What's different in Thomastown
Post-war homes
The City of Whittlesea says significant development came in the post-war years, particularly the 1950s and 1960s. After decades of extensions and repairs, gaps around pipes, vents and old additions are where to look first.
Houses beside industry
Thomastown covers around 15 square kilometres, and Council says it has a significant industrial area alongside its homes. If you run a business here, our commercial page is a better place to start.
Winter mice, year round cockroaches
Whittlesea says mice and rats tend to enter homes for food and shelter, particularly during winter, and that cockroaches are drawn to the food, shelter and temperature of buildings. In a warm kitchen, that's a year round concern.
Edgars Creek and Darebin Creek
Edgars Creek runs about 13 kilometres from Wollert down to Thomastown, and the Darebin Creek Trail passes through as well. Creek edges bring mosquitoes in the warm months, so keep an eye on standing water at home.
Signs it's more than one mouse
- Fresh droppings in more than one room, or at the back of cupboards.
- Holes up to 20 mm wide in walls or floors, which Victoria's Department of Health links to mice. Rat holes run about 80 mm.
- Nests of shredded cardboard, paper or rags in hidden corners.
- Cockroaches out in daylight, which often means there are plenty behind the walls.
- Crumbs and small pieces of food in odd spots, which the same department says rats leave where they've fed.
Getting ahead of it before winter
Take away the food
Keep pantry goods in sealed containers, wipe benches at night and don't leave pet food out.
Find the way in
Check where pipes and cables enter the house, and look at door seals. Fill small gaps with something rodents can't chew.
Know when to call
If you're still seeing droppings or hearing noises after a couple of weeks, it's worth having it looked at.
What we'd do about pests in Thomastown
We'd sort the food and the gaps first, because no treatment holds if the house keeps feeding them. Then, if it's still going on, tell us what you've seen 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.
