Pest Guide
Rats & Mice
Rats and mice can enter homes and buildings in search of food, water and shelter. Because rodents are often active at night and can hide in roof spaces, wall cavities and other concealed areas, the first signs of activity may be noises, droppings or damage rather than seeing the rodents themselves.
Common signs include:
- Droppings around cupboards, storage areas or along walls
- Scratching or movement sounds, particularly at night
- Gnaw marks on packaging, timber or other materials
- Disturbed food or damaged food packaging
- Nesting material such as shredded paper or insulation
- Unusual odours in enclosed areas
- Greasy marks along frequently travelled routes
- Rats or mice seen around the property
Where Do Rats & Mice Hide?
Rodents prefer sheltered locations that provide protection and access to food and water. Depending on the property, they may be found:
- In roof and ceiling spaces
- Inside wall cavities
- Behind cupboards and appliances
- In garages, sheds and storage areas
- Beneath buildings or decking
- Around clutter and stored materials
- In gardens and dense vegetation
- Near rubbish, compost or food-storage areas
What Attracts Rats & Mice?
Rats and mice may be attracted to properties that provide accessible food, water and shelter. Common attractants include:
- Unsealed food
- Pet food left accessible
- Rubbish and overflowing bins
- Food scraps and crumbs
- Compost
- Bird seed and animal feed
- Accessible water sources
- Clutter and stored materials that provide shelter
- Gaps or openings that allow access into the building
How Can You Reduce Rodent Activity?
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Avoid leaving pet food out overnight
- Keep rubbish bins closed and secure
- Clean up food scraps and spills promptly
- Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas
- Keep vegetation around the property maintained
- Remove unnecessary materials that may provide shelter
- Seal accessible gaps and openings where practical
- Check around doors, pipes and other potential entry points
When Is Professional Treatment Needed?
Professional rodent control may be appropriate when there are repeated signs of rats or mice, activity within the building, or the source of the problem cannot be easily identified.
Rodent problems can involve more than the animals that are immediately visible. Professional pest control can assess signs of activity, identify likely harbourage and entry areas, and determine an appropriate control strategy for the property.
