As Perth’s temperatures dip during winter, rodents start searching for warmth, food, and shelter—and that often leads them straight into homes and businesses. What may begin as a few scratching sounds or some missing crumbs can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation. That’s why understanding winter rodent behaviour and taking early steps toward rat control in Perth is key to keeping your space safe, clean, and rodent-free throughout the colder months.
Why Rodents Are More Active in Winter
During Perth’s colder months, rats and mice leave their outdoor nests in search of warmer environments. Houses, offices, and storage sheds provide everything they need: insulation, leftover food, and dark spaces to nest. Roof spaces, wall cavities, basements, and garages are popular hiding spots.
Rodents are clever and resourceful. They can squeeze through gaps as small as a 20-cent coin and are known to gnaw through timber, plastic, and even electrical wiring to get to food or shelter. Once inside, they reproduce quickly. This makes early detection and prevention particularly important.
Signs of Rodent Activity
Even in the early stages, there are some tell-tale signs of rodents in your property:
- Scratching or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night
- Chewed wires, food packaging, or furniture
- Droppings in pantries, under sinks, or along skirting boards
- Greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards
- A persistent musky odour in certain areas
Recognising these signs early can help prevent a small issue from becoming a large infestation.
Health Risks and Property Damage
Rats and mice aren’t just annoying—they pose real health and safety risks. These pests can contaminate food with their droppings and urine, spreading harmful bacteria and increasing the chances of illnesses like salmonella. On top of that, their constant gnawing can lead to serious damage around your home, such as:
- Chewed electrical wires that pose a fire hazard
- Damaged pipes that lead to leaks
- Weakened timber, affecting the structural integrity of your property
If you notice signs of rodent activity, calling a trusted rat exterminator in Perth is a smart and timely decision to protect both your health and home.
Why DIY Rodent Control Isn’t Enough
Many homeowners attempt to handle rodent issues with over-the-counter traps or baits. While these may work for a single mouse, they often don’t address the root of the problem: how the rodents are getting in and why they’re staying. Without thorough inspections and long-term prevention, rodents will return. That’s where professional expertise becomes essential. A qualified technician knows how to assess risk areas, seal entry points, and apply effective treatments tailored to your property.
Prevention Tips for a Rodent-Free Winter
The best defence against a rodent infestation is prevention. Here are practical steps to make your property less inviting to rats and mice during winter:
1. Seal Entry Points Inspect the outside of your home or building for cracks, holes, or gaps. Pay special attention to vents, roof lines, and around pipes. Use steel wool or metal mesh to fill gaps, as rodents can chew through softer materials like wood or foam.
2. Keep Food Stored Securely Store all pantry goods in sealed containers. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight and clean up food scraps quickly. Rodents have an excellent sense of smell and will be attracted to even small amounts of food.
3. Declutter Storage Areas Boxes, newspapers, and stored goods provide perfect nesting material. Keep areas like sheds, basements, and garages tidy and check regularly for signs of activity.
4. Maintain Your Garden Overgrown shrubs, compost heaps, and wood piles close to your house can give rodents shelter and easy access indoors. Trim vegetation and keep your yard tidy to reduce hiding spots.
5. Check Roof Spaces and Attics These areas often go unnoticed but are prime real estate for rodents looking for a warm place to nest. Regular checks and placing mesh on vents can help deter entry.
Dead Rats? Here’s What to Do
One of the worst parts of dealing with a rodent problem is stumbling upon a dead rat. The smell can be overwhelming, and locating the carcass is often challenging—especially if it’s hidden behind a wall, under the floorboards, or in the roof cavity. That’s where professional dead rat removal in Perth becomes essential. It’s not just about getting rid of the odour; proper removal also involves safe disposal and thorough disinfection to stop harmful bacteria or parasites from spreading through your home.
What to Expect from a Professional Rodent Control Service
When you hire a licensed pest control service, you can expect a structured and comprehensive approach:
- Inspection: A full property assessment to locate entry points and signs of rodent activity
- Treatment Plan: Based on the inspection, a tailored plan using safe and effective baiting or trapping systems
- Prevention Advice: Guidance on securing your home against future infestations
- Follow-up Visits: Monitoring and adjustments to the treatment if necessary
This process helps ensure the problem is not just treated but resolved properly.
Rodent Control for Perth Homes and Businesses
Residential homes aren’t the only ones at risk. Restaurants, warehouses, offices, and retail stores in Perth can also fall victim to rodents seeking shelter during winter. Infestations in commercial spaces can lead to health code violations, reputational damage, and financial loss.
Regular inspections and ongoing pest management are especially important for businesses that handle food, goods, or equipment. Investing in a preventative pest plan during winter can save significant time, stress, and money down the line.
Staying rodent-free in winter requires awareness, proactive maintenance, and sometimes professional help. Acting early means you can enjoy a safer, cleaner home without unwanted guests.
If scratching sounds in the ceiling or unusual smells have you concerned, it might be time to call in the experts. Contact Rats Pest Control Perth on (08) 6275 6560 today for safe, reliable, and local rodent control that works. We’re locals, we know Perth’s problem areas, and we’ve helped hundreds of homes and businesses across Wanneroo, Ellenbrook, Morley, Canning Vale, Joondalup, Midland, Baldivis, Rockingham, Armadale, Mandurah, and Clarkson get back to being rodent-free.