Unexplained clicking noises at night can be perplexing. These sounds come from various sources, both outside and inside homes. Many creatures produce distinct sounds, and understanding them helps identify the noisemakers. This article demystifies nighttime clicks, pinpointing responsible animals and their reasons.
Animals That Click at Night
Insects are common sources of nocturnal clicks. Crickets (e.g., field and house crickets) are known for rhythmic chirping, often perceived as clicking. They stridulate by rubbing their forewings together. Patterns vary by species and environment.
Click beetles also produce sounds, especially when righting themselves after falling. They use a specialized spine and groove mechanism to snap themselves into the air, creating an audible click. Though not continuous, their sound can be startling. They inhabit gardens, basements, or wall voids.
Bats produce nocturnal clicks, often beyond human hearing. They use echolocation, emitting ultrasonic clicks to navigate and locate prey. Some clicks, like from the common pipistrelle or when bats are close, are audible as faint, rapid clicking. Sounds become more pronounced as bats approach objects or prey.
Reasons for Nocturnal Clicking Sounds
Animal clicks at night serve distinct purposes, mainly communication and survival. For insects like crickets, rhythmic clicking is a mating call. Males stridulate to attract females, with call patterns signaling fitness and species identity. Unique patterns allow females to recognize mates.
Bats use rapid clicking for navigation and hunting via echolocation. They emit ultrasonic pulses and interpret echoes, creating a detailed sonic map. This helps them detect obstacles, track insects, and avoid collisions in darkness. Clicks become more frequent and precise when targeting.
Beyond mating and navigation, clicks also serve as territorial displays or warning signals. Insects use specific patterns to ward off rivals or alert others to predators. These signals play a role in establishing dominance and ensuring species safety. Some creatures also use clicks for general social communication.
How to Pinpoint the Source
Pinpointing a nocturnal clicking sound requires careful, systematic observation. Listen intently to determine the general location: indoors, outdoors, or within walls/attic. Direction and proximity offer clues about the animal’s size and type. Noticing if sound is amplified by surfaces can also help.
Observe the clicking’s timing and pattern; some are continuous, others intermittent or in bursts. A steady chirp often points to an insect; rapid, increasing clicks suggest an echolocating bat. Changes with temperature or humidity might suggest an insect.
Focus on the click’s characteristics: pitch, volume, and quality. A sharp click differs from a duller sound, narrowing possibilities. If safe, use a flashlight to scan the strongest sound area for visual cues like the animal, droppings, or entry points. Smartphone recording apps can help analyze click frequency or pattern.
Addressing Noise Disturbances
If nocturnal clicks become a nuisance, humane strategies can manage or deter animals. For insects like crickets, seal home entry points (e.g., foundation cracks, window gaps, door openings) to prevent entry. Intact window screens also help keep them outside. Reducing clutter and overgrown vegetation near the house makes surroundings less appealing.
For bats, use exclusion methods only after they leave the roost, typically at dusk. Seal entry points (e.g., roofing or siding gaps) after they exit to prevent re-entry without harm. Habitat modification (e.g., removing standing water, reducing outdoor lighting) can also make an area less attractive to insects, reducing bat activity.
Consider non-harmful deterrents like natural insect repellents or ultrasonic devices, though their effectiveness varies. If the problem persists or involves protected species, contact a professional pest control or wildlife removal expert. Professionals can accurately identify the source and implement humane solutions.