The most likely culprit in this case is squirrels although a little investigation into the type of noise and hours of activity can help confirm your suspicions.
Scratching noise in attic early morning.
When you hear noises in the attic during the early morning there are a few pests that could be to blame.
If you hear noises in the attic during the day it s very likely from squirrels.
What you ll hear is a faint scratching sound that s isolated in one area.
This includes raccoons bats mice rats and flying squirrels.
Bird nests can harbor diseases and bird fecal dust can become airborne unfortunately.
Noises in the attic scratching sounds at night squirrels.
Daytime noise especially in the morning or evening.
Both mice and rats make scratching sounds in an attic.
Occasionally when the house is very quiet you will hear them during the day as well.
Raccoons are notorious for making themselves comfy in your attic insulation.
Common animals that can be found in the walls and attic.
The sounds from squirrels in the house include scurrying sounds from them running around on the drywall in the attic above the ceiling or in the walls.
So if you hear noises when you first wake up you could have birds flying in and out of your attic.
Hearing noises in the attic in the early morning rules out nocturnal animals such as raccoons possums and rats.
It s probably your water heater where sediment has settled at the bottom of the tank then popped and bubbled as the water heats.
You may also hear some scratching sounds or even some nuts rolling around.
With rodents you ll usually hear them around bedtime and late at night.
Heavy walking or thumping.
A scratching in the attic early in the morning call if likely to be a grey squirrel.
Many of the species that you have in your attic are nocturnal and are more likely to be active at night.
Usually coming from your walls ceiling or attic if you are sitting in an upstairs room.
A nest of baby raccoons.
Fast scampering medium volume usually in the attic.
Birds like to hunt for food in the morning.
This is especially true if you have a gas or propane heated tank.
Trapped birds make chipping and clawing sounds as they try to get unstuck scratching the surroundings with flapping wings.
Bird noises are mostly heard in the early morning hours.
Determining what animal is in your attic is the first step to removing the animal.
Bats may be heard if they have to move from a daytime roosting area to an exit point.