There is nothing quite like lying awake at 2 AM, staring at the ceiling, listening to the unmistakable sound of claws scurrying right above your bed. If you live out West, you already know that the bush-clad beauty of the Waitakere Ranges comes with a few uninvited guests. Thanks to the mild winter and scorching summer we had last year, Waitakere is currently facing an unprecedented autumn pest surge in 2026. Those roof rats are not just looking for a snack; they are looking to move in permanently.