As the weather cools down rodents problems are starting to increase. Here in Auckland the temperature dips in the early hours of the morning. Many people do realise how much heat get trapped in their ceiling voids over night - but rodents have it figured out. Often pink bats will contain what looks like a dug out snow cave. Rodents will borrow in just enough to make it though the early morning chill in a cozy place. You may not hear them straight away. Firstly you may be asleep. Secondly, if they are walking on pink bats or other insulation, it mat make no noise.

Are they birds? Some people wonder if the noises they hear in the ceiling are birds and not rats. Ask yourself if they are making noise in the day or at night. Birds are generally very quiet at night as they do not want to attract the attention of predators. The obvious exception here is owls and its pretty unlikely you have them in your house. Rats are nocturnal so are more active at night, if the noise is starting at night, it most likely rats. Is the noise staring just before dawn? This could be birds as they will see and react to dawn before we think its actually happened.

Does it really matter?  Yes. Not only do they carry disease, but rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth down. Plastic plumbing and eletrical wiring alongside ducting are all god targets for them. They will gnaw almost anything and can smell your pantry a lot better than you can.