Which rats and mice are we dealing with?
Slim, agile climbers. Live in roof voids and travel along fences and power lines. The main cause of night-time scratching.
Heavier, burrows under slabs, sheds and compost. Common near creeks and drains.
Small, enters through gaps as small as a pen. Numbers spike in autumn near paddocks.
Signs to look for
- Scratching or scurrying in the ceiling at night
- Droppings in the pantry, under the sink or in the garage
- Gnaw marks on food packets, wiring or skirting
- Greasy rub marks along walls and beams
Rats and mice around Sydney
Mouse numbers jump in autumn in Camden and Oran Park where homes back onto paddocks. In older Bankstown, Fairfield and Inner West houses, roof rats are more common, coming in along fences and trees.
What you can do yourself
- Store food, birdseed and pet food in sealed containers
- Pick up fallen fruit and keep compost enclosed
- Trim branches touching the roof
- Seal gaps around pipes and cables with steel wool and sealant
How we treat rats and mice
We inspect the roof void, subfloor and exterior to find entry points and runways. Tamper-resistant, lockable bait stations go in the roof void and around the outside, placed away from children and pets. Where baits aren't suitable we use traps. We return in 2–3 weeks to check activity, top up stations and confirm entry points are sealed.
How to prepare
- Clear access to the manhole
- Note where you've heard or seen activity
- Tell us about pets, chickens or nearby owls so we choose the right products