What's living in your roof?

The apple test

There are a few telltale signs that something is living in your roof. These include:

Structural damage - such as damage to plasterboard, ceiling cavites or weatherboards, chewed wiring and urine stains.
Nests - Rats that have lived in your roof for a while will create a nest. 
Droppings and smell - Droppings or a lingering smell are signs that possums or rats are living in your roof. Rat droppings  are pointier and skinnier than possum droppings.
Noises - Such as scurrying, scampering or thumping sounds, particularly at night. Possums are likely to leave the house at night and return in the early hours of the morning. They are also significantly heavier than rats, so they generally make more of an impact on the ceiling.

If you are unsure whether you are living with a possum or rat, place an apple in the ceiling where you suspect the animal is.

• If it’s completely gone the next morning, you likely have possums.
• If it’s been gnawed at the next morning, you likely have rats.

What should I do?

Set traps for rats
Traditional snap traps are generally the most effective. Electronic traps and life traps for capture and release away from your home are also often used. Poison is not recommended.

Block entryways
Patch holes at night while the possum is out feeding. You can also deter the possum by coating the entrance with disinfectant. This will prevent the possum from identifying the entranceway.

Call an expert
If are unable to remove the animal yourself, call a Pest Control Expert. The will make sure the job is done humanely, and in accordance with the correct laws.

For more information, download our handy booklet at the link below.