Is That a Bat or Just a Mouse? How to Tell — And What to Do About It

It starts with a sound.

Late at night, when the house quiets down, you hear something scratching or fluttering in the attic. Maybe it’s a mouse. Maybe it’s something else.

If you're a homeowner in Andover, North Andover, or Methuen, chances are you've dealt with your share of critters. But this time of year — especially in late summer and early fall — it’s not just rodents making themselves at home.

You might be hearing bats in the attic.

Bats vs. Mice: How to Tell the Difference

These pests behave very differently, but they can easily be confused:

• Sound:
  Mice make soft, quick scratching or chewing noises.
  Bats create fluttering, sometimes intermittent scurrying — especially at dusk and dawn.

• Timing:
  Mice are active year-round.
  Bat activity in Massachusetts peaks between July and September, when they look for warm, safe places to roost.

• Droppings:
  Mouse droppings are small, smooth, and pointed.
  Bat guano is dry, crumbly, and often piles up below entry points like vents or attic gaps.

• Entry Points:
  Bats can enter through gaps as small as 3/8 of an inch — under shingles, siding, or roof edges. Mice need slightly larger openings, usually closer to the ground.
  
  

Why It Matters in Andover Homes

Older homes in Andover, North Andover, and Chelmsford often have aging roofing, loose fascia boards, or uncapped chimneys — all attractive to bats.

Once inside, bats bring serious risks:

• Accumulation of guano (droppings), which can lead to health issues like histoplasmosis

• Possible rabies exposure if bats come into contact with humans or pets

• Structural damage to insulation, drywall, and wood framing

And because bats are a protected species in Massachusetts, it’s not just risky to try to remove them yourself — in many cases, it’s illegal. According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, bat exclusions are not allowed during the maternity season (June 1 to July 31) to protect flightless pups. That’s why safe, legal removal must be done outside that window, and only by trained professionals.

📚 Source: Mass.gov - Bats in Buildings

What to Do (and What Not to Do)

Don’t seal up the attic.
Don’t spray repellents.
Don’t try to “chase them out.”

Instead, call a licensed expert who knows how to safely and legally handle bat removal in Massachusetts.

At Andover Pest Control, we use humane bat exclusion methods and make sure your home is sealed and safe — from top to bottom.

Call Andover Pest Control ASAP

Not sure whether it’s a bat or a mouse?

Let us take a look. We serve homes across Andover, North Andover, Haverhill, and nearby areas. Whether you’ve confirmed bats or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.

Call Andover Pest Control ASAP to schedule your inspection — and sleep easy again.