There are several different species of rodents that commonly invade homes and business properties in Australia. Notoriously known to be carriers of disease, contaminating homes and food with their urine and faeces,rodent infestation can cause massive problems and bad reputations for food handling premises and restaurants. There are 3 main species which are cause of rodent problems in Australia.
- Norway Rat – with an adult rodent weighing around 0.5 kilos, having a stocky body and a blunt nose. Brown or reddish-grey colouring, possibly black coarse fur on top with a
lighter grey underbelly. Ears are small and close-set and they have a scaly tail. - Roof Rat – a more slimline body having a tail almost as long as head and body combined.
- House mouse – small with usually a brownish, grey colour body, possibly with white feet and a pointy nose, protruding black eyes and large almost hairless ears.
Signs of rodent infestations
Many householders first notice the presence of rodents by discovering urine stains or droppings, which are black and like putty. Rodents gnaw to obtain food or to gain entrance to buildings and to keep their teeth sharp and short. Look out for gnaw marks on beams, woodwork and even metal wires. You may hear rodent sounds during the night, or gnawing and scratching as they move around.
How to get rid of rodents
Any successful rodent removal programme will include both trapping and baiting. These procedures should be carried out in conjunction with removing their hiding places and a general clean-up of the areas. Homeowners can tackle the initial problems, using over the counter products and home remedies, but professional rodent experts will use poisons and efficient trapping devices to exterminate these pests. Ensure that traps and rat poisons are kept well away from pets and children, as they contain toxic chemicals that can harm if consumed.
For rat pest control services and to know more about us, give business owner Daniel McNaughton a call or email.