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| Rats & Mice - Control Methods |
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Learn about rats and mice and
professional pest control methods |
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| The dirty rats... can burn Your house down |
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Rats often cause electrical fires in buildings
by gnawing through plastic electrical junction boxes. Rats must constantly
gnaw on hard objects to cut back their constantly growing incisor teeth.
In addition, they live in the most unsanitary places, and are carriers
of serious health risks to humans from their
droppings and constant incontinence (they use urine trails to find their
way in the dark).
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Roof or Black Rat
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Sewer or Brown Rat |
Common
House Mouse
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There are two pest species of rats commonly found in domestic and commercial
premises - the brown rat and the black rat. The identification of each
species is essential to formulate an effective control program.
Where do they live and breed? Rats and mice
live in drains, under concrete, in sub-floors and in garbage refuse areas,
kitchens, roof voids and other areas where a potential food and moisture
source is available.
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Rats and mice often become a serious problem in cold winter months when
they seek food and warmth inside buildings. They may suddenly appear in
large numbers when excavation work disturbs their in-ground nesting locations,
or their food source is changed, such as, rats feeding in school premises
may enter adjoining properties during the school holidays.
Rats are commonly a problem where a building is located near waterways,
creeks and canals or other places where ready water supply is available. |
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| Pest Control for rats and mice |
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 Professional knowledge of
the rodents habits is essential to eradicate a problem, for example, rats
avoid bait touched by human hand - they have an acute sense of smell "cunning
as a rat".
Pest control options may
include the use of sticky straps, mechanical traps and the selective
use of latest generation rat baits. Any rat baiting program should use
safety dispensers placed in areas and is secure from access by children
and pets - such as in a roof void and sealed sub-floor and/or storage
rooms.
Ring the Experts for
any baiting program to obtain essential rapid control using the latest
safer technology. Some of the older style rat baits are in effective
as the rodents have built up immunity due to the widespread use of
such baits during the past 30 years.
Rodent proofing: As
a preventive measure, we recommend that all potential rodent entry
points into the building be sealed to physically exclude rats and
mice from entering the building. In some cases, this can be carried
out by the home owner or a handy man. In more complicated domestic
and commercial environments, the pest controller can provide specifications
and carry out rodent proofing of the premises.
Sanitation
/ Housekeeping: Rodent pests thrive where food and water is
readily available. All food stuffs should be kept in sealed containers
or rooms. Garbage and refuse should be similarly stored. Water and
food bowls for the pets or otherwise should not be left out at night
as this will encourage a rodent infestation in the building.
The cost of
obtaining professional rodent control will vary depending
on the size of the premises and the severity of the infestation as
several visits may be necessary to monitor and replenish the bait
stations. Applicable service warranties may also vary depending on
the circumstances. |
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| Learn about other common household pests |
| Published by Fumapest Group © copyright 1995
- 2007 updated:
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termite
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