What started as a fairly typical rodent problem at this Langwarrin home turned into something bigger than expected.
When our Pest Police inspectors first visited the property, they noticed rodent droppings around the home. We installed rodent bait and, as always, safely secured the bait inside lockable, tamper-proof bait stations.
We returned for a follow-up visit soon after and found that rodents weren’t the only visitors to this property. We also found possum droppings, so now we had a different pest problem to investigate, which required a completely different approach.
Langwarrin is a leafy suburb and this home had large trees and branches growing very close to the property, giving possums an easy bridge straight into the roof.
A step-by-step approach with attention to detail
Our pest control team carried out some minor proofing work, but simply sealing the property wasn’t going to solve the problem while the trees remained, as they continued to provide access and more possums would return.
We recommended that an arborist cut back the large trees and branches surrounding the home. Once this work was completed approximately a month later, Pest Police returned to finish the proofing and begin the possum removal process.
And that’s when we found a whole family of possums – not just one or two, but four!
Over the following three days, our team safely removed all four possums from the home. With the surrounding vegetation cut back and entry points patched, the home was now better protected against more possums making it their home too.
This Langwarrin home is a great example of why correct pest identification and follow-up inspections matter.
What initially appeared to be a rodent problem turned out to involve multiple possums as well. Treating the original signs without investigating further could have left the homeowners with an ongoing problem and stress.
It also demonstrates why pest management sometimes involves more than removing the pest itself. Trees, vegetation, gaps around the building and other access points can all contribute to pest problems and need to be addressed as part of the solution.
If you’re hearing scratching or movement in your roof, don’t assume it’s rats or mice. A professional pest inspection can help identify exactly what’s sharing your home and, most importantly, how it’s getting in. We saw the same thing at this Mount Eliza townhouse, where the owners were certain they had rats.
When it comes to protecting a home from possums, rats and mice, sometimes the most important tool you can bring to the job is experience and persistence. Our accredited inspectors know what to look for and how to remove pests safely. Call us on 1800 737 876 or email us at info@pestpolice.com.au and we’ll be in touch to discuss your concerns about scratching sounds or anything else you might suspect.
