Rodent infestations are more common in Melbourne than many people realise, and as urbanisation increases, so does the risk of rodent invasions in homes and businesses.
While rats and mice may seem like small, manageable pests, their ability to damage property, pose health risks, and create safety hazards makes them a serious problem.
But many people still hold onto misconceptions about rodents, which often leads to ineffective DIY solutions. Understanding rodent behaviour is key to effective pest control and preventing future infestations.
In this blog, we’ll explore 5 surprising facts about rodents that every Melbourne homeowner should know, especially if you’re facing a rodent issue.
These insights will help you make informed decisions about pest control and understand why professional help is essential in tackling this problem effectively.
Fact #1: Water Isn’t the Key to Rodent Survival
When it comes to controlling rodent infestations, many homeowners believe that simply cutting off water sources will solve the problem.
The logic is simple: if there’s no water, the rodents will leave, right? Unfortunately, this is a myth.
Rodents don’t need direct access to water to survive. Instead, they can obtain moisture from the food they eat.
This is why, even if you’ve removed all standing water from your home, rodents can still thrive if they have access to food. Whether it’s leftover crumbs, pet food, or pantry items, rodents are adaptable and can survive by getting all the moisture they need from their diet.
Why does this matter for Melbourne homeowners?
Simply removing water or using moisture-repelling techniques will not solve the problem. It’s important to address the real cause of the infestation—food sources and entry points.
Professional rodent pest control in Melbourne focuses on sealing entry points, cleaning food storage areas, and offering solutions that target the root causes of the problem.
Fact #2: Rodents Have Incredible Memory—They’ll Remember Your House
Once a rodent enters your home, it doesn’t just leave and forget about it. Rats and mice have exceptional memory, especially when it comes to finding food and shelter.
Rodents can remember their entry routes for years. This means that once a rat or mouse has entered your property, it will likely return again and again, using the same path.
If you haven’t sealed up the entry points, the rodents will simply continue using the same routes to access your home.
Why is this a problem for Melbourne homeowners?
Rodents don’t just wander into your home at random. They follow a path, and once they’ve found it, they will keep using it unless those entry points are properly sealed.
This is why many people experience recurring rodent issues. It’s not just about catching the ones you see; you need to prevent them from coming back by ensuring the entry points are blocked off.
What should you do?
The solution is to have a professional pest control service come in and perform a thorough inspection of your home. They’ll identify possible entry points and seal any gaps or cracks where rodents could enter.
Fact #3: Rodents Can Cause Fires by Chewing on Wires
Rodents are known for chewing on just about anything they can find to keep their teeth sharp, and that includes electrical wires. Rodent teeth never stop growing, so they need to constantly gnaw on things to wear them down.
Unfortunately, electrical wiring is one of their favourite targets. This is where the danger lies—when rodents chew through electrical wires, they create short circuits, which can lead to fires. In fact, many house fires are caused by damaged electrical wiring due to rodent activity.
Why should you care about this in Melbourne?
Melbourne homes are often equipped with complex electrical systems, making them especially vulnerable to fire risks caused by rodents. This is an often-overlooked danger, but it’s a serious safety hazard that could result in devastating damage to your home or office.
How can pest control help?
A professional rodent pest control service doesn’t just focus on eliminating the rodents but also addresses potential safety risks. Experts will ensure that rodents don’t damage your electrical wiring and will identify any vulnerable areas that could pose a future risk.
Fact #4: Rodents Reproduce Faster Than Most People Realise
One of the biggest surprises for Melbourne homeowners dealing with a rodent infestation is the speed at which rodents reproduce. If you think you’ve only got one rat or mouse, think again—those two could quickly become hundreds in the span of a year.
A single pair of rats can produce up to 12 litters per year, with each litter containing up to 12 baby rats. That means a single pair can create an entire colony in a matter of months, making a small infestation quickly escalate into a full-blown problem.
Why does this matter for homeowners?
The faster you act, the easier it is to prevent the problem from getting out of control. If you wait until the infestation is too large, the damage to your home or business can be significant. Early rodent pest control is critical in stopping this cycle before it becomes unmanageable. The longer you wait, the more difficult and costly the solution will be.
Fact #5: Removing Rodents Alone Won’t Solve the Problem
Many people think that once the rats or mice are removed from their home, the job is done. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even if you remove all the visible rodents, there’s still the matter of scent marks.
Rodents leave behind urine and scent trails to communicate with other rats. These scent trails act as a kind of “road map” for new rodents, attracting them back to the same location. If the scent is not properly cleaned, new rats will continue to follow the trail and enter your home again.
What’s the solution?
To truly solve a rodent problem, you need to eliminate both the rodents and the scent marks they leave behind. This is where professional rodent pest control comes in. In addition to trapping and removing the rodents, experts will clean and disinfect the areas to remove the scent, and seal off the entry points to prevent further infestations.
Why Clean Homes in Melbourne Still Get Rodents
It’s a common myth that rodents only infest dirty homes, but this is far from the truth. Rodents are opportunistic creatures that will invade any home, office, or building where food, warmth, and shelter are available.
Even if your home is spotless, if there’s food exposed or easily accessible, rats and mice will find a way in. Food storage areas, crumbs in the kitchen, and even pet food can attract rodents, no matter how clean the rest of your home may be.
Why Professional Rodent Pest Control in Melbourne Matters in 2026
As Melbourne continues to grow, more construction and development projects are displacing rodents from their natural habitats, pushing them into urban spaces. This makes rodent infestations in homes and businesses a growing concern in the city.
Why is professional pest control important?
While DIY methods may help in the short term, they don’t offer long-term solutions. Professional rodent pest control services focus on a thorough inspection, treatment, and prevention strategy that addresses the full scope of the problem.
Rodent Pest Control Is About Prevention, Not Just Removal
Rodents are clever, fast-breeding, and persistent. Understanding their behaviour is essential to getting rid of them for good. It’s not just about catching and removing the rodents—it’s about preventing them from coming back by sealing entry points, cleaning scent marks, and addressing the root causes of the infestation.
For Melbourne residents, professional rodent pest control is the best way to protect your property and ensure long-term prevention. That’s where 7 States Pest Control comes in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rodent Pest Control in Melbourne
- How can I tell if I have a rodent infestation?
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and scratching noises, especially at night.
- What should I do if I see a rat or mouse?
Contact a professional pest control service for removal and prevention.
- Can I handle a rodent infestation on my own?
DIY methods may not solve the problem long-term. Professional services ensure full removal and prevention.
- Why do rodents keep coming back?
Rodents return if entry points are not sealed or scent trails are not cleaned properly.
- How do I prevent rodents from entering my home?
Seal cracks, store food properly, and keep your home clean. A pest control service can also help seal entry points.
With years of experience in Melbourne, 7 States Pest Control not only removes rodents but also takes the necessary steps to prevent future infestations.
Their team of experts will carry out a thorough inspection of your property, identify potential entry points, and seal them off.
They use the latest techniques to eliminate existing rodent problems and offer ongoing solutions to keep your home rodent-free for the long term.
How 7 States Pest Control Handles Rodent Infestations in Melbourne
At 7 States Pest Control, we understand that dealing with a rodent infestation requires more than just eliminating the visible pests.
Our comprehensive approach ensures that the problem is handled at its core, preventing future infestations and providing long-term relief. Here’s how we tackle rodent problems:
- Thorough Inspection
Our team conducts a detailed inspection of your property to identify signs of rodent activity, entry points, and areas of concern. We check for hidden nests, droppings, and other signs of infestation that may be overlooked. - Sealing Entry Points
We understand that without addressing entry points, rodents will continue to invade. Our experts seal up any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and around windows or doors, ensuring that rodents can no longer enter. - Rodent Trapping and Removal
We use safe and effective trapping methods to remove the existing rodents in your home. Our team ensures that the removal process is thorough and humane, eliminating any risks to your family and pets. - Eliminating Scent Marks
Rodents leave scent trails that attract new rodents to your property. Our pest control experts use specialized cleaning techniques to remove these scent marks, making your home less inviting for future rodent activity. - Preventative Measures
After the infestation is resolved, we provide ongoing prevention strategies, including regular inspections and maintenance. We help ensure that your property remains rodent-free and protected from any future invasions.
By combining expert knowledge with proven methods, 7 States Pest Control provides Melbourne homeowners with a reliable solution to their rodent problems.
Let our team provide you with a long-term solution that ensures your home stays rodent-free.