Hearing scratching in your ceiling is a common warning sign of rats or mice, especially at night

https://johnnymvnk630.rivetgarden.com/posts/why-san-diego-rats-invade-attics-in-the-summer-2

Hearing scratching in your ceiling is a common warning sign of rats or mice, especially at night, and it may point to activity in attics, walls, or ceiling voids.