At Pest Blast, one of the most common phone calls we receive starts the same way:
“I can hear something moving around in my roof at night.”
Usually, the homeowner has spent a few nights listening to scratching, running, chewing, or the occasional thud coming from above the ceiling. By the time they call us, they’re tired, frustrated, and wondering what has moved into their home.
The first question is almost always:
“How do I know if it’s rats or mice?”
The truth is, both are common in Sydney homes. While they can sound similar at first, there are usually a few clues that help us work out exactly what’s going on before we even step foot inside the roof cavity.
The Noise Can Tell You a Lot
After years of carrying out rodent inspections across Sydney, we’ve found that homeowners often describe rat activity differently to mouse activity.
If It’s Rats
Rats tend to make their presence known.
Because they’re much larger, the sounds are usually heavier and easier to hear.
You might notice:
- Loud scratching sounds
- Running across ceiling joists
- Bumping or thumping noises
- Activity mainly after sunset
- Sounds that seem to travel from one end of the roof to the other
Some customers have even told us it sounds like a small dog is running around in the ceiling.
That might sound exaggerated, but a large roof rat can create a surprising amount of noise.
If It’s Mice
Mice are smaller, lighter, and often more active throughout the night.
Common signs include:
- Light scratching noises
- Fast scurrying sounds
- Occasional squeaking
- Constant movement in the same area
- Activity inside walls as well as the roof
Instead of hearing one larger animal moving around, it can sound like multiple tiny movements happening at once.
Look for Droppings
One of the quickest ways we identify whether a property has rats or mice is by inspecting droppings.
Rat Droppings
Rat droppings are generally:
- Around 12–20mm long
- Dark brown or black
- Shaped like capsules
- Found near access points or food sources
Mouse Droppings
Mouse droppings are:
- Much smaller
- Usually 3–6mm long
- Pointed at both ends
- Often found in larger quantities
If you’re finding droppings in the pantry, garage, roof cavity, or ceiling space, it’s a good indication that rodents have already established themselves inside the property.
Why Are They Choosing Your Roof?
Most homeowners assume rodents are entering because the home is old.
That’s not always the case.
We’ve found rodent activity in brand-new homes, recently renovated properties, and high-end builds across Sydney.
Rodents are simply looking for three things:
- Shelter
- Warmth
- Food
Your roof cavity provides all three.
During the cooler months, roof spaces become particularly attractive because they offer protection from the weather and predators.
Once rodents find a safe place to nest, they often stay unless they’re professionally removed.
Common Entry Points We Find
A lot of people are shocked when they discover how little space rodents need to enter a home.
Mice can squeeze through openings smaller than a 10-cent coin.
Rats don’t need much more.
Some of the most common entry points we identify during inspections include:
- Broken roof tiles
- Gaps in eaves
- Openings around pipes and cables
- Damaged vents
- Garage door gaps
- Tree branches touching the roofline
In many cases, homeowners never notice these entry points until we point them out.
The Damage Rodents Can Cause
The noise is annoying, but that’s usually not the biggest problem.
What concerns us more is what rodents are doing when they’re inside your roof.
Over the years we’ve seen rodents:
- Chew electrical wiring
- Destroy insulation
- Contaminate storage areas
- Damage air conditioning ducting
- Create strong odours inside roof cavities
- Leave urine and droppings throughout the ceiling space
Electrical damage is particularly concerning because exposed wiring can create serious safety risks.
The longer rodents remain inside a property, the more expensive the damage can become.
Why DIY Treatments Often Fail
We regularly visit homes where the owner has already tried supermarket baits or traps.
Sometimes they work temporarily.
More often, the activity slows down for a week or two before returning.
The reason is simple.
Most DIY treatments focus on the rodents you can hear, not the reason they’re there in the first place.
Effective rodent control involves:
- Identifying entry points
- Locating nesting areas
- Understanding the scale of the infestation
- Implementing a targeted treatment strategy
- Reducing the chance of reinfestation
Without addressing the source of the problem, rodents usually find their way back.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If you’ve been hearing scratching, running, chewing, or movement in your roof for more than a few nights, it’s worth having the issue investigated.
The sooner a rodent problem is identified, the easier it is to manage.
What starts as a single rat or mouse can quickly turn into a much larger problem if left untreated.
At Pest Blast, we carry out professional rodent inspections across Sydney, helping homeowners identify exactly what’s causing the noise and providing tailored solutions to eliminate the problem.
Need Help With Rodents in Your Roof?
If you’re hearing scratching noises at night or suspect rats or mice have moved into your home, Pest Blast can help.
Our experienced technicians can identify the source of the activity, locate entry points, and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your property.
Contact Pest Blast today for a professional rodent inspection and get your nights back.