Scratching in the ceiling at night? Roof rats love Melbourne homes. Here is why they get into your roof void, the risks, and how to get them out for good.
That Scratching in the Ceiling
If you hear scurrying or scratching above the ceiling after dark, you almost certainly have roof rats. They are agile climbers that nest in the warm, undisturbed roof voids of Melbourne homes - especially older weatherboard and brick houses with overhanging trees and gaps in the eaves.
Why They Choose Your Roof
The roof void offers everything a rat wants: warmth, shelter from predators, and easy access to the kitchen below. As autumn and winter set in, rats move indoors and the roof becomes prime real estate. Tree branches touching the roofline act as a highway straight in.
The Risks of Ignoring Them
- Chewed wiring - a genuine house-fire risk
- Damaged insulation and ceilings, plus stains and odour
- Disease - rats spread salmonella and leptospirosis
- Rapid breeding - a small problem becomes an infestation in weeks
How We Get Rats Out of the Roof
Baiting alone is not enough. We inspect the roof void and exterior, trap and remove active rodents, and - most importantly - seal every entry point, from roof gaps and broken tiles to weep holes and pipe penetrations. Without exclusion, new rats simply move back in.
Keep Them Out
- Trim branches back from the roofline
- Seal gaps in eaves, gable vents, and roof junctions
- Store food in airtight containers and keep bins sealed
- Book an inspection at the first sign of scratching
Hearing noises in the roof? Pest Eraze provides rat control with full entry-point sealing across Melbourne. Call 0416 528 547.
Cost of Roof Rat Removal in Melbourne
Professional rat control for a roof void infestation typically starts from around $249, covering inspection, baiting or trapping of active rodents, and sealing entry points in the roofline. Homes with overhanging trees or older weatherboard construction sometimes need extra sealing work, which a technician will quote after inspecting the roof void and exterior.
Signs the Infestation Has Spread Beyond the Roof
If scratching noises have moved from the ceiling into wall cavities, or droppings are appearing in kitchen cupboards, rats have likely expanded beyond the roof void into the walls and living areas. This calls for a more thorough inspection covering the subfloor and interior, rather than treating the roof alone, since rats travel between these spaces easily inside a typical Melbourne home.
