How to Protect Your Home from Rats and Mice Year-Round

Have you heard mysterious scratching sounds in your ceiling late at night or found chewed food packaging in the pantry? These are classic signs of a rodent problem, and they’re more common in Perth homes than you might think. Rats and mice are more than just a nuisance—they’re destructive, unsanitary, and surprisingly persistent. If left unchecked, they can cause costly damage and pose health risks to your family.

Unlike colder climates where rodents are mostly a winter issue, Perth’s mild winters and warm summers make it ideal for rats and mice to remain active year-round. They don’t hibernate, and they don’t slow down. Instead, they follow food and shelter, often nesting in roof voids, wall cavities, garages, and garden sheds.

Common rodents in Perth include:

- Black rats (roof rats): Excellent climbers that often nest in ceilings and attics.

- Brown rats (Norway rats): Larger and more aggressive, usually burrowing outdoors or under buildings.

- House mice: Small and adaptable, capable of squeezing through gaps the size of a 10-cent coin.

Rodents typically seek warmth and shelter in homes during winter, then forage for food and water through the warmer months. They’re opportunistic and will exploit any easy access point into your home, from broken vents and roof gaps to pet doors or uncovered drains.

With ample access to food waste, water sources, and cluttered storage, many Perth households unknowingly provide the perfect breeding ground. Unfortunately, a single rat can produce up to 40 offspring a year, meaning infestations can escalate quickly if not addressed early.

Rodents are stealthy by nature, often nesting out of sight and coming out only when it's quiet. That said, they leave plenty of clues behind. The earlier you spot the signs, the sooner you can take action.

Look out for these common indicators:

- Scratching or scurrying noises at night, especially in ceilings, walls, or under floorboards.

- Gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, wiring, or timber structures.

- Rodent droppings – small, dark, pellet-like droppings in cupboards, drawers, or pantries.

- Greasy rub marks along skirting boards or wall corners (caused by their fur brushing against surfaces).

- Chewed electrical wires, which can become a fire hazard.

- Unusual pet behaviour – dogs or cats suddenly fixated on certain areas may be detecting movement or scent.

You may also notice nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation, especially in undisturbed areas like garages, sheds, or lofts. In severe cases, you might even detect a musky odour indicating an established infestation.

Don’t assume that catching one mouse means the problem is solved. Mice and rats are social creatures that rarely live alone. If you’ve seen one, chances are there are more hidden nearby. That’s why calling in professionals like Stewart Pest Control is a smart move.

Rodents are more than just a creepy annoyance—they can pose serious threats to your home, health, and safety.

Here are some of the major risks linked to rodent infestations:

- Fire hazards: Rats often chew through electrical wiring, which can spark fires or damage critical systems.

- Structural damage: Constant gnawing on wood, insulation, and plastic can weaken your home’s infrastructure.

- Food contamination: Rodents will chew through food packaging and leave droppings in pantries and cupboards.

- Health concerns: They can carry and spread diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and more.

- Allergic reactions: Rodent fur, urine, and droppings can trigger allergic symptoms or asthma, especially in children.

In commercial settings, rodents can damage stock, ruin stored materials, and even tarnish a business’s reputation. In residential homes, infestations often remain hidden until the damage is already done.

That’s why rat pest control in Perth isn’t something to delay. The longer you wait, the more damage they can do—and the more difficult and expensive it becomes to resolve.

It's tempting to try and tackle a rodent issue with traps and supermarket bait, but unfortunately, DIY solutions often fall short of fixing the core problem.

Here’s why DIY methods rarely work long-term:

- Poor bait placement: Traps placed in the wrong spots won’t attract rodents, who are cautious by nature.

- Wrong bait type: What works for mice won’t always work for rats. Even different rat species have varying feeding habits.

- Inadequate sealing: If you don't find and seal every potential entry point, rodents will simply return.

- Resistance to common poisons: Some rodent populations have developed resistance to over-the-counter baits.

- Missed nesting sites: Without knowing where the colony is hiding, traps and poison won’t eliminate the source.

You may catch one or two, but the rest will continue breeding and foraging in hidden corners of your property. In some cases, DIY bait can even make the problem worse, spreading toxins in unsafe areas or resulting in rodents dying in inaccessible places and causing odour issues.

When it comes to effective rodent control, professional insight is key. Stewart Pest Control knows where to look, what to use, and how to create a plan that eliminates rodents completely and safely.

At Stewart Pest Control, our approach to rodent removal is based on thorough inspections, tailored treatment plans, and proven methods that prioritise safety and effectiveness.

Our rodent management process includes:

1. Property inspection: We assess the entire property, identifying entry points, nesting areas, and species type.

2. Species identification: Treatment plans vary based on whether you’re dealing with mice, black rats, or brown rats.

3. Baiting and trapping: We use professional-grade baits and traps placed strategically for maximum effectiveness.

4. Exclusion techniques: We advise on and help implement rodent-proofing strategies like sealing holes, fixing vents, and securing rubbish areas.

5. Ongoing monitoring: If required, we conduct follow-up visits and provide maintenance plans to prevent reinfestation.

All our methods are designed to be safe around children, pets, and sensitive environments. We also offer discreet services for commercial properties, including warehouses, food premises, and offices.

Whether you need a rat exterminator for a major infestation or just want peace of mind, our local Perth team has the knowledge and tools to protect your property all year round.

Prevention is always better than cure. Once you’ve eliminated a rodent problem, following a few simple practices can help ensure they don’t come back.

Our top prevention tips:

- Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks, holes, and gaps in walls, roofs, and under doors.

- Install mesh covers: Cover vents, chimneys, and drains with wire mesh to block access.

- Store food securely: Keep food (including pet food) in sealed containers.

- Tidy up outdoor spaces: Trim shrubs, clear debris, and don’t let rubbish pile up near walls.

- Empty bins regularly: Make sure your outdoor bins are sealed and not overflowing.

- Fix leaks: Eliminate standing water and repair dripping taps, as rodents seek water sources.

Homeowners in older Perth suburbs should be especially vigilant, as aging infrastructure often provides easy access for rodents. Scheduling seasonal inspections with Stewart Pest Control is an excellent way to stay ahead of potential infestations.

Worried you might be sharing your home with some unwanted furry tenants? You're not alone. Perth’s climate and housing styles make rodent problems all too common, but they don’t have to become a permanent fixture.

The key to staying rodent-free is fast action, professional support, and smart prevention. DIY efforts may provide temporary relief, but only experienced technicians can deliver lasting results. Whether you need advice, inspection, or full-scale rats pest control, Stewart Pest Control is ready to help.