Pest identification
Identify a pest
Answer two quick questions and PestMan will suggest what you’re likely dealing with — and what to read next.
- 1. What did you find?
- 2. Describe it
- 3. Likely pest
It could be one of these
Likely match
Roof Rat (Black Rat)
Scurrying in ceilings at night is most often roof rats (heavy thumping may be possums, which are protected).
Check these features
- Slender body with pointed snout and large, thin ears.
- Tail longer than head and body combined.
- Colour ranges from black to grey-brown with a paler belly.
- Droppings about 10–12 mm, spindle-shaped.
What to read next
Possible match
Mice
Light scratching can also be mice.
Check these features
- Small: body about 6–10 cm plus a similar-length tail.
- Large ears and small feet relative to a young rat.
- Droppings: roughly 3–6 mm, rod-shaped with pointed ends, often scattered in large numbers.
What to read next
Describe it in your own words
Try something like “tiny brown bugs in the pantry” — PestMan will search its answers for a match.