Rodents in roofs are a silent nightmare for many Sydney homeowners. Often, the infestation is already out of control by the time the first signs are noticed. In this guide, we’ll show you how to detect roof rodent activity early, why it’s such a serious issue, and how our eco-friendly treatments at Clean & Green Pest Controllers can stop them in their tracks — without using toxic poisons.

Why Roof Spaces Are a Rodent Magnet

Roof cavities in Sydney homes offer the perfect nesting environment for rats and mice: dark, warm, sheltered, and full of potential nesting material like insulation, cardboard, or old belongings. Rodents are excellent climbers, and they often enter through small openings around eaves, vents, or cracked roofing tiles.

• Warm and insulated spaces
• Access to water via pipes and gutters
• Quiet, undisturbed areas to nest and breed
• Cluttered roofs or stored goods attract gnawing and nesting

The Usual Culprits: Which Rodents Are in Your Roof?

• Roof rats (Black rats): Agile climbers, common in suburban Sydney, especially Northern Beaches and Inner West
• Norway rats: Bulkier and more aggressive, often in basements but can access roofs
• House mice: Smaller, quieter, and often go unnoticed until numbers explode

Top 9 Signs You’ve Got Rodents in the Roof

1. Noises in the Ceiling at Night

If you hear scratching, gnawing, or scampering in your ceiling — especially at night — it’s likely rats or mice. They’re nocturnal and most active when the house is quiet.

2. Chewed Wiring and Insulation

Rodents love chewing. They can gnaw through electrical wires (a major fire hazard), aircon ducting, and even solar cabling. Check your attic or roof space for signs of shredded materials or exposed wires.

3. Foul or Musky Odours

Rodent urine and droppings create a musty ammonia-like smell. A strong odour in enclosed roof areas is often a clear sign of infestation.

4. Droppings in Roof Voids or Ceiling Corners

Look for dark, rice-sized droppings near entry points, beams, or corners of your roof space. Fresh droppings are soft and moist, while older ones are dry and crumbly.

5. Grease Marks or Dirty Trails

Rats often use the same runways and leave dark rub marks along beams, pipes, and entry holes. These greasy tracks are a giveaway of established infestations.

6. Entry Holes Near Gutters, Fascia Boards or Tiles

Rats only need a hole the size of a 20c coin to squeeze through. Mice need even less. Inspect your roofline, gutters, and fascia boards for gaps or gnaw marks.

7. Gnawed Wood, Pipes, or Stored Items

Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth sharp. If you have chewed cardboard boxes, insulation, or stored clothes in your roof, it’s time to act.

8. Pet Behaviour Changes

Dogs or cats suddenly staring at the ceiling or pacing under roof voids can indicate they hear or smell pests you can’t.

9. Sudden Influx of Insects

Rodent infestations attract other pests like fleas, mites, and cockroaches. If you see increased insect activity, especially in ceiling corners, rodents could be the hidden source.

The Risks of Ignoring Roof Rodents

Ignoring rodents in your roof isn’t just annoying — it’s dangerous.

• Fire hazard: Chewed wires can cause electrical fires
• Water damage: Rodents chew through pipes and insulation
• Secondary infestations: Attract cockroaches, mites, and fleas
• Health risk: Spread of diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella

In strata or rental properties, unchecked infestations can also lead to legal liabilities if tenants or neighbours are affected.

What Causes Roof Rodent Problems in Sydney Homes?

• Unsealed eaves or roof gaps (especially in older Federation-style homes)
• Overhanging trees providing easy roof access
• Cluttered roof voids filled with storage or insulation
• Compost, pet food or chook feed in yards drawing them in
• Poorly sealed garages or subfloors allowing them to nest and travel upward

Even new homes can be at risk if building standards didn’t include proper exclusion measures.

How Clean & Green Pest Controllers Can Help

Certified Rodent Treatment – Safe for Kids and Pets

We don’t rely on second-generation anticoagulant poisons that harm native wildlife, pets, or children. Our treatments are:

• Strategically placed based on rodent behaviour
• Integrated with proofing and exclusion techniques
• Backed by ongoing monitoring and support

Roof Void Inspection & Reporting

We conduct thorough inspections of your roof cavity, identify all access points, and provide a detailed report and action plan tailored to your home.

Rodent-Proofing and Maintenance

We don’t just treat – we help you stop it happening again. This includes:

• Sealing roof access points
• Pruning branches away from the roofline
• Advising on clutter or yard attractants

Why Choose Us?

• Sydney’s trusted family-run pest control company since 2016
• The only provider in Australia offering organic rodent control
• Fast, discreet service — fully licensed and insured
• Detailed digital reports, flexible appointments, and friendly technicians

How to Prevent Rodents From Returning

Ongoing Protection

We deliver ongoing inspections and preventative treatments using eco friendly solutions — designed to break the rodent life cycle and keep your Sydney home naturally pest-free year-round.

Simple Homeowner Tips:

• Keep your roof void tidy and decluttered
• Seal any external gaps or cracks
• Trim trees and vines away from roof edges
• Don’t leave pet food or bird seed out overnight
• Secure bins and compost tightly

Book a Roof Rodent Inspection Today

If you suspect rodents in your roof, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier (and cheaper) it is to control. At Clean & Green Pest Controllers, we combine cutting-edge organic treatments with proven exclusion strategies to give your home long-lasting protection — safely and sustainably.