Why are pests in the roof a problem?

Some people are unbothered by having possums and birds in their roof, assuming that they do not cause any harm. While it is true that possums and birds do not have the same tendency to chew through insulation and wires as rodents do, possums can harbour diseases and can accidentally trap themselves inside your roof, killing themselves, and creating a pungent, unpleasant odour. On the other hand, allowing birds to nest in your roof, particularly the Indian Myna, has negative effects on surrounding native birds. Indian Myna birds build large, communal families that are noisy and drive out other birds within the area. Rodents are considered a major problem for households. Their incessant need to chew means that they will gnaw on the insulation and wires in between your walls or in your roof cavity. Rodents often chew through insulation casings that protect wires and once exposed, the wires become a safety hazard and may cause fires. In addition, rodents can spread harmful bacteria through interaction with their dropping or dust contaminated by their droppings. This bacteria is what causes diseases like leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and more!

How to get rid of birds in your roof?

A qualified technician is required to handle and remove birds from your property. There are specific regulations in place, differing according to each state and territory. Flick Anticimex is your qualified and trusted professional who provide bird control solutions for both residential and commercial customers. We can install a variety of bird control solutions including netting, shock systems, metal flashing and more. We also provide baiting and trapping services for pigeons, starling, Indian Mynas, and sparrows. Exclusive to Adelaide homes, we offer gutter shields and installation, perfect for those searching for a durable and discreet looking gutter guard. Gutter guards block the bird’s entry into the pipes that lead into the roof cavity. For more information, feel free to call 08 8133 1200 . Australian law protects Australian birds, however qualified technicians, like those at Flick, are allowed to control the activity of introduced species. For more information, feel free to read our Pest Bird Info Sheet .

How do we remove possums in the roof?

Possums are a beautiful part of Australian fauna and Flick Anticimex considers them a pivotal part of the Australian environment. Unfortunately, possums can be considered a nuisance for some, but there are stringent rules in place to control possums. Flick Anticimex technicians are licensed possum re-locators, who work according to the rules and regulations set by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Our possum control methods begin by temporarily re-locating the possum, by placing it under the care of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. While the possum is in their care, our technicians will install possum homes in neighbouring trees. This provides possums with an alternative, more suitable home. Holes in your roof or exterior of your home will also be patched up. Then, the possum will be released back into your neighbourhood. This ensures that the possum won’t be looking to build a nest in your home. In the event that you have a dead possum in your roof cavity, we provide a service to deal with this issue at an additional charge.

How do we control rats and mice?

We have a variety of rodent control measures including our new, intelligent rodent solution, Anticimex Smart which is exclusively offered to businesses. Flick Anticimex offers a variety of rodent bait stations and rodent baits that can be installed around your home. Our bait stations are locked and tamper-proof, keeping your pets and children safe. Unfortunately, rats and mice may take the bait away from the station, leaving residue outside of the box. We simply recommend that you regularly check and clean the area around your rodent bait station(s).

Do you hear sounds in the roof?

No one wants to hear strange noises from their attic, ceiling, or roof. When you hear scrabbling, scratching, crawling, or hissing you know that something unwanted has made its way into your home. However, without knowing what you are dealing with, you may not know the best way to get rid of them.

Unwanted Invaders

There are three main types of pests that like to live in your attics or eaves. They include birds, possums, and rodents. Depending on what type of pest you have, different strategies can help you get rid of them.

Birds

You might not think of birds as pests. In fact, most of us really like birds. We might even feed them in the yard and like to watch them. However, birds in your home are a different story. Their droppings are acidic and can cause a lot of damage. They can also spread disease. So, if they are sheltering in your roof, you want to exclude them and get rid of the problem. You may also need to clean up the droppings, to prevent additional damage.

Possums

Possums are another common attic dweller. You may hear them pattering around. However, you are more likely to hear them making disturbing noises like screeches, growls, hisses, and grunts. Possums are not as dangerous as other pests, but they can be a real nuisance. One of the biggest problems is that they can interfere with your sleep. Excluding them and trapping any possums that are already inside is a great way to get rid of them. You can tackle this yourself, but they can be evasive. Getting professional help can make the process go more smoothly and quicker.

Rodents

Probably the number one concern is that the scrabbling sound you hear is a rodent. Rats and mice love to move into attics and roofs. Not only do they get shelter, but they also get easy access to food and water in your home. Getting rid of them is a two-step process. First, you need to close up access points to ensure more of them cannot get inside. Next, you need to trap or kill the ones that are in the house. We recommend using traps. If you use rodenticides, then you risk having dead rodents rotting in your walls, which can create huge nuisance smells.

Contact Flick

Need help dealing with the noises in your ceiling? Call Flick. We can schedule a consultation, discover what is in your roof, and make a plan to get rid of the pests.