For this Dandenong homeowner, unexplained noises were the first sign that something wasn’t right. Regular scratching and movement in the roof are often a sure sign of rodent or possum activity, but finding out the exact problem needed a methodical investigation.
The Pest Police team went to site and rather than simply putting down bait and hoping for the best, we set about finding exactly what was happening, where the pests were getting in and what was needed to prevent them from returning.
Finding the source of the problem
Our experienced and qualified pest inspectors are trained to carry out a detailed inspection of the home, roof and all accessible roof and subfloor areas.
There was clear evidence of rat activity, including rat droppings in the roof and chewing damage to foam-covered pipes. But the investigation also uncovered possum droppings around the home and on the roofing, along with a possum urine stain in a room inside the property.
This meant we couldn’t simply assume that all the noises were being caused by rats.
Going further to find out what’s getting in
Effective rodent control in Dandenong isn’t just about eliminating the rats currently inside a property. If you don’t investigate how pests are gaining access, there’s a risk the problem will simply return.
Our inspector carefully checked the property for potential entry points, including gaps around the roofline and areas surrounding the ducting and air-conditioning system.
Because there were also signs of possum activity, we installed a monitoring camera on the right-hand side of the home at a suspected entry point. This allowed us to continue investigating activity after the technician had left and gather more information about exactly what was accessing the property. We took the same approach at a Mount Eliza townhouse, where a camera confirmed a possum rather than the rats the owners expected.
It’s this commitment to investigating the cause, rather than simply treating the obvious symptoms, that helps us determine the most appropriate solution.
With rat activity confirmed, we also installed six lockable rodent bait stations in strategic locations. These included stations at the front right-hand corner of the home, two within the subfloor, one near an opening between the ducting system and air-conditioning unit, and two around the outdoor roof cavity entry.
The stations were securely baited and positioned where they would provide the most effective rodent control while the camera continued monitoring the suspected possum access.
Experience matters because it’s about more than putting down bait
This Dandenong case highlights an important part of professional pest control: we want to know why the pests are there and how they’re getting in.
Droppings, chewing damage, staining, roof gaps and other evidence all help build a picture of what’s happening. Sometimes that means taking extra time, returning to the property or using monitoring equipment to get to the bottom of a problem.
The goal isn’t simply to remove today’s pests. It’s to identify the underlying problem and recommend the steps needed to reduce the likelihood of rats, possums or other pests returning.
If you’re hearing unexplained noises in your roof or walls, call Pest Police on 1800 737 876 or email us for a quote on info@pestpolice.com.au for professional rodent control in Dandenong and across Melbourne.
