"Scratching in the roof at night"
Roof rats, the most common rat in Melbourne homes. They climb trees, fences and cables, get in under tiles and eaves, and nest in the insulation.
Foreshore rats in Highett? Same day service
Rat & Mouse Control Highett, Melbourne
Rats from the bay foreshore and shopping strips moving into the roof as the nights cool. A local technician can be in Highett in 60 minutes* to bait, trap and proof the house.
Bay foreshore and shopping strip rodents stopped at the roof line.
- 24/7 Emergency Service
- Same-Day Booking Availability
- Upfront Pricing, No Hidden Costs
- Entry points found and sealed
Get a Rodent Control Quote
Tell us what you have seen or heard, and where.
60 min*
onsite for urgent rodent jobs
Apr–Aug
Melbourne's peak rodent season
288
Melbourne suburbs covered
24/7
phones answered
Rats or Mice in the House Right Now? Do This First
Rats live along the bay foreshore and around the shopping strips of Inner South Melbourne, and in Highett they move into homes as the nights turn cold. A few steps tonight help.
Flickering lights or a burning smell?
Rodents chew electrical cables. If lights flicker, a safety switch keeps tripping or you smell burning, turn the circuit off and call an electrician. If there is smoke or fire, call 000.
- 1
Put food away in sealed containers
Pantry food, pet food, bird seed and fruit bowls. Wipe the benches and empty the bin tonight.
- 2
Do not touch droppings with bare hands
Wear gloves, spray them with disinfectant, then wipe up. Sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings puts dust in the air.
- 3
Go easy on supermarket baits
Loose baits put pets, children and native wildlife at risk, and poisoned rodents often die inside walls where they smell for weeks.
- 4
Note where you see or hear them
Time of night, which room, any droppings or gnaw marks. It tells us where the runs and the nest are.
- 5
Call us on 07 3544 9883
A female mouse can have a litter every few weeks. The earlier the treatment, the smaller and cheaper the job.
Our Rat and Mouse Control Services in Highett
Whatever the rodent and wherever it is hiding, our technicians specialise in clearing it out and keeping it out, with an upfront price before work starts.
Rat RemovalRoof rats and Norway rats in homes and yards
Mouse ControlKitchens, pantries, wall voids and garages
Roof & Wall Void TreatmentBaits and traps placed where rodents nest
Rodent ProofingGaps around pipes, vents and eaves sealed
Lockable Bait StationsTamper-resistant, placed away from kids and pets
Trapping ProgramsFor kitchens, food businesses and homes that prefer no baits
Droppings Clean-up & SanitisingNests, droppings and soiled insulation cleared
Commercial Rodent ControlRestaurants, warehouses, shops and strata
Emergency Rodent Control24/7 for rats inside homes and food premises
Sound Familiar? Common Melbourne Rodent Problems
What you notice, and where, tells us whether it is rats or mice and how they are getting in. Find yours below.
"Droppings in the pantry and chewed packets"
House mice. Droppings the size of a rice grain along shelves and skirting boards mean mice are feeding in the kitchen, usually every night.
"Gnawing inside the wall"
Rodents have to gnaw to keep their teeth short. In a wall cavity that means timber, plaster, pipes and electrical cable.
"Burrows beside the shed or compost bin"
Norway rats live at ground level and dig. Holes near compost, chicken coops, woodpiles and drains point to a colony outside that is feeding near the house.
"Something chewed the wiring in my car"
Rats nest in warm engine bays in garages and carports. Chewed looms and hoses are expensive, and the nest is usually close by.
"A terrible smell after putting out bait"
A poisoned rat has died in a wall or roof. See dead animal removal to have it found and the area deodorised.
Is It a Rat or a Mouse?
Rats and mice behave differently, so the baits, traps and proofing are different too. Here is how to tell what you have without seeing one.
| Rat | Mouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Body 16 to 25 cm, plus a long tail | Body 6 to 9 cm, small enough to sit in a palm |
| Droppings | 1 to 2 cm long, like an olive pit | 3 to 6 mm, like a dark grain of rice |
| Where they live | Roofs and wall cavities (roof rat), burrows and subfloors (Norway rat) | Kitchens, pantries, cupboards and garages |
| Gap they need | About the width of a thumb | About the width of a pencil |
| Behaviour | Wary of new objects, so traps take patience | Curious, investigates new things quickly |
| Peak in Melbourne | Autumn and winter, Apr to Aug | Autumn and winter, and after building work nearby |
Heavy thumping rather than scurrying? It may be a possum. See our possum removal service in Melbourne. Not sure? Send us a photo of the droppings and we will tell you.
Why Inner South Melbourne Has a Rat and Mouse Problem
Rats live along the bay foreshore and around shopping strips across Inner South Melbourne, and move into homes as the nights turn cold.
Cold nights send them indoors
Melbourne nights cool quickly from April. Rats and mice that spent summer in gardens, creek banks and drains move into roofs, wall cavities and subfloors for warmth, and they stay to breed.
Construction moves colonies
Demolition, new estates and major road and rail projects dig up established burrows. Rodents displaced from a building site move into the nearest homes, which is why streets beside a knock-down rebuild often get rats at the same time.
Food is everywhere
Laneway restaurants, markets, backyard chooks, compost bins and fruit trees give rodents a steady food supply, from the CBD and inner suburbs like Richmond and Footscray to the growing estates in the west and north.
Rodent control demand in Melbourne by month
JanLow
FebLow
MarMedium
AprHigh
MayHigh
JunPeak
JulPeak
AugHigh
SepMedium
OctMedium
NovLow
DecLow
Calls rise sharply once the nights cool in April and peak in June and July. Rodents that settle in over winter keep breeding into spring unless they are treated.
Why Rats and Mice Should Not Be Left
A rodent problem does not stay small, and it does more than keep you awake. Here is what happens next.
Health hazards
Rodents spread bacteria such as salmonella and leptospirosis through droppings and urine. They contaminate far more food than they eat, and they carry fleas and mites.
Fire risk from chewed wiring
Rats and mice gnaw the insulation off electrical cables in roofs and walls. Exposed wiring in a dry roof space is a known cause of house fires.
Fast breeding
A female mouse can have five to ten litters a year. A few rodents in autumn can be a large colony by spring.
Damage you cannot see
Flattened insulation, gnawed pipes and ducting, and stains on ceilings. Droppings left in a roof also draw cockroaches and other pests.
How Our Rat and Mouse Control Works
The goal is simple: rodents gone, entry points closed, droppings cleaned up. Our technicians explain each step and the price before they start.
Baiting the right way
Rodent baits can harm pets, owls and other wildlife if they are put in the wrong place. We place baits in locked, tamper-resistant stations or secure them inside roof voids, use traps where bait is not suitable, and tell you exactly where everything is.
- 1
Call and describe the signs
Noises, droppings, gnaw marks or sightings, and which part of the property.
- 2
Same day inspection
A technician checks the roof void, subfloor, kitchen and outside walls to identify the species, the runs and the entry points.
- 3
Upfront price
You get the price for treatment and proofing before anything starts. No hidden charges.
- 4
Baiting and trapping
Locked bait stations and traps are set along the runs, in the roof and around the outside of the building.
- 5
Proofing and follow-up
Gaps are sealed with mesh, metal and sealant, and we check the stations again until activity stops.
How Much Does Rat and Mouse Control Cost in Highett?
The price depends on the size of the property and how established the rodents are. A few mice in a unit kitchen is the quickest job. Rats nesting through the roof and walls of a large house, with several entry points to seal, takes the most work. These are the things that set the price:
Rats or mice. Rats need heavier stations, more proofing and more follow-up.
Size and type of property. Unit, house, double storey or commercial premises.
Entry points to seal. One gap under a door, or several around the roof line.
Follow-up visits. A one-off treatment, or a program with return checks.
You get an upfront price with no hidden charges after the technician has seen the job. Call 07 3544 9883 or send a photo with your enquiry for a faster estimate.
Why Highett Chooses Freshify for Rat and Mouse Control
Rodent jobs are about finding the way in. We clear what is inside, then make sure the next lot cannot follow.
Onsite in 60 minutes*
Technicians spread across Melbourne, so a rat in the kitchen is dealt with today, not next week.
Rodent control experts
Our technicians bring years of experience with roof rats, Norway rats and house mice in Melbourne homes and businesses.
Proofing, not just bait
Baiting alone invites the next colony in. Sealing the entry points is what ends the problem.
Upfront pricing
The price is agreed before work starts, including any access work. No hidden costs at the end.
24/7 emergency service
Rats in a bedroom or a commercial kitchen are treated as urgent, any hour.
Planned around kids and pets
Locked stations, considered placement and a clear list of where every bait and trap is.
*Onsite in 60 minutes applies to urgent jobs and depends on technician availability and location.
Why Households Trust Us With a Rodent Job
Letting someone into your roof and kitchen takes trust. Here is what you can count on from the moment you call.
You know who is coming. The technician's name and arrival window are sent to you before they leave.
You see what we find. Photos of droppings, nests, gnaw marks and entry points on the day.
You know where every bait is. A simple record of each station and trap, and what is in it.
You can call us back. If activity continues after the job, call the same number and we return.
Rodent Control Near You in Highett
Our technicians cover Highett 3190 and the rest of Inner South Melbourne, including Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Balaclava and Beaumaris, with same day service and upfront pricing.
Suburbs near Highett
Rodent Control Highett FAQs
How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Look at the droppings. Mouse droppings are 3 to 6 mm long, like a dark grain of rice. Rat droppings are 1 to 2 cm. Rats are also louder in the roof, while mice are more often found in kitchens and pantries.
How much does rat and mouse control cost in Highett?
It depends on whether it is rats or mice, the size of the property, the number of entry points and whether follow-up visits are needed. A technician inspects first and gives you an upfront price before any work starts, with no hidden costs.
Why do I have rats in my roof in winter?
Melbourne's cold, wet winter nights push rats and mice into roofs and wall cavities looking for warmth. They get in through small gaps around pipes, vents and roof tiles. Baiting removes the ones inside; sealing those gaps stops the next lot.
Is rodent bait safe for pets and children?
We use locked, tamper-resistant bait stations and place baits in roof voids and other spots children and pets cannot reach. Where bait is not suitable, we use traps instead. Your technician shows you where everything has been placed.
How long does it take to get rid of rats or mice?
Most activity drops within one to two weeks of treatment. Rats are cautious and can take longer to accept a new bait or trap. A follow-up visit confirms activity has stopped before the entry points are finally sealed.
Will the rats die in my walls and smell?
It can happen with any baiting, which is why we place stations to draw rodents away from living areas and use traps where the risk is high. If a rodent does die in a cavity, we can locate and remove it and deodorise the area.
How are rats getting into my house?
Roof rats climb trees, fences, pipes and cables, then get in under lifted tiles, through gaps in eaves and around plumbing. Norway rats come in at ground level through subfloor vents, gaps under doors and broken drains. Mice need a gap only about the width of a pencil.
Can I just use traps or bait from the supermarket?
For one or two mice, traps can work. For rats, or anything in the roof or walls, DIY usually removes a few animals and leaves the nest and the entry points, so the problem returns. Loose baits are also a risk to pets and wildlife.
Can I get same day rodent control in Highett?
Yes. We offer same day service across 288 Melbourne suburbs, and for urgent jobs a technician can often be onsite in 60 minutes. Our phones are answered 24/7.
Do you treat restaurants and other businesses?
Yes. We run rodent programs for restaurants, cafes, warehouses, shops and strata buildings across Melbourne, with visits outside trading hours and a record of each service.
Related Pest Control Services in Highett
Two Rats in Autumn Is a Colony by Spring
Rodents do not leave on their own once they have food, warmth and a nest. Every week they stay means more droppings, more gnawed wiring and more of them.
Proven results, upfront pricing and a dedicated professional at your door, often the same day.
Other services
Other Pest Services We Offer in Highett
Choose a service to see how it works and what affects the price.
Termite InspectionA full check of the house, subfloor, roof void and garden for termite activity, with a written report and clear next steps.
Possum RemovalHumane removal of possums from roofs and wall cavities, followed by proofing so they cannot move back in.
Cockroach ControlGel baiting and targeted spraying for German and large cockroaches in kitchens, bathrooms, roof voids and drains.
Ant ControlBaiting and barrier treatments that reach the nest, for ants in kitchens, wall cavities, paving and lawns.
Spider ControlTreatment of webs, eaves, fences, subfloors and garden edges to bring spider numbers down around the home.
Wasp RemovalTreatment and removal of wasp nests from eaves, wall cavities, roof voids, trees and the ground.
Bee RemovalRemoval of bee swarms and established hives from walls, roofs, chimneys, trees and compost bins.
Dead Animal RemovalLocating and removing dead rats, possums and other animals from roofs, walls and subfloors, then deodorising the area.
Bed Bug TreatmentInspection and treatment of beds, bed frames, couches and skirting boards to clear bed bugs and their eggs.
Flea TreatmentInside and outside flea treatment for carpets, pet bedding areas, yards and subfloors, with a follow-up when needed.
Bird ControlBird proofing with spikes, netting and mesh to keep pigeons, mynas and starlings off roofs, balconies, solar panels and signs.
End of Lease Pest ControlInside and outside pest and flea treatment when you move out, with a written record for your agent or landlord.