Pest Control > Rats > Mice

Rats & Mice - Control Methods

Learn about rats and mice and
professional pest control methods

The dirty rats... can burn Your house down

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).

Roof or Black Rat

Sewer or Brown Rat

Common
House Mouse

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.

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.

Pest Control for rats and mice

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.

Learn about other common household pests