Rodents might be small, but the damage they can cause is anything but. In homes and businesses across Tamworth and regional Australia, rats and mice are some of the most common and frustrating pests.
They chew through wires, destroy insulation, contaminate food, and spread disease—and often, they’re doing it right under your nose.
Whether you’re hearing odd scratching noises in the ceiling or finding chewed food packets, recognising the early signs of a rodent infestation can help you act before the problem gets out of hand.
Here are 8 signs to watch for—plus expert advice on how to deal with the issue effectively.
The most obvious and common sign of rodent activity. Mice droppings are small (around 3–6mm), while rat droppings are longer (up to 18mm) and spindle-shaped. You’ll often find them:
What to do:
Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning. Disinfect the area and avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, as this can release harmful particles. Presence of fresh droppings signals ongoing activity.
Scratching, scuttling, or gnawing sounds—especially at night—often point to rodents nesting in your roof void, wall cavities, or subfloor. Rats are nocturnal, so if you hear movement after dark, it’s worth investigating.
What to do:
Try to pinpoint the source of the noise. Tap walls or ceilings lightly to check for nest locations. A professional inspection may be needed for hidden infestations.
Rodents constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. They’ll chew through:
What to do:
Look for teeth marks on food containers or near pipes. Place tamper-proof bait stations near affected areas or seek professional help if gnaw damage is widespread.
A strong ammonia-like smell (from rodent urine) is a common giveaway—especially in enclosed or rarely used areas. A decaying smell may also indicate a dead rodent behind a wall or under flooring.
What to do:
Ventilate the area and inspect hidden corners. If you suspect a carcass, pest professionals have tools to locate and remove it without damaging your home.
Rats and mice follow the same paths along walls and surfaces. Over time, the oils from their fur leave smudges or dark grease marks.
What to do:
Inspect along baseboards, around holes, or near appliances. Set up motion-activated cameras or non-toxic tracking dust to monitor activity if unsure.
Rodents build nests from shredded materials like insulation, paper, or fabrics. You might find these in:
What to do:
Carefully remove any nests wearing gloves and a mask. Disinfect the area and block access to similar nesting zones. Don’t attempt to remove a nest with active rodents without proper safety.
Pets often detect pests before humans do. If your dog or cat becomes fixated on a certain part of the wall, bark/scratch frequently in one area, or act on edge around certain rooms—it could indicate rodent activity.
What to do:
Don’t ignore their behaviour. Check the area for droppings, smells, or gnaw marks. Place traps or call a pest expert for assessment.
Rodents love a free feed. You might spot tiny holes in packets, rice or pasta spilled onto shelves, or contaminated food in the pantry or garage.
What to do:
Dispose of contaminated food immediately and clean the area thoroughly. Move all food into sealed, hard-plastic or glass containers.
While DIY options like traps and bait can help reduce rodent numbers, they don’t always solve the root problem—especially in roof cavities or wall voids.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for proper rodent control:
Rodents can squeeze through gaps as small as 6mm. Look for holes around:
Seal them with steel mesh, expanding foam, or cement filler.
Rodents won’t stay where there’s nothing to eat. Remove pet food overnight, keep bins sealed, and fix leaky pipes or dripping taps.
Snap traps and bait stations are common solutions. Place them along walls, in dark corners, or where droppings have been found. Always use tamper-proof bait stations if children or pets are around.
If you’re dealing with repeat infestations, or suspect rodents in hard-to-reach areas, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Tamworth Pest Control, we offer safe, humane rodent control using industry-leading methods—tailored to Tamworth homes and conditions. Our licensed techs handle inspection, treatment, and prevention in one hassle-free visit.
Ongoing rodent control is about vigilance. Here are quick prevention tips:
Think You’ve Got Rats or Mice?
Don't wait until the scratching in the walls gets worse. Book a rodent inspection with Tamworth Pest Control today—we’ll find the source and stop it fast.
