Resident Alarmed After Finding Bathroom Ceiling Tile Moved Without Explanation
ILLINOIS — A local resident’s quiet afternoon took a chilling turn after they discovered that one of the ceiling tiles in their bathroom had been moved, despite no one else being home all day.
“I Heard Something Moving Up There…”
The Naperville resident, who lives on the top floor of an apartment building, said they initially heard rustling noises coming from the ceiling while taking a bath but brushed it off — assuming it might be work being done on the roof.
Hours later, when they returned to the bathroom to fix their hair, they were startled to find a ceiling tile completely out of place, exposing a dark gap above.
“I’m the only person who’s been home all day,” the resident wrote online. “I heard strange rustling earlier, but I didn’t want to scare myself. Then a few hours later, I see the tile totally moved. WHAT IS THIS? Did rats do this, or is there someone crawling in there?”
The post quickly gained traction on local community pages, with residents offering theories ranging from rodents or squirrels in the attic to loose ventilation panels or even human intrusion.
My bathroom ceiling tile has been moved
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Experts Weigh In
Local pest control professionals say it’s possible that animals like rats, raccoons, or squirrels could enter through roof vents or small gaps in attic insulation — especially during colder weather. However, maintenance experts note that ceiling shifts can also occur naturally due to air pressure changes or HVAC issues, particularly in top-floor apartments.
Still, given the unsettling timing, safety experts recommend erring on the side of caution.
“If a ceiling tile moves on its own or you hear consistent noises above, contact building management or law enforcement,” said a local property maintenance specialist. “Never investigate ceiling spaces alone.”
Community Reactions
Neighbors in nearby complexes have shared similar stories, mentioning occasional nighttime sounds or loose tiles, though no confirmed intrusions have been reported. Many offered reassurance, suggesting that pests or insulation movement are the most likely culprits.
Whether the cause was rodents, structural settling, or something else entirely, the Naperville resident says they’re now keeping the bathroom light on at night — just in case.
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