Every year as temperatures drop across the South Coast, pest controllers across Wollongong, Nowra, and the Illawarra see a sharp rise in rodent call-outs. Rats and mice that have been living outdoors through summer and autumn begin actively seeking shelter, food, and warmth — and the homes and businesses of the South Coast provide exactly that.
Understanding why this happens, and what the early warning signs look like, gives you the best chance of acting before a small problem becomes a serious infestation.
Why Winter Drives Rodents Indoors
Rats and mice are warm-blooded and feel the cold just like we do. As overnight temperatures fall across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, outdoor food sources become scarcer and outdoor shelter less viable. At the same time, South Coast homes are producing more warmth, cooking smells, and food waste — exactly what rodents are looking for.
The most common entry point is the roof void. Roof rats (black rats) are agile climbers and regularly access Wollongong homes via overhanging trees, power lines, or rough brickwork. Once in the roof, a pair of rats can produce a colony of 40–50 within a few months. Norway rats, which are larger and heavier, tend to enter via subfloors, drainage gaps, and ground-level gaps in brick work.
South Coast Properties Are Particularly Vulnerable
A disproportionate number of rodent infestations on the South Coast occur in older homes — particularly in established Wollongong suburbs like Fairy Meadow, Figtree, Port Kembla, and the CBD fringe. Older properties typically have more gaps around plumbing penetrations, deteriorated weather seals on doors, and subfloor access that hasn't been proofed. A gap of just 20mm is large enough for a mouse to enter.
Properties near bushland, creeks, or drainage channels — common throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven — also face higher rodent pressure as animals move in from surrounding areas when temperatures drop.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Scratching or scurrying sounds at night — particularly in the roof void or ceiling cavity, which is most active between dusk and 2am
- Droppings — rat droppings are 15–20mm, dark, and tapered; mouse droppings are smaller (3–6mm) and more numerous. Found along skirting boards, in cupboards, and behind appliances
- Gnaw marks — on food packaging, timber, electrical cabling, or soft furnishings. Rodents gnaw continuously to keep their teeth worn down
- Grease smear marks — along skirting boards and walls where rodents run regularly, leaving oily residue from their fur
- Nesting material — shredded paper, insulation, or fabric found in wall cavities, subfloors, or roof voids
- Urine smell — a strong ammonia smell, particularly in confined areas like under the kitchen sink or in cupboards
The Risks Beyond the Nuisance
Rodents aren't just an inconvenience. They pose real risks to both property and health. Rats and mice gnaw through electrical wiring — a leading cause of house fires in Australia. They contaminate food surfaces with their urine and droppings, and can carry diseases including leptospirosis and salmonella. A single mouse can produce up to 80 droppings per day.
Acting quickly at the first sign is always cheaper and simpler than dealing with an established colony.
What Professional Rodent Control Involves
A professional rodent treatment for a South Coast home typically involves tamper-resistant bait stations placed in key activity areas — roof void, subfloor, along exterior walls, and in any active run areas inside the property. Bait stations are far safer than loose baiting, preventing access by children and non-target animals including pets.
Equally important is proofing advice — identifying and sealing the entry points that allowed rodents in. Without addressing entry points, a property can be re-infested within weeks of treatment.
South Coast Pest Control provides rodent control across Wollongong and throughout the South Coast NSW. If you're hearing activity in your roof or noticing the signs above, call us on 0425 232 461 — same-day service is available in most areas.