Rodents like rats and mice are more than just pests in Perth homes—they pose serious health risks and can cause costly damage. They spread diseases such as
Hantavirus and Salmonella through their droppings and urine, while their constant gnawing on wires and insulation increases the risk of fires.
Perth’s mild climate allows rodents to thrive, making infestations common. Spotting signs like droppings and scratching noises early is key to controlling the problem.
Preventative measures, including sealing entry points and proper waste management, help keep them away. For severe cases, professional pest control ensures a safe and rodent-free home.
Common Rodent Species in Perth
House Mice (Mus musculus)
House mice are small rodents, 7 to 10 cm long, with light brown or grey fur and a hairless tail. They hide in walls, cupboards, and roof spaces, reproducing rapidly.
Signs of infestation include droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching sounds at night.
Mice spread diseases like Salmonella and contaminate food. Control measures include sealing entry points, storing food properly, and using traps or professional pest control if needed.
Black Rats (Rattus rattus)
Black rats, also called roof rats, are excellent climbers, preferring to nest in roofs, ceilings, and trees. They have sleek black or dark brown fur, a body length of 16 to 24 cm, and a tail longer than their body.
Unlike house mice, they are cautious and harder to trap. They feed on fruits, grains, and seeds but will scavenge when needed.
Black rats spread diseases like Leptospirosis and Salmonella. Common infestation signs include scratching noises, droppings, and gnawed materials.
Controlling them requires a combination of traps, baiting, and professional pest control for severe infestations.
Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Brown rats, also known as Norway rats, are the largest rodent species in Perth. They grow 20 to 28 cm long with brown or grey fur and a shorter tail.
Unlike black rats, they prefer burrowing in basements, gardens, and sewers. They are aggressive feeders, eating almost anything, including rubbish, pet food, and compost.
Their strong teeth allow them to chew through wood and plastic. Brown rats spread diseases like rat-bite fever and hantavirus.
Signs of infestation include burrows, gnawed objects, and large droppings. Controlling them often requires bait stations, traps, and professional pest management.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Droppings and Urine Stains
Rodent droppings and urine stains are clear signs of an infestation.
Droppings are small, dark, and rice-shaped, with mice leaving 3–6 mm droppings, while rats leave larger ones—brown rats produce capsule-shaped droppings, and black rats leave pointed ones.
Urine stains appear as yellowish patches with a strong ammonia smell. Fresh droppings or stains indicate active rodents, requiring prompt action to prevent further infestation.
Gnaw Marks on Furniture and Wiring
Rodents have strong, ever-growing teeth that they must constantly wear down by gnawing on objects.
This leads to noticeable chew marks on furniture, wooden structures, plastic containers, and even electrical wiring.
House mice tend to leave small, fine gnaw marks, while rats create larger, rougher chew marks. Damaged wiring is particularly concerning, as it increases the risk of electrical fires.
If you notice frayed cables or bite marks on wood and plastic, it could be a clear sign of a rodent problem in your home or business.
Scratching Noises in Walls and Ceilings
Hearing scratching, scurrying, or rustling noises, especially at night, is a strong indicator of rodent activity. Mice and rats are nocturnal, meaning they are most active when it’s dark.
These sounds often come from walls, ceilings, attics, and under floors, where rodents nest and move around searching for food.
Black rats are known to inhabit roofs and ceiling spaces, while brown rats prefer basements and underground burrows.
If you consistently hear unusual noises in certain areas, it may be time to inspect for other infestation signs, such as droppings and nesting materials.
Unpleasant Odours
Rodents leave behind a strong, musky odour, particularly in enclosed spaces where they nest. This smell comes from their urine, droppings, and fur oils. The longer an infestation persists, the stronger the odour becomes.
A dead rodent hidden in walls or crawl spaces can also produce a foul, decaying smell that lingers for days or even weeks.
If you detect an unexplained, persistent odour in your home or workplace, it’s worth checking for other signs of a rodent presence.
Nests Made of Shredded Materials
Rodents build nests using soft, shredded materials like paper, fabric, insulation, and plant fibres.
These nests are usually hidden in dark, sheltered places such as behind appliances, inside walls, attics, or under furniture.
Mice tend to create smaller, compact nests, while rats build larger ones in more secluded areas.
If you find small piles of shredded material or notice unusual holes in paper or fabric items, it could indicate nesting activity.
Locating and removing these nests is essential to controlling an infestation before it worsens.
Most Effective Rodent Control Solutions
Prevention Methods
Sealing Entry Points (Gaps, Cracks, Vents)
One of the best ways to prevent a rodent infestation is to block their access to your home or business. This is a key step in effective rodent control.
Mice can squeeze through holes as small as 6 mm, while rats need only a 12 mm gap. Common entry points include cracks in walls, gaps under doors, roof vents, and openings around pipes.
Sealing these gaps with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh can help keep rodents out. Installing door sweeps and covering vents with fine mesh screens also adds extra protection.
Regularly inspecting your property for new gaps is an essential part of ongoing rodent control and can significantly reduce the risk of a rodent infestation.
Proper Waste Management and Food Storage
Rodents are always on the lookout for food, so managing waste and storing food properly is crucial.
Garbage bins should have tight-fitting lids, and food scraps should be disposed of promptly.
Avoid leaving pet food out overnight, as it can attract mice and rats.
In kitchens and pantries, store dry goods like cereals, grains, and pet food in airtight containers.
Cardboard and plastic packaging can be easily chewed through, so switching to metal or glass containers provides better protection. Keeping food areas clean reduces the likelihood of attracting rodents.
Decluttering and Maintaining Cleanliness
Rodents love hiding in cluttered spaces, so keeping your home or business organised helps deter them.
Piles of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and unused furniture create ideal nesting spots.
Regularly decluttering and vacuuming removes potential hiding places and makes it easier to spot early signs of infestation.
In storage areas like garages and sheds, store items in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.
Keep floors, countertops, and cupboards clean, wiping away crumbs and food residue that might attract rodents. A tidy environment makes your property less appealing to pests.
Natural and DIY Rodent Control
Peppermint Oil and Other Deterrents
Many homeowners prefer natural solutions to keep rodents away, and peppermint oil is one of the most popular options.
The strong scent is believed to overwhelm a rodent’s sensitive nose, making the area less appealing.
To use peppermint oil, soak cotton balls in the oil and place them near entry points, cupboards, and other rodent-prone areas.
Other natural deterrents include cloves, cayenne pepper, and ammonia. Some people also use predator scents, such as fox urine granules, to scare rodents away.
While these methods may help in the short term, they are not foolproof and work best when combined with other control measures.
Ultrasonic Rodent Repellents: Are They Effective?
Ultrasonic rodent repellents are electronic devices that emit high-frequency sound waves intended to drive rodents away. The idea is that the sound disrupts their communication and movement, making them uncomfortable.
These devices are often marketed as a non-toxic and humane alternative to traps and poisons, making them a popular choice for pest control Perth residents looking for chemical-free options.
However, research on their effectiveness is mixed. While some homeowners report success, others find that rodents quickly adapt or avoid only specific areas. Factors like furniture, walls, and other obstacles can also block the sound waves, reducing their reach and impact.
For best results, ultrasonic repellents should be used alongside sealing entry points and proper sanitation. When combined with professional pest control Perth services, they can be part of a more comprehensive rodent management plan.
Chemical and Professional Solutions
Rodenticides: Benefits and Risks
Rodenticides are effective for controlling large rodent populations, especially in hidden areas.
Available as pellets, blocks, or liquid baits, they work by disrupting blood clotting or the nervous system, leading to the rodent’s death.
However, they pose risks to pets, wildlife, and children if not used carefully. Poisoned rodents may also die in hard-to-reach places, causing foul odours.
Safe usage and professional guidance help minimise these risks.
Snap Traps vs. Electronic Traps
Snap traps and electronic traps are two of the most commonly used rodent control methods. Snap traps are affordable, easy to set up, and provide an instant kill when triggered.
They work well when placed along walls or near rodent pathways but must be checked and reset frequently.
Electronic traps, on the other hand, use a high-voltage shock to kill rodents instantly. They are often designed with enclosed compartments, reducing mess and odours.
While electronic traps are more expensive than snap traps, they offer a more hygienic and efficient way to deal with rodent problems.
Choosing between the two depends on budget, infestation size, and personal preference.
Professional Pest Control Services in Perth
When rodent infestations become severe, professional pest control services provide the most effective solution.
Experts use advanced tools, stronger rodenticides, and specialised techniques to remove rodents and prevent future infestations.
In Perth, pest control companies combine trapping, baiting, and exclusion methods, with some offering eco-friendly and pet-safe options.
Professional services are especially useful for businesses, rental properties, and homes with recurring issues, ensuring a thorough and lasting solution.
The Role of Professional Pest Control in Perth
Why DIY methods might not be enough
DIY rodent control can work for small issues, but it often fails against larger infestations.
Rodents hide in hard-to-reach areas and quickly adapt to traps and baits. Without professional tools and expertise, DIY methods may only provide temporary relief.
A professional pest control service ensures rodents are removed completely and prevents them from returning.
How professional exterminators handle infestations
Exterminators start with a thorough inspection to locate nests and entry points.
They use targeted methods like traps, baits, and exclusion techniques to eliminate rodents effectively.
In serious cases, fumigation or advanced rodent-proofing may be needed. Follow-up visits help monitor the situation and ensure the infestation doesn’t return.
What to expect from a rodent control service
Rodent control services begin with an inspection, followed by treatments such as traps, baits, or sealing entry points. Some cases may require fumigation or specialised proofing solutions.
Many services offer follow-ups and warranties, ensuring rodents don’t return. This professional approach provides long-term results.
Long-Term Rodent Prevention Strategies
Regular property inspections
Routine inspections help detect rodent problems early. Checking for droppings, gnaw marks, or small holes can prevent a full-blown infestation.
Regularly inspecting attics, basements, and outdoor spaces ensures that any issues are addressed before they worsen.
Setting up permanent rodent-proofing measures
Sealing gaps around doors, vents, and pipes prevents rodents from entering. Using rodent-proof bins and keeping food in sealed containers removes attractants.
Trimming vegetation and keeping outdoor areas clean also reduces nesting spots, making your property less appealing to rodents.
Community-wide pest control efforts in Perth
Rodent control is more effective when entire communities take action.
Encouraging neighbours to seal entry points and practice proper waste management helps reduce rodent populations.
Local councils and pest control services often provide education and support for community-wide prevention.
Conclusion
Rodents pose serious health risks and can cause significant property damage if left unchecked.
Identifying the signs of an infestation early—such as droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching noises—can help prevent a minor issue from turning into a major problem.
Simple proactive measures like sealing entry points, storing food properly, and maintaining cleanliness are key to keeping rodents away.
Acting quickly not only reduces health risks but also saves time and money in the long run.
If you suspect a rodent problem in your home or business, seeking professional pest control in Perth is the most effective way to ensure complete and lasting removal.
