Do you hear noises in the night?!

Do you hear noises in the night?!

Chances are the noises you are hearing are coming from household pests, including rats, mice, possums, and even termites. Up to no good, these pests are destructive and can cause expensive damage to your home.

You don’t have to stay up all night in a bid to detect signs of a rodent or termite infestation. Here are some indications that your home could be at risk and what you can do to resolve this severe household problem.

Termites

Termites are one of the worst pests in Australia, causing significant destruction to roughly 130,000 homes per year- that is approximately one out of every five homes. They have an enormous appetite and colonies consist of thousands of individual termites.

Don’t be fooled by their size; termites are strong creatures and can eat through hardwood and even cause damage to brick or block homes on a concrete slab.

In fact, brick or block homes can often be more at risk because termites can hide behind brick veneers. Unfortunately, by the time the homeowner sees visible signs of a termite attack, costly damage has already been done. 

What noise do termites make? 

While these creatures work like machines day and night, you may only hear them in the silence of the night. Noises could include popping and snapping sounds, a dry rattle, or a papery rustling.

You may also notice a hollow sound when you tap on wood that has been invaded by termites.

What can I do to prevent termites? 

If for any reason you suspect termites are at work, arrange a pest control company to come out to your property or business premises for an inspection. Look for companies that will provide a free inspection and quote so you can compare the cost and advice you receive.

It is important to keep in mind that most insurance companies do not cover damage caused by pests.

Possums

Termites aren’t the only ones making noises in the night, as many homeowners will attest!

Possums may be cute, but if they make a dent in the ceiling or wall cavity of your home you will definitely know about it! Being nocturnal, they make a racket just as you are trying to go to sleep.

Worse, if left unchecked, they can cause considerable damage to weatherboards, plasterboards, and even wiring.

What noises do possums make? 

While possums sleep during the day, at night you will the patter of their feet coming from your roof or even hissing, chattering, scratching, gnawing, and squeaking.

How to remove possums from my roof? 

Getting possums out – and then keeping them out! – requires professional assistance. It is important to know that possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, meaning they must not be harmed or kept in cages. Talk to your local pest control company about how they can help with possum problems.

Rats and Mice

When the months get colder, rats and mice come out to play!

Alongside carrying diseases, these animals are incredibly destructive mainly thanks to their habit of chewing absolutely everything. These rodents have been the cause of devastating house fires as a result of chewing through wiring!

What noises do rodents make? 

Rodents are nocturnal creatures; therefore, are highly active at night and quiet during the day.

Sounds to listen out for at night include scurrying and scratching noises as they move quickly across a floor or in a ceiling.

What can I do to prevent rats and mice? 

Even if there are no apparent signs of rodents or other pests, you should have a professional pest control technician visit your property or business premises annually.

In the long run, this will be far less expensive than repairing structural damage or replacing destroyed furniture, wiring, and clothing caused by rodents. It’s better to be safe than sorry!