What's different in Camberwell
Houses from the railway years
The Camberwell Junction Heritage Review says the 1882 rail link to Melbourne brought further subdivision within walking distance of the station, and it records Edwardian growth from a population of 8,600 in 1901 to 17,000 in 1915. A century of renovations leaves gaps around pipes, roof tiles and old vents, which is where rodents get in.
Rats and mice stay put
The council doesn't provide rat or mice removal services. If rodents are coming from a neighbouring property and causing a nuisance, it says you can contact the council about it.
Spring bee swarms
Boroondara says swarms usually happen in spring or early summer, and often stay in an area only 1 or 2 days before moving on. Ring an apiarist (a beekeeper) early, because a swarm that gets into a wall is a much bigger job.
Mosquitoes in the courtyard
The council's tip is to change the water in pets' bowls, bird baths and vases at least once a week.
Signs rats or mice have moved in
- Droppings near a nest, a feeding spot or along a path they use.
- Greasy marks along walls where they rub past.
- Gnawed wires, packaging or timber.
- Scratching or squeaking at night, usually in the ceiling or walls.
Seal first, then call
You can
- Close gaps and holes around pipework, under eaves, around roof tiles and in external walls and doors.
- Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
- Clear clutter from the garage and shed.
- Talk to your neighbour if the problem looks shared.
Leave to a pest business
- Finding where rodents are nesting and entering.
- Placing bait stations (locked boxes that hold rodent bait) and checking them.
- Treating a European wasp nest, which Boroondara's local law says needs acting on immediately.
Is it a possum instead?
Heavier footsteps at dusk usually mean a possum. Possum removal in Camberwell really means closing the way in once it has gone out for the night, because Victoria's rules keep it on your property. A brushtail caught in a cage trap has to be let go within 50 metres, after sunset that day, and a ringtail can't be trapped without a permit. Boroondara doesn't run a service for this and doesn't recommend trapping.
What we'd do about pests in Camberwell
Spend a Saturday sealing gaps before anyone puts bait in the roof, because bait doesn't fix a hole. If you still hear them a fortnight later, tap what you've noticed and your postcode.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
