You just renovated your dream home—but something’s scratching in the walls?
That fresh paint smell, new flooring, and improved space feel great. But right after renovation, your home is also more vulnerable to a hidden problem many homeowners don’t see coming: rodents.
While renovations bring aesthetic improvements, they can also create the perfect conditions for pests. Mice and rats are always looking for new shelter, warmth, and access to food—and post-reno homes provide all of that and more.
Wondering if you need cheap rodent control after a renovation? The short answer is yes—and in this article, we’ll explain why it’s one of the smartest post-reno investments you can make.
How Renovation Attracts Rodents
You may not notice it during the excitement of construction, but renovations often stir up more than dust. Rodents living nearby—whether in walls, roofs, or garden sheds—can be displaced during the process.
At the same time, the work itself can unintentionally make your home more accessible to pests.
Here’s how:
- Disturbed Nesting Sites
Demolition or landscaping may force rodents out of their original hiding spots. With parts of your home open or exposed, they may simply move closer—in some cases, right inside your walls or roof.
- New Entry Points
Common during renovations, openings for plumbing, electrical wiring, or vent installation can leave small gaps behind. Even holes the size of a 20-cent coin are enough for a mouse to squeeze through.
- Construction Debris and Food Scraps
Rodents are opportunistic. If your contractor or trades leave behind crumbs, food wrappers, or waste in bins or around the site, that’s a buffet to them.
- Increased Warmth and Shelter
Fresh insulation, new wall cavities, or enclosed decks create comfortable, quiet spaces—ideal for nesting. Once inside, rodents are quick to settle and even quicker to breed.
Renovating your home can be an exciting time, but if you’re not careful, it can also invite in unwanted guests that stay long after the work is finished.
Hidden Rodent Entry Points Created During Renovation
Rodents don’t need a front door. They look for gaps, cracks, or vulnerabilities you may not even notice.
Here are some of the most common rodent entry points introduced during renovation:
- Foundation cracks
Even hairline cracks in your foundation can provide entry from underneath your home. - Gaps in rooflines or under tiles
Roof work often involves removing and replacing sections—leaving tiny gaps where rodents can climb in. - Openings around new plumbing or electrical installations
Pipes and wires often go through walls and floors. If not sealed properly, these become rodent highways. - Crawlspaces, skirting boards, and wall cavities
If left open during renovations, these provide easy access to interior spaces.
Tip: Take photos during the renovation process and label potential weak spots. You can use these later to help your pest control expert identify entry points faster.
Real Dangers of Ignoring Rodent Control After Renovation
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance. Left unchecked, they can pose serious health and safety risks:
Chewed Wires = Fire Risk
Rodents love to gnaw—and electrical wires are a prime target. This kind of damage isn’t just annoying; it can lead to short circuits and even house fires.
Contaminated Food Storage
Mice and rats often invade kitchens, pantries, and food containers. Their presence can result in contaminated food, and exposure to harmful bacteria such as salmonella.
Urine and Droppings = Health Hazards
Rodent droppings and urine can trigger allergic reactions and spread diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus.
Rapid Breeding
A single pair of rodents can produce dozens of offspring in a short time. An unnoticed rodent family can turn into a full-blown infestation within weeks.
Signs You Might Already Have a Rodent Problem
You might not see the rodents themselves, but they leave clues. Here’s what to look (and listen) for:
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors—usually at night
- Rodent droppings, especially near food areas, bins, or behind appliances
- Gnaw marks on timber, wiring, or plastic fixtures
- Nesting material like shredded insulation or paper in wall cavities or storage areas
If you spot one or more of these signs, it’s likely time to take action.
Why Cheap Rodent Control Is the Smartest Post-Reno Investment
You’ve spent good money improving your home—so don’t let rodents undermine it.
Hiring a pest control service immediately after renovation may feel like an extra cost, but it actually saves you money and stress in the long run.
Here’s why post-reno rodent control is a smart move:
- Prevent serious damage before it starts
- Avoid expensive repairs from chewed wires, damaged insulation, or wall cavities
- Protect your health and that of your family
- Catch infestations early, while they’re still manageable
- Get expert advice tailored to your new layout
What a Professional Rodent Inspection Includes
A quality inspection looks beyond surface-level signs. Professional pest control teams know exactly where to look and what to look for.
Here’s what a comprehensive rodent inspection usually includes:
- Checking for entry points in foundations, roofs, and utility lines
- Identifying nests using heat and scent detection or visual inspection
- Assessing potential damage to insulation, wiring, and internal structures
- Applying safe, targeted removal methods that won’t harm pets or family
- Providing proofing advice to keep rodents from returning
Is Your Renovated Space Rodent-Safe?
Before settling into your new space, go through this quick post-renovation rodent-proofing checklist:
- Sealed all visible gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings
- Checked roof and attic access points
- Removed all leftover food and rubbish
- Inspected under sinks and around new appliances
- Scheduled a professional rodent inspection
If anything is left unchecked, your home could be at risk. It’s far easier to prevent a rodent problem than to get rid of one once it takes hold.
Renovation is an exciting step in homeownership. But while you’re focused on paint colours and tiles, rodents are looking for cracks and cavities. The dust may settle, but the risks can remain—unless you take action.
That’s where 7 States Pest Control comes in. Based in Melbourne, 7 States Pest Control offers fast, affordable, and reliable pest management services tailored to your home’s layout—especially after renovation.
Their licensed technicians are experienced in identifying new pest entry points and providing cheap rodent control solutions that are safe, targeted, and effective.
Don’t let mice or rats damage what you’ve built. Even the most beautifully renovated homes in Melbourne can fall victim to pests if entry points are left unsealed or food sources are accessible.
The good news? Preventing an infestation doesn’t have to be expensive. Cheap rodent control services are available that offer thorough inspections, targeted treatment, and long-term protection—without breaking the bank.
Protect your home investment—book your rodent inspection now. An affordable post-renovation pest check could be the smartest step you take after your build.