Melbourne has a pest problem that runs on a calendar. Rats and mice move into the roof cavity as soon as the weather turns, ants march through the kitchen the second it warms up, and termites quietly munch through the bearers of half the weatherboard stock north of the Yarra without anyone noticing until the floor goes spongy. We rang around, read through more than 4,400 Google reviews across the metro area, and pulled together the nine operators actually worth your time in September 2026.

Got something scurrying, chewing or biting right now? Don't muck about. Give us a bell on 03 9970 7667 and we'll get a licensed pest tech out to your place, usually same day or next. One call, upfront price, no dodgy surprises on the invoice.

The Short List

Ratings correct as of September 2026. They move around, so have a squiz yourself before you book.

How to Pick One Without Getting Rorted

Six things to check before you hand over a credit card.

1. Licence. Anyone applying pesticides commercially in Victoria needs a pest control licence from the Department of Health. Ask for the number. A legit operator will rattle it off without blinking.

2. Insurance. Public liability, minimum. If they're drilling a termite barrier through your slab you want cover in place.

3. A written quote before the work. Not a phone estimate. On-site, in writing, with the scope spelled out.

4. What the warranty actually covers. "12 month warranty" is meaningless on its own. Does it cover a re-treatment, or just a re-inspection? Get it in writing.

5. Termite inspections done to the standard. A timber pest inspection should be carried out to AS 4349.3, and termite management work to AS 3660. If the words mean nothing to the person quoting you, that's your answer.

6. A report with photos. Anyone can say the roof void is clear. A photo of the roof void proves they were up there.

When Melbourne Pests Actually Show Up

• Spring (Sep to Nov): termite swarming season and the start of the ant invasion. Wasps start nesting. This is inspection time, not treatment time.

• Summer (Dec to Feb): cockroaches, flies, mozzies, redbacks in the shed. Peak callout season, so book ahead of Chrissy if you can.

• Autumn (Mar to May): rodents start looking for somewhere warm. Seal up now and you skip winter entirely.

• Winter (Jun to Aug): rats and mice in roofs and wall cavities, possums making a racket. Quietest season for bookings, which means better availability and better pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pest control cost in Melbourne? A standard general pest treatment on a three-bedroom house is the most common job, and price moves with the size of the property, the pest and the access. Termite work sits in a different bracket entirely because a chemical barrier is a full day of labour plus product. Get two written quotes and compare what's in scope, not just the number at the bottom.

Do I need to leave the house during treatment? Usually for a couple of hours, and longer if you've got babies, pregnant occupants or pets. Fish tanks need covering and the pump switched off. Your tech should tell you all this without being asked.

Is a pre-purchase termite inspection worth it? Yes. Melbourne has an enormous amount of pre-1970s timber-framed housing and termite damage is specifically excluded from most home insurance policies. The inspection costs a couple of hundred dollars against a repair bill that regularly runs into five figures.

How quickly can someone get out to me? Several operators on this list run 24/7 and will do same-day for genuine emergencies. Termite work usually needs a booking because it takes a full crew and a full day.

Are the chemicals safe around kids and pets? Registered products applied at label rates by a licensed tech are safe once dry. The risk isn't the chemistry, it's the cowboy who overapplies it. Ask what product is going down and ask for the safety data sheet.

Stop sharing your house with the wildlife. Ring 03 9970 7667 and we'll sort it - licensed techs, upfront pricing, and a warranty that means something. Same-day callouts available right across Melbourne.