Rats in the roof? Here's what to do
Scratching in the ceiling at night usually means rodents have moved in. Here's how to handle it properly.
Get a Free Pest Control QuoteWhy rodents head for the roof
As Sydney cools through autumn and winter, rats and mice look for warm, sheltered nesting spots — and roof voids, wall cavities and subfloors are ideal. They only need a surprisingly small gap to get in, and once inside they breed quickly and gnaw on timber, insulation and, more seriously, electrical wiring.
The signs
- Scratching or scurrying noises in the ceiling, especially at night.
- Droppings in the roof void, cupboards or along skirting.
- Gnaw marks on packaging, timber or cabling.
- A musky smell in enclosed spaces.
- Smudge marks along the runs they use repeatedly.
Dealing with them safely
Rodent control is as much about exclusion as it is about baiting. Well-placed, tamper-resistant stations bring the numbers down, but the lasting fix is finding and sealing the entry points they're using — around eaves, pipes, vents and gaps in the roofline. DIY baits left loose in a roof can be risky around pets and can leave you with an odour problem if a rodent dies in an inaccessible spot, so placement and follow-up matter.
Frequently asked questions
Will they just go away on their own?
Rarely. A roof void offers shelter, warmth and safety, so an established rodent population tends to grow rather than move on, particularly over the cooler months.
Is rodent bait safe around pets?
It needs to be used carefully. A professional uses tamper-resistant stations placed out of reach and advises you on keeping pets clear — which is safer than loose baits.