Rodents Taking Over? How To Get Rid Of Them?

Rodents Taking Over? How To Get Rid Of Them!

Rodents are pests that can infest your home or business and cause various problems. They can contaminate food, water, and surfaces, gnaw on wires and pipes, and transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus. They can also damage your property and belongings, and create unpleasant noises and smells. If you’re dealing with rodents, here’s how you can get rid of them effectively and safely.

Why Do Rodents Choose Homes and Businesses?

Before we explore solutions, let’s understand why rodents find homes and businesses so attractive:

1. 1. Shelter and Warmth: Rodents seek out cosy and secure spaces to nest and breed. They often enter buildings through gaps, holes, and vents, and hide in walls, ceilings, attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
   2. Food Sources: Rodents are opportunistic feeders. They scavenge for food in garbage bins, kitchens, pantries, and storage areas. They also eat grains, seeds, fruits, and vegetables in gardens and farms.
   3. Water Sources: Rodents need water to survive. They look for water in sinks, toilets, pipes, drains, and puddles. They also drink from pet bowls, bird baths, and fountains.

Common Types of Rodents in Australia

Australia is home to a wide variety of rodents, both native and introduced. Some of the most common types of rodents that affect homes and businesses are:

• • House Mouse (Mus musculus): A small and agile rodent with a pointed nose, large ears, and a long tail. It has brown or grey fur and a lighter belly. It can squeeze through small openings and is active mostly at night. It can cause damage to food, property, and health¹.
  • Roof Rat (Rattus rattus): A medium-sized rodent with a pointed nose, large ears, and a long tail. It has black or brown fur and a lighter belly. It prefers to live in high places and is agile and nocturnal. It can cause damage to crops, structures, and health¹.
  • Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus): A large rodent with a blunt nose, small ears, and a short tail. It has brown or grey fur and a lighter belly. It likes to burrow in the ground and is omnivorous and nocturnal. It can cause damage to livestock, infrastructure, and health¹.
  • Black-footed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys gouldii): A native rodent with a pointed nose, large ears, and a long tail. It has black feet and a black stripe on its back. It lives in tree hollows and feeds on fruits and seeds. It is endangered and protected by law².
  • Golden-backed Tree-rat (Mesembriomys macrurus): A native rodent with a pointed nose, large ears, and a long tail. It has golden fur on its back and a white belly. It lives in tree hollows and feeds on fruits and seeds. It is vulnerable and protected by law².
  • Spinifex Hopping Mouse (Notomys alexis): A native rodent with a pointed nose, large ears, and a long tail. It has brown fur and a white belly. It hops on its hind legs and lives in burrows. It feeds on seeds and insects. It is widespread and common².

The Legal Implications of Killing Native Rodents

While some rodents are introduced and considered pests, others are native and protected by law. Killing native animals, including rodents, might be an offence under federal and state legislation. For example, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), it is illegal to kill, injure, or take a listed threatened species without a permit³. The penalties for animal cruelty offences vary in each jurisdiction, but all have provisions for jail terms and fines. Therefore, it is important to identify the rodent species before attempting to control them. If you are unsure, you should seek professional advice from a qualified pest control specialist such as Darwin Pest Solutions. They can help you with humane and legal rodent removal and prevention.

Preventive Measures:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your building for gaps, holes, and openings. Seal any potential entry points with wire mesh, steel wool, or caulk. Pay attention to doors, windows, roofs, and foundations.
2. Remove Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge or cupboard. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
3. Remove Water Sources: Fix any leaks or drips in your plumbing system. Drain any standing water in your property. Remove any sources of water that rodents can access.
4. Eliminate Clutter: Reduce clutter and debris in your property. Dispose of unwanted items and materials. Organize and store your belongings in sealed boxes or containers.
5. Trim Vegetation: Cut back any overgrown vegetation around your building. Trim branches that touch or hang over your roof. Remove any piles of leaves, grass, or wood.

Rodent Removal:

If rodents have already infested your building, consider the following 5 steps for rodent removal:

1. Identify the Rodent Species: Different rodent species have different behaviours, habits, and preferences. Identifying the rodent species can help you choose the most effective methods and products to eliminate them. If you are unsure seek professional help from Darwin Pest Solutions qualified technicians.
2. Choose a Rodent Control Method: There are various methods and products available to control rodents, such as live capture, traps, baits, and repellents. Some factors to consider when choosing a rodent control method are:
   1. Effectiveness: How well does the method or product work to kill or repel rodents?
   2. Safety: How safe is the method or product for humans, pets, and the environment?
   3. Cost: How much does the method or product cost and how often do you need to use it?
   4. Convenience: How easy is the method or product to use and maintain?
   5. Legality: Are these native animals and therefore protected.
3. Apply the Rodent Control Method: Follow the instructions and precautions for the method or product you choose. Place traps or baits near rodent activity areas, such as along walls, behind furniture, or near entry points. Check and replace them regularly. Use repellents to create a barrier around your building or to deter rodents from specific areas.
4. Dispose of Rodent Carcasses: If you use lethal methods, such as traps or baits, you need to dispose of rodent carcasses properly. Wear gloves and a mask to avoid contact and infection. Place the carcasses in a sealed plastic bag and throw them in the garbage. Disinfect the area where you found the carcasses.
5. Hire a Professional Pest Control Service: If you’re uncomfortable or unsuccessful with DIY methods, contact a professional pest control service like Darwin Pest Solutions. They specialise in rodent removal and prevention. Their trained technicians will inspect your property, identify the rodent species, and apply the most suitable methods and products to eliminate them. They will also provide you with advice and solutions to prevent future rodent infestation.

Conclusion:

Rodents are a serious pest that can affect your home or business. You need to take action to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back. You can do this by sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, eliminating clutter, trimming vegetation, and applying rodent control methods. Darwin Pest Solutions can help you with all these steps and more, using their expertise and experience in rodent removal and prevention. Contact them today to get a free quote and inspection and to find out how they can help you with your pest control needs.