Rats and mice look for warm, dry shelter and food, and a Melbourne roof void is perfect. They often move in when the weather cools down, but we see rodent problems all year. Left alone, rats can chew electrical wiring, contaminate insulation and stored items, and breed quickly. Here’s how to tell what you have, what works and what doesn’t.
Signs of rats in the roof
- Noises at night: light scratching, scurrying and gnawing, usually after dark.
- Droppings: dark, pellet-shaped droppings in the roof, cupboards, behind appliances or in the garage.
- Gnaw marks: chewed wiring, timber, plastic pipes and food packaging.
- Grease marks: dark smudges along beams, walls and entry holes where rats run regularly.
- Nests: shredded paper, insulation or fabric in hidden corners.
- Pets acting strangely: dogs and cats staring at walls or ceilings.
Rats, mice or possums?
| Pest | Typical signs |
|---|---|
| Black (roof) rat | Climbs well, lives in roofs and trees, droppings pointed at both ends, scurrying at night |
| Brown (Norway) rat | Bigger and heavier, burrows under sheds, decks and slabs, often near drains |
| House mouse | Small droppings like grains of rice, nibbled food packets in the pantry, light scratching |
| Possum | Heavy thumps at dusk and dawn, larger droppings, strong urine smell and ceiling stains |
Heavy thumping usually means a possum, which needs a very different, wildlife-safe approach. See possum in the roof: what Victorian rules allow.
Why rats in the roof are a problem
- Fire risk: rodents chew electrical wiring, which can be dangerous.
- Health: droppings and urine can contaminate food, benches and insulation.
- Damage: they gnaw through timber, pipes, ducting and stored belongings.
- Fast breeding: a small problem can grow quickly if it isn’t dealt with early.
Hearing rats in the ceiling?
Rat and mouse control starts from $219 including GST. Same-day slots are often available.
How professional rodent control works
- Inspection: we find where they’re getting in, where they’re nesting and the paths they use.
- Baiting and trapping: tamper-resistant bait stations and traps are placed in the roof void, subfloor and around the property, away from children and pets.
- Entry point advice: we show you the gaps around eaves, vents, pipes and roof tiles that need sealing so rodents can’t get back in.
- Follow-up: we can check and top up bait stations if activity continues.
Read more on our rat and mouse control in Melbourne page, and in our guide mice and rats: how to get rid of them in Melbourne.
How to keep rats and mice out
- Trim tree branches and vines that touch the roof.
- Seal gaps around pipes, cables, vents and under doors with wire mesh or other rodent-proof materials.
- Store pet food, bird seed and pantry food in sealed containers.
- Keep bins closed and compost covered.
- Pick up fallen fruit and clear woodpiles and rubbish away from the house.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it’s rats or possums in my roof?
Rats make lighter scratching and scurrying noises through the night. Possums are heavier and thump around mainly at dusk and dawn, and leave larger droppings and a strong urine smell.
Is rat bait safe around pets?
We use tamper-resistant bait stations placed out of reach of children and pets, and we explain exactly where they are and what to watch for.
How long does it take to get rid of rats?
Activity usually drops within a week or two of baiting. Sealing entry points is what stops new rats from moving in.
How much does rat control cost in Melbourne?
Our rat and mouse control starts from $219 including GST. See our pest control cost guide for all prices.
