killing them, ideal for small infestations. Once caught, release them at least five miles away in a wooded or uninhabited area. Check traps every morning to avoid stress or death by dehydration. Wear gloves when handling traps and sanitize them afterward. Mark your property to ensure rodents don’t return, and seal any nearby gaps to stop new entries.

7. Remove All Food Sources

Rodents often enter homes searching for food. Store all pantry items in airtight plastic or glass containers. Clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food immediately to reduce attractants. Don’t leave fruit or bread out overnight. Mop and sweep regularly to remove scent trails. Keep garbage bins sealed, take trash out daily, and avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight to maintain a rodent-free kitchen environment.

8. Clear Clutter and Insulation Debris

Rodents love to nest in cluttered spaces like storage boxes, old insulation, or piles of fabric. Declutter attics, garages, and basements to reduce hiding spots. Use clear plastic storage bins instead of chewable cardboard. Vacuum and clean corners often. Dispose of old fabrics and foam, and organize items off the floor where possible. This also makes it easier to spot signs of rodent activity or droppings.

9. Inspect for Plumbing Leaks and Moisture

Moisture attracts rodents who need water just like food. Check under sinks, around water heaters, and in basements for leaks or pooled water. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to reduce humidity and rodent appeal. Wet drywall or wood becomes easier for rodents to chew through. Repair leaks quickly and keep cabinets under sinks dry and ventilated to prevent new nesting opportunities from forming.

10. Call a Wildlife Control Expert

If the problem gets out of hand, call professional wildlife control. Experts have the tools to locate nests, safely remove rodents, and seal access points. They use cameras, traps, and exclusion techniques tailored to your home. Wildlife pros also remove dead rodents from inaccessible areas to eliminate odor. With experience and safety gear, they solve the problem long-term and protect your home from repeat infestations.

How Wildout Can Help You

Wildout offers humane and effective raccoon and rodent removal services across Florida. Their licensed specialists use advanced equipment to find and remove rodents in walls, attics, and crawlspaces. They also seal off entry points and clean up affected areas to prevent future problems. Wildout customizes every solution based on your home’s structure, rodent type, and infestation level—giving you reliable, lasting protection and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Rodents inside your walls can cause serious health risks and structural damage if left untreated. From traps and natural repellents to sealing holes and calling professionals, these 10 proven methods offer a complete solution. Acting quickly is the key to stopping rodents before they multiply and spread. With consistent effort and the right tools—or expert help from Wildout—you can keep your home clean, quiet, and rodent-free.

FAQs

How do I know if a rodent is in my wall?

You may hear scratching, squeaking, or gnawing at night. Droppings, urine odor, or stains near walls are also key warning signs.

Can rodents chew through walls?

Yes. Rodents can chew through drywall, insulation, and even wood. They create tunnels and nests, weakening wall structure over time and causing damage.

Will a rodent leave the wall on its own?

Unlikely. Once inside, rodents often nest and reproduce. They won’t leave unless pushed out with repellents, traps, or sealing all access points.

What smell do rodents hate the most?

Rodents dislike strong scents like peppermint, ammonia, garlic, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. These confuse their senses and can drive them away quickly.

Is it safe to use poison in walls?

While effective, poison can cause rodents to die inside the walls, creating foul odors. Use with caution or consult professionals for safer alternatives.