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How to Tell If You Have Rats or Mice in Your Home

Written by nicole@mediaco.com.au on . Posted in Pest Control.

A few months ago, I started hearing strange noises at night.  At first, I just ignored it, thinking it was just a house creaking or maybe a wind blowing outside. However, in one evening, while my kids and I enjoyed watching a movie, I saw a flash of movement in the corner of my eye. I thought it was just our cat running around, but then it kept moving around, and I saw a grey mouse across the kitchen. It looks like it’s sniffing at something.

Of course, I was startled.  As someone who keeps cleaning the house and takes pride in having an organised home, what I saw made my skin crawl. I never thought that I would deal with a rodent soon. So, I immediately went into a “research mode”, searching online for pest control near me and reading every article I could find about rodent control in Sydney.  And I just found out there are different types of rodents that can easily settle in our homes and how common rodent infestations actually are here in Australia, especially during cooler months.

After learning how dangerous rodents can be, there’s no way I’m letting them stay in my home. I’d never risk my children’s health like that.

The Warning Signs I Noticed at Home

I heard scratching sounds.

That strange noise I heard months ago wasn’t a house creaking or a wind blowing. It came from rodents, and they are more active when the house is quiet. If you ever hear those noises after dark, don’t ignore them.  Once you hear those feet running around, it’s not just one or two, probably more. It’s better to call a professional rodent removal service early before the problem gets worse.

Spotted dropping their tracks.

Not long after the noises began, I started noticing small, dark droppings under the sink and behind the pantry door. That’s when I realised I wasn’t dealing with just one mouse, there was an entire family.  Seeing fresh droppings or greasy smudge marks along the walls is a clear indicator that you have unwelcome visitors.

Notice some chewed food and wires.

One thing I noticed about rodents is that they love to gnaw on things. I found gnaw marks on my cereal box and even noticed small bite marks on the back of my toaster cord.  That is where I was afraid the most, rodents can cause short circuits or even fires. The reason why I rely on a trusted rodent extermination expert in Sydney to completely eliminate them instead of trying DIY traps myself.

Overpowering smells that don’t go away.

A musty, unpleasant odour started lingering in my kitchen. No amount of cleaning made it disappear. As I later learned, rodents mark their territory with urine, and if one dies inside the walls, the smell can be unbearable. And I found a professional rodent control provider that has the tools to locate and remove carcasses safely, saving you from both the stench and the health risks.

Finding the nests.

What frustrates me the most is I keep getting the signs, and so I made sure I checked all corners of my house. I found a nest behind the washing machine made of shredded tissue and bits of cardboard.  The rodent Sydney experts I called explained that rats and mice can reproduce every few weeks. That means what starts as one or two rodents can quickly turn into dozens.

Why I Trust Professional Rodent Removal

At first, I tried every home remedy you can imagine. I tried looking up every DIY trick to keep them out, but rodents are stubborn little creatures. I found out they can even get used to peppermint oil, traps, and those ultrasonic gadgets!

That was when I realised that while DIY methods might control small infestations, they don’t solve the root problem. When I finally booked a pest control near me, the difference was immediate. A week after, the noises were gone, and I could finally sleep peacefully again.

Why I Recommend Professional Rodent Control

From roof rats to Norway rats and even house mice, all types of rodents share one goal, and that is to sneak into your home, create a mess, and threaten your family’s health.
That’s why I chose a local and professional rodent removal service.  They know Sydney’s climate and rodents common entry points.  I also trust their safe, environmentally friendly treatments that keep my children and pets safe. It’s a small investment yet for my long-term peace of mind.

How I Get A Rodent-Free Home

After the treatment, I started noticing how much calmer my home felt. No scratching, no smells, and no panic every time I heard a noise at night. The one I contacted to deal with my rodent problem gave me prevention tips so I and my children can keep living without worry, like sealing all food, trimming overhanging trees, and checking the roof void regularly.  So, whether you own a home or run a business, call the reliable and trusted pest control near you before things get out of hand.

Visit Sydney Pest Crew to learn more about their rodent control, removal, and extermination services across Sydney.

How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches at Home

Written by nicole@mediaco.com.au on . Posted in Pest Control.

In many Sydney homes, it’s still a surprise to see German cockroaches darting around the kitchen bench at night, even if your home is very well-cleaned.  They are known for being unwanted, fast-moving and nocturnal pests who love to eat leftover crumbs as well as thrive in moisture. Once they settle, they’ll multiply.
If you’re a homeowner who experiences a German cockroach infestation, acting right now is essential. While professional pest control Sydney services offer the best long-term solution, here are a few smart steps on how to get rid of German cockroaches coming back at home.

1. Cleanliness is the key.

They thrive in cluttered and damp spaces. Regularly wipe kitchen benches, clean under appliances, and store food in airtight containers. Don’t skip their main survival needs, such as fixing leaky taps and wiping away standing water.

2. Use the right treatment.

Sprays might kill the ones you see, but it rarely touch the infestation. For long-term German cockroach control, use gel bait and traps that target the breeding sites of these pests. However, in case of severe infestation, engaging a trusted pest control near you specialist is the best choice to make sure everything is completely eliminated.

3. Close all cracks and entry points.

They are tiny and can slip through smallest gaps. Sealing all cracks around the skirting boards, cupboard corners, and wall openings helps to prevent them from entering and stop the existing ones from spreading.

4. Call professional pest control Sydney experts.

If you’re seeing roaches during the day, it’s a sign of a large infestation. DIY solutions may not reach their hidden nesting areas.  But a pest control Sydney expert can undo them once and for all using advanced treatments that safely target the eggs and colonies. When you rely on a trusted pest control near you services, you can keep your home stays cockroach-free for longer.

If you need reliable pest control near you that offers safe, effective, and long-lasting solutions to keep your home clean and pest-free, visit Sydney Pest Crew and learn more.

Top 5 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your Sydney Home

Written by nicole@mediaco.com.au on . Posted in Pest Control.

Top 5 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your Sydney Home

Living in Sydney’s diverse climate offers many benefits, but it also attracts a wide variety of pests, from cockroaches and termites to rodents and spiders. These pests not only cause damage to your home but can also pose health risks to your family. Identifying a pest infestation early is essential for preventing extensive damage and keeping your home safe. In this guide, we’ll explore the top five signs that you may have a pest infestation in your Sydney home and what to do about it.

1. Unusual Droppings or Smell

One of the most common signs of a pest infestation is the presence of droppings or strange odors around your home. Different pests leave behind distinct types of droppings, and the smell can vary depending on the species infesting your house.

Rodent Droppings:

  • Rodents such as rats and mice leave small, dark, pellet-like droppings in areas where they nest or travel, like kitchen cabinets, under sinks, or along walls.
  • Rodents also have a distinctive musky smell that worsens as their numbers increase.

Insect Droppings:

  • Cockroaches leave behind dark, coffee-ground-like droppings or tiny black specks, often found in areas where food is present, such as pantries, cupboards, and behind appliances.
  • Termite droppings (known as frass) are small, wood-colored pellets, typically found near wooden structures like floors, door frames, and wooden beams.

What to Do: If you notice droppings or smell something unusual, it’s important to investigate further. Clean the affected areas and contact a pest control professional to assess the situation and determine the type of infestation.

2. Damage to Furniture, Walls, or Structures

Another strong indicator of a pest infestation is visible damage to your home’s furniture, walls, or structural components. Some pests, like termites and rodents, are notorious for causing extensive damage that can be costly to repair if not addressed promptly.

Termite Damage:

  • Termites are one of Sydney’s most destructive pests. They eat through wood, leaving behind hollowed-out wooden structures, often undetected until severe damage is done.
  • Termite-infested wood may sound hollow when tapped, and you may notice cracks or warped areas around doors and windows.

Rodent Damage:

  • Rodents gnaw on a wide variety of materials, including wood, insulation, wires, and plastic. Chewed electrical wiring can be especially dangerous, as it increases the risk of fires.
  • Look for gnaw marks on furniture, cabinets, and walls, as well as shredded paper, fabric, or other materials they use for nesting.

What to Do: If you spot any damage, it’s crucial to contact a pest control service immediately. Termite damage can weaken the structural integrity of your home, while rodent damage to wiring can lead to fires.

3. Strange Noises, Especially at Night

Many pests are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. If you start hearing strange noises when your home is quiet, especially at night, it could be a sign of a pest infestation.

Rodent Noises:

  • Rats and mice are known for scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds, which are often heard in walls, ceilings, or attics. They make these noises as they move around in search of food or build nests.

Insect Noises:

  • Some insects, like termites and cockroaches, can also make faint rustling or tapping sounds within walls or wooden furniture as they burrow and move around.

What to Do: If you’re hearing unexplained noises at night, inspect your home for other signs of pests. Professional pest control services can use specialized equipment to locate pests hidden in your walls or ceilings.

4. Nests, Webs, or Hives

Finding nests, webs, or hives in or around your home is a clear sign that pests have made themselves comfortable and could be breeding.

Rodent Nests:

  • Rodents build nests out of materials like shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or leaves. These nests are often found in hidden areas such as behind appliances, inside walls, or in attics and basements.

Insect Webs and Nests:

  • Spiders spin webs, which may indicate an increased presence of insects in your home, as they serve as the spider’s food source.
  • Wasps, bees, and other stinging insects may build hives or nests in attics, garages, or under eaves and awnings. These nests can pose serious risks to your safety.

What to Do: If you discover nests, webs, or hives, it’s essential to avoid disturbing them. Many pests, particularly rodents and stinging insects, can become aggressive if their nests are threatened. Contact a pest control professional to safely remove nests and treat the infestation.

5. Sighting of Live Pests or Dead Insects

While seeing one or two pests around your home might seem harmless, frequent sightings of live pests, or even finding dead insects, is a sign of a larger problem.

Rodent Sightings:

  • Seeing a rat or mouse during the day is a strong indicator of an infestation, as these pests are usually active at night. An increase in rodent sightings may mean that their population is growing and they are struggling to find food.

Insect Infestations:

  • Regular sightings of cockroaches, ants, or spiders inside your home are a red flag. Pay particular attention to areas where pests are likely to enter or hide, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
  • Dead insects in window sills or near light sources can also indicate that pests are living in your home and are getting trapped inside.

What to Do: If you are frequently seeing live pests or dead insects, it’s time to act. Call a pest control professional to inspect your home, identify the species involved, and apply appropriate treatments.

Conclusion

Pest infestations can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. By recognizing the signs of a pest problem early—such as droppings, damage to structures, strange noises, nests, or live pest sightings—you can take swift action to prevent the infestation from worsening. If you suspect you have a pest infestation in your Sydney home, it’s always best to contact a professional pest control service for a thorough inspection and effective treatment. Regular inspections and proactive measures will help keep your home pest-free and safe.