Rodent control Melbourne

Rodent control in Melbourne typically costs between $150 and $350 for a standard treatment covering bait station placement, trapping, and an inspection of entry points. Properties with severe infestations, roof cavity proofing, or commercial-grade exclusion work cost more and are quoted after an on-site inspection. Ongoing quarterly monitoring is also available for properties with recurring activity.

Rat droppings are roughly the size of a small olive pip and found in small clusters along walls or behind appliances. Mouse droppings are much smaller, around the size of a grain of rice, and scattered more widely. Rats gnaw larger holes (2.5cm or more) and leave greasy rub marks along regular travel paths. Mice leave smaller gnaw marks and nest closer to food sources. Scratching noises in the roof at night are more often rats, since they're more active after dark and use roof cavities as travel corridors.

Rodents enter through gaps as small as 6mm for mice and 12mm for rats. Common entry points include gaps around roof tiles and eaves, unsealed weep holes in brick veneer, gaps around pipes and cables, broken vents, gaps under doors, and damaged subfloor access points. Mice can squeeze through a gap the width of a pencil. See our full entry point breakdown above for the most common Melbourne-specific access points.

Yes, when installed correctly. We use tamper-resistant, lockable bait stations that are inaccessible to children and pets. Bait is contained inside the station and cannot be removed without a key. We position stations away from play areas and regular pet access, and provide a placement map after treatment.

Most treatments show a significant reduction in activity within 1 to 2 weeks. A single mouse can be eliminated faster, often within several days. An established rat colony with access to a roof cavity or subfloor can take 3 to 4 weeks to fully clear, particularly if entry points aren't yet sealed. Sealing entry points is the single biggest factor in treatment speed.

Sealing known entry points significantly reduces reinfestation risk but can't guarantee it indefinitely, since timber movement, weathering, and new gaps can open over time, particularly around roof tiles and weep holes. We recommend an annual check of seals and bait stations for properties with a history of activity, especially homes near parks, waterways, or established gardens.