If you’re noticing a strong animal-related odor in your attic, walls, or living space, the smell itself can often provide important clues about what type of wildlife is present—or what recently was.

Different animals produce very different odors, and the strength, spread, and how long the smell lasts can help indicate the species, size, and situation.

Nick & Sons Critter Control LLC provides professional wildlife inspections to identify the cause of these odors and determine the appropriate next steps.

A dead animal odor is often described as:

• Strong
• Rotting
• Sweet or sour
• Overwhelming in warm weather

• A deceased animal inside an attic, wall cavity, chimney, or crawl space
• An animal that died naturally, became trapped, or expired after entering a structure

• Larger animals (raccoons, opossums, groundhogs) produce stronger smells that last longer
• Smaller animals (mice, squirrels, birds) may produce odors that fade more quickly
• If the smell intensifies over time, it often indicates a larger animal or limited airflow

The duration of the odor can be a key factor in identifying the animal involved.

Bat-related odors are often described as:

• Musty
• Ammonia-like
• Sharp or acrid

• Active or past bat roosting activity
• Accumulation of bat droppings (guano) and urine over time
• Long-term bat presence in attics, gable vents, or wall voids

Bat smells often become more noticeable:

• During warm or humid weather
• When attic airflow changes
• After bats leave but contamination remains

Persistent bat odors are usually a sign of extended bat activity, not a single animal.

Raccoons frequently use attics as designated bathroom areas, returning to the same spot repeatedly.

Raccoon-related odors are commonly described as:

• Strong urine smell
• Fecal odor
• Persistent and localized to specific attic areas

• Repeated raccoon use of the attic
• Possible presence of babies
• Ongoing activity rather than a one-time entry

Because raccoons are large animals, these odors tend to be strong and long-lasting, especially when insulation or wood framing is affected.

Animal-related odors can help determine:

• What species is involved
• Whether the issue is active or past
• Whether the animal was large or small
• If the problem is ongoing

Misidentifying the odor can lead to:

• Missed animals
• Incomplete solutions
• Repeat problems

That’s why a professional wildlife inspection is often the most reliable way to understand what’s happening.

Many homeowners contact us saying:

• “Something smells dead in my attic”
• “There’s an ammonia smell I can’t explain”
• “My house smells like an animal, but I don’t see anything”

These situations often require inspection and identification before any decisions are made.

If you’re noticing:

• Dead animal smells
• Bat-related odors
• Raccoon urine or fecal odors
• Persistent animal smells in your attic or home

These odors are often a clear warning sign of wildlife activity.

📞 Call Nick & Sons Critter Control LLC to schedule an inspection and determine what animal is involved and what needs to be addressed.

Hearing noises in your attic often means wildlife or rodents are present. The type of sound, time of day, and movement pattern can help identify the animal.

Below are common attic noise indicators for animals found in Hastings, MN and throughout Minnesota.

• Heavy thumping or walking
• Loud scratching
• Chattering or whining (babies)
• Mostly daytime activity
• Common in spring and early summer

Baby raccoons are often mistaken for multiple animals due to noise volume.

• Loud scratching
• Fast running
• Chirping sounds
• Morning and evening activity
• Active during the day

Red squirrels are aggressive chewers and very vocal.

• Soft chirping or squeaking
• Light scratching
• Fluttering sounds
• Nighttime only

Flying squirrels are nocturnal and often confused with mice.

• Light scratching or scurrying
• Soft squeaks
• Mostly nighttime activity
• Noise may stop briefly when disturbed

• Tap the ceiling or wall
• Stops, then resumes → likely mice
• Rapid scurrying away → likely squirrels

• Clicking or ticking sounds
• Light scratching
• Fluttering or wing movement
• Nighttime only
• Often near rooflines or vents

Bats are quiet but make noise when roosting or shifting.

Each animal requires a different removal method and timing. Incorrect identification can lead to:

• Trapped animals
• Odors
• Structural damage
• Repeat infestations

If you’re unsure what animal is making noise in your attic, a professional inspection can identify:

• The species
• Entry points
• Nesting areas
• Safe, humane removal options

📞 Call now to schedule an attic inspection

Noises in walls or attics often indicate wildlife or rodents. The sound type and time of day are key clues.

• High-pitched chattering or whining
• Slow movement or thumping
• Daytime activity
• Common in spring/early summer

• Loud chirping
• Fast scratching or running
• Morning and evening
• Active during the day

• Soft chirping or squeaking
• Light scratching
• Nighttime only

• Light scratching or scurrying
• Occasional squeaks
• Mostly nighttime

• Tap the wall
• Stops then resumes → likely mice
• Scurries away → likely squirrels

• Clicking or ticking sounds
• Light scratching or fluttering
• Nighttime activity, near rooflines

Different animals require different removal methods. Misidentification can lead to repeat issues, odor, or damage.

Not sure what you’re hearing? We offer professional wildlife noise identification and removal in Hastings, MN and surrounding areas.

📞 Call now to schedule an inspection