Rats enter homes for food, water and shelter, nesting in roof spaces, wall voids and subfloors. Effective control combines baiting and trapping to remove the infestation, identifying and sealing entry points to prevent re-entry, and removing food sources. Rodent proofing is essential — without it, new rodents will simply replace the ones removed.
Quick Answer
Rats enter homes for food, water and shelter, nesting in roof spaces, wall voids and subfloors. Effective control combines baiting and trapping to remove the infestation, identifying and sealing entry points to prevent re-entry, and removing food sources. Rodent proofing is essential — without it, new rodents will simply replace the ones removed.
Rats enter for food, water and shelter, especially in cooler months. Gaps in roofs, walls and subfloors provide access.
Yes. Baiting and trapping remove the infestation. Proofing entry points is essential to prevent re-entry.
Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching in the roof at night, nests, or grease marks along runways.
Shop baits can work but do not address entry points. Professional treatment removes the infestation and proofs against re-entry.
Activity drops as baits and traps work. Long-term control depends on proofing entry points and removing food sources.
Inspect to identify species, nests and entry points
Place bait stations and traps in safe locations
Monitor and replenish bait as needed
Advise on proofing and sanitation
Schedule follow-up to confirm control
We provide this service across the Newcastle and Hunter region:
Through gaps in eaves, broken vents, pipes and tree branches touching the roof. Proofing these entry points prevents re-entry.
We place bait in tamper-resistant stations and advise on precautions to protect pets and children.
Activity usually drops within 1–2 weeks. Proofing is then needed to prevent re-entry.
If entry points are not sealed, new rodents can enter. Proofing is essential for long-term control.
Cockroach Control
Cockroaches are nocturnal and hide in cracks, behind appliances and in wall voids. Effective control requires identifying the species (German, American or Australian), treating the harbourages with the correct products, and removing food and water sources. A single treatment reduces activity, but German cockroaches often need follow-up because eggs hatch after the first treatment. Good sanitation and sealing entry points are essential to prevent reinfestation.
Read moreSpider Control
Most spiders are harmless, but webbing and redback spiders can be a concern around homes. Effective spider control treats harbourages and webs, removes egg sacs, and targets areas where spiders shelter. Reducing insects (a spider's food source) and clearing webs helps prevent reinfestation. Treatment reduces activity around the home and is safest when applied to targeted harbourages.
Read moreEnd-of-Lease Pest Control
Many leases require a professional pest control treatment at end of lease, especially where pets have been kept. End-of-lease pest control treats the relevant pests — commonly fleas, cockroaches and spiders — and provides a receipt for the real estate agent. Identifying what the entry report requires ensures the treatment meets the lease condition.
Read moreAnt Control
Ants enter homes for food and water and can nest in wall voids, gardens and under paving. Effective control requires identifying the species, treating the nest and entry points with the correct products, and removing food sources. A targeted treatment reduces activity quickly, but long-term control depends on finding and treating the colony and sealing entry points.
Read moreFree Resources
Explore our expert guides, calculators and tools to learn more and plan your next step.