I've worked in pest control for 12 years and I'm fully licensed and insured (QBCC 15076438). This is a separate service from general pest control, and I provide rodent control in Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich.
Signs you have rats or mice
Rodents spend most of their time hidden in roof spaces, wall cavities and the back of cupboards, so you usually notice the signs first:
- Scratching or scurrying in the ceiling or walls, especially at night
- Droppings in cupboards, along skirting boards or in the roof void
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, timber, plastic or cables
- Greasy rub marks along walls and beams where they travel
- Shredded paper, fabric or insulation used for nests
- A strong, musty smell in enclosed spaces
Rat droppings are about 1 to 2 centimetres long. Mouse droppings are much smaller, like grains of rice.
Why you should not ignore rodents
Seeing one rat or mouse usually means there are more. Rodents breed quickly when there's food, water and shelter, and most homes offer all three.
Their droppings, urine and nesting material can contaminate food and benches. They nest in roof and wall insulation, gnaw through plasterboard and chew stored belongings.
The one that worries me most is wiring. Rodents chew electrical cables, which can create a fire or electrical hazard in your roof space.
How my rodent service works
I want to know why the rats are there, as well as getting rid of the ones you can hear. On the first visit, I look for:
- Where rodents are getting into the property
- Signs of nesting and feeding
- The paths they're using to travel
- Food and water sources they're relying on
- Conditions that encourage them to stay, such as clutter, overgrown gardens or open compost
Then I recommend the right control methods. That's usually lockable, tamper-resistant bait stations in roof voids, sub-floors and along runways outside, with traps where baiting doesn't suit. I follow Queensland Government guidelines and product labels, and I come back to check bait take and confirm activity has dropped.
Mouse control in Brisbane homes
Mice behave a little differently from rats. They travel shorter distances, nest close to food and often live inside wall cavities, kitchen kickboards and appliances. Mouse control in Brisbane homes means placing stations and traps closer together, right where the activity is. Good mice control also relies on sealed food storage in the pantry.
- QBCC licence 15076438
- Termatrac iTracker
- 12-month internal warranty
- 12 years licensed
Finding entry points
Rodent removal only lasts if you deal with how they're getting in. Mice can squeeze through a gap about the width of a pencil, around 6 millimetres, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rats need a little more room, about 12 millimetres or half an inch, according to Mississippi State University Extension.
Rats are also strong climbers. They'll run along fences, power lines and tree branches that touch the roof, then get in through gaps under roof tiles, at the fascia or around solar panel brackets. At ground level, common entry points include:
- Gaps around pipes and cables where they enter walls
- Gaps under doors, especially garage and laundry doors
- Holes in eaves and gaps where the roof meets the wall
I'll show you the entry points I find and explain how to seal them. Steel wool, metal mesh and cement work well. Expanding foam on its own gets chewed through.
Rats in the roof and ceiling
Rats in ceiling spaces are often worse in the cooler months, when they move inside for warmth. Roof rats, also called black rats, are the usual culprits because they're agile climbers that prefer to nest up high.
Treating rats in roof voids means getting up there, finding their runways and nests, and placing bait stations along them. I check the insulation and wiring while I'm up there. Trimming branches that overhang the roof and clearing palm fronds takes away one of their main access routes.
My guide to rats in the roof covers the sounds to listen for and what you can check yourself.
How to kill rats safely at home
People often ask how to kill rats themselves. Snap traps set along walls work for small problems. Be careful with loose shop-bought bait, which pets and wildlife can eat. If DIY hasn't worked in a couple of weeks, call a professional.
Commercial rodent control
Rodents in a food business mean contaminated stock and trouble with health inspections. I provide rodent control for commercial kitchens, body corporate complexes and other businesses. See my commercial pest control page for ongoing service options.
What affects the cost of rodent control
I don't publish set prices, because rodent jobs vary a lot. These factors decide the price:
- Rats or mice, and how established the activity is
- The size of the home and roof void
- How many bait stations are needed, inside and out
- How many follow-up visits it takes
- Whether it's a house, unit complex or commercial premises
My pest control cost guide explains how pricing works across all my services. I'll give you a fixed quote before I start.
Google reviews
See what Logan and Brisbane customers say about Jon.
Robyn
2 years ago
Had the pleasure of meeting Jon today. Very professional, affordable and an amazing service. I would 100% recommend to anyone who needs pest management
Lily Petersen
4 years ago
Jon was professional and prompt with his service and very easy to deal with .He is very honest and very efficient .Nothing is too big a problem and he also is very obliging. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jon and his business and will continue to use him and his services when required.
Rebekah Kelly
4 years ago
We recently had Jon out to do a termite inspection and pest control. The cost was slightly more than we have paid for others but after having him out we think it was well worth it. We were impressed with his services and booked him to do a termite protection barrier. He was on time for both services and we found him to be both friendly and professional. We had a small problem with a pipe after the termite protection but Jon was out within half an hour and sorted the whole issue out for us. Would highly recommend using Deadset and we will be using them again.
Rodent questions
How long does it take to get rid of rats?
Most homes see a clear drop in activity within one to two weeks of baiting, but it depends on how many rats there are and how much other food they can find. Follow-up checks help confirm they're gone.
Will rats die in my roof and cause a smell?
It can happen with any baiting program. I place stations where rats feed and travel, and sealing entry points helps. If you notice a smell, let me know and I can help find the source.
Is rodent bait safe around kids and pets?
I use lockable, tamper-resistant bait stations placed out of reach, and follow product labels and Queensland Government guidelines.
Do you offer rat control in Logan and Ipswich?
Yes. I provide rat control in Logan, rat control in Ipswich, and cover Brisbane's southside, Redland Bay and nearby suburbs, all from my base in Logan.
Why do I have rats if my house is clean?
Rats come for food, water and shelter, and a clean kitchen doesn't remove all three. Fruit trees, pet food, chicken coops, compost and bird seed are common attractions, and a warm roof void is shelter enough.
Should I seal entry points before or after baiting?
Usually after the first round of baiting has knocked activity down. Sealing every gap while rats are still inside can trap them in the roof. I'll tell you when it's the right time to close things up.
What noises do rats make in the ceiling?
Scratching, scurrying and gnawing, mostly at night. Rats sound heavier than mice.
Do I need to be home for the treatment?
I'll need access to the roof void and any outbuildings. If you can't be there, I can arrange access through a property manager or a key.
Book rat control in Brisbane or Logan
If you've heard noises in the ceiling, found droppings or seen a rat or mouse, don't wait for it to get worse. Call me on 0412 205 586 or request a quote online for rat control in Brisbane, Logan and nearby areas. I'll assess the property, explain what I've found and recommend what to do. After hours, text 0412 205 586 with the best time to call.