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Have you been hearing scratching sounds in your roof? Have you seen any droppings around? If you notice these signs, then most likely there are mice, rodents, or rats in your roof. These uninvited guests are known to be serious issues in many homes in Sydney, and they can chew wires, ruin insulation, and spread disease.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know from the types of rats in Sydney, to signs you’ve got a problem, how to deal with it, and most importantly, how to stop them coming back. Let us help you remove rats from your roof.
Before we get into the nitty gritty, it helps to know who you’re dealing with. Sydney’s most common rodents are:
When rats start multiplying or you can’t find where they’re getting in, that’s the point where you should consider professional help. Our rodent pest control experts in Sydney doesn’t just lay a few traps. They do a full inspection of your home, find the hidden entry points, identify what kind of rodent you’re dealing with, and then use the most effective and safe treatment for the situation.
Professional pest controllers in Sydney like Sydney Pest Crew use bait stations that are safe around pets and kids. We also offer follow-up service to make sure the rats are completely gone. We'll also give you a plan to stop the problem from coming back. If you search for services like rat control Sydney, rodent control Sydney, or mice control Sydney, our team are the experts most trusted in local areas.
How much does professional rodent control cost in Sydney? Our mice and rat control cost from $220 to $440 depending on the infestation and the size of your property. Rodent removal cost from $180 to $380. Sydney Pest Crew offer further discounts are applicable if combined with a general pest treatment or another pest service. If you would like to know other pest control services we offer, check it here.
Rats are smarter than most people actually think. They can squeeze through tiny gaps as small as a 20-cent coin and climb walls, pipes, and trees easily. Here’s how they typically get in:
Any opening even a a size of a coin is a way for them to get in. Entry points are often broken roof tiles, gaps around vents and eaves, holes where pipes enter the home, or even chimneys without covers. Their main goal is to usually find food or hide from predators chasing them. However, once rats are in your roof and they find comfort in your home, they tend to multiply, build a nest and stay in your home.
The earlier you spot the signs of rats, the easier they are to remove. Remember that these methods aren’t foolproof, especially with bigger infestations, but they can help reduce activity. Here’s are signs you have rats in your roof:
If you’ve caught the issue of rats in your roof, you might be able to manage it yourself. Here are a few natural methods tried and tested by many homeowners in Sydney.
Peppermint Oil
We have heard successful attempts from homeowners in Sydney getting rid of rats through threading cotton balls into a wire and by soaking it peppermint oil. Since rats despise strong smells, you can place it areas you think are entry points.
Since rats are usually in insulation, you can seal small gaps with steel wool and a different caulk and rats can’t chew through it. Use mesh over vents and weep holes.
Traditional snap traps can be effective if baited properly (use peanut butter, bacon or fruit). Make sure to always place traps along walls and hidden paths. If you have pets, make sure you put it in a safe place.
Strong-smelling substances like ammonia may deter rats. Mix with water and leave in bowls near entry points (safely away from kids or pets).
The early the infestation, the easier it is to keep them out. That is why our pest control experts usually ask clients during inspection on how long the rat or mice problem has been going on in your property. This is so it can help them identify the best remedies.
The best way to deal with rats is to make sure they never get in. Prevention takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it in the long run. Start by checking your roof and walls a few times a year. After a storm or heavy rain is a good time, tiles shift, vents crack, and rats love taking advantage of that.
If you’ve got trees near the house, trim the branches back so they’re not touching the roof. Rats can jump surprisingly far. Keep your gutters clean too, debris builds up, and that can attract insects and other critters, which brings in the rats.
Inside the home, be careful about how you store food. Don’t leave pet food out overnight, and keep dry goods in sealed containers. If you’ve got compost, make sure the bin is properly sealed and not sitting too close to the house. Even fruit fallen from trees can be a drawcard.
Decluttering is another big one. If your shed or storage areas are packed with boxes, fabrics, or paper, it’s a perfect place for rats to hide and nest. Keep it tidy, and try not to store anything directly on the ground if you can avoid it.
Is rat poison safe for homes with pets?
Only if it’s inside a tamper-proof bait station. Never leave loose bait out in the open. If you’ve got pets or small kids, let the pest controller know so they can use the safest method.
What is the difference between mice and rat infestations?
Mice are smaller and sneakier. They can squeeze through tiny gaps and often go unnoticed for longer. Rats are bigger, noisier, and cause more visible damage. Both are a problem, just in different ways.
How often should I inspect my roof for rats?
Twice a year is a good habit, once before winter when rats are looking for warmth, and again in spring. But if you hear noises or spot any signs, don’t wait.
Where do roof rats live during the day?
Roof rats are most active at night, using the dark hours to forage for food. During the day, they hide away in their nests, usually built in high spots like trees, attics, or above drop ceilings. Their quiet, hidden lifestyle often makes them hard to detect during the early stages of an infestation.
What do rats in the roof sound like?
Rats in the loft often make scurrying or scratching noises, especially at night when they’re most active. Their movements can sound heavier and louder than mice. You might also hear loud gnawing sounds as they chew through wood, wires, or insulation. Rats can squeeze into tight spaces, often nesting in loft insulation and inside cavity walls.
