Mice and Rats in Dubai Apartments: What the Scratching Sounds Mean and What to Do First

You hear scratching in the wall at night, find small droppings behind the cooker or notice a packet of rice chewed open. In a Dubai apartment these are the usual first signs of mice or rats, and the animal is often out of sight.

This guide is for Dubai apartment residents who suspect rodents. It explains what the signs mean, what to do first, what to avoid and when to bring in a professional.

Why Rodents Get Into Dubai Apartments

Rodents look for food, water and shelter. A kitchen with open food, a bin that is rarely emptied or a spot under the sink with a small leak gives them all three. Buildings also give them routes: service shafts, gaps around pipes, ducts above false ceilings and shared walls let them travel between floors and units.

Mice and rats are good climbers, and a mouse can squeeze through a gap about the width of a pencil. A small opening you would never notice can be enough.

Signs of Mice or Rats

Scratching, scurrying or squeaking in walls, ceilings or behind appliances, mostly at night
Droppings along walls, behind the cooker and fridge, and inside cupboards
Chewed packaging, soap, cables or food
Greasy rub marks along skirting boards and pipes
A stale, musty smell in a cupboard or a closed room
Shredded paper or fabric gathered in a hidden corner

Mouse or Rat: What the Clues Tell You

You may never see the animal, but the signs help you tell them apart. Use this table as a guide.

Clue	Mouse	Rat
Droppings	Small and thin, scattered in many places	Larger and thicker, often in groups
Gnaw marks	Small, fine teeth marks	Larger, rougher marks on harder items
Hiding places	Cupboards, behind appliances and small wall gaps	Ducts, ceiling voids, balconies and service areas
Activity	Often in several spots in the home	Usually follows a regular path along walls

If you are not sure which one it is, that is fine. The first steps are the same.

What to Do First

Store rice, flour, pet food and snacks in sealed containers made of hard plastic, glass or metal.
Put food waste in a bin with a tight lid and take it out every night.
Fix dripping taps and wipe up water under the sink and around the fridge.
Clear clutter and boxes from the floor of cupboards, storerooms and balconies.
Look for gaps around pipes, under sinks and behind appliances and note where they are.
Take photos of droppings and damage so you can show them at an inspection.

Cutting off food and water makes the home less attractive, but it rarely clears an active problem on its own.

What Not to Do

Do not put out loose poison, because a rodent can die inside a wall and children and pets can be harmed
Do not block a gap you have not checked, because it may trap an animal inside the wall
Do not touch droppings or nesting material with bare hands
Do not leave pet food out overnight
Do not ignore noise in the ceiling just because you cannot see anything

Wear gloves when you clean droppings, wash your hands afterwards and ventilate the room.

Why Rodents Come Back

In a building with shared walls and shafts, a rodent problem is rarely only one apartment's problem. If the entry point is not found and closed, new animals can arrive from a neighbouring unit or from a service area. That is why a trap in the kitchen can catch one animal while the signs keep coming back.

When to Call a Professional

You hear activity in the walls or ceiling for more than a few nights
You find droppings in more than one room
You see a rat, or a mouse in the daytime
Food or cables have been chewed
The problem returns after you have tidied up
You live with children or pets and want a safe plan

A Dubai Municipality certified team can inspect, treat the affected areas and advise on prevention. Santera offers a complimentary inspection and a 30-day warranty with follow-up support. Learn more on our Rodents pest library page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mice get into a high-floor Dubai apartment?

Through gaps around pipes, ducts and doors, and through shared risers and corridors. Pests do not need a ground-floor entrance to reach an upper floor.

Is a mouse or a rat making the noise?

Droppings are the best clue. Mouse droppings are small, while rat droppings are larger. Noise at night in a wall or ceiling void points to activity out of sight.

Should I use a sticky trap or poison myself?

Poison can leave a rodent dying in a wall and is a risk to children and pets. Speak to a professional before using any product.

Can rodents come from a neighbouring unit?

Yes. Shared walls, ducts and service shafts let them move between apartments, so a problem in one unit can show up in another.

Next Step

Book your complimentary inspection via WhatsApp on wa.link/k5sow1, call +971 4 332 2623 or email info@santera.ae. Same-day service is available across Dubai. Santera is Dubai Municipality certified, License 1595993.