The weather might be cooling, but rats and mice (rodents) are still actively breeding in Canberra. What’s more, they may be eyeing off your home as winter approaches. In this blog, we examine rats and mice in greater detail, and explain why autumn is a good time to implement a rodent pest control solution.

Where am I likely to find rodents?

Rodents are nocturnal creatures that prefer to scavenge in peace at night. During the day, rodents hide out in wall, floor and ceiling cavities, as well as behind kitchen and laundry fixtures (cupboards, sinks, etc). It’s not unusual to turn on the kitchen light at night and be confronted by a rat or mouse. Don’t panic, as they’ll usually scurry for cover – just note their exit point for the pest controller.

What harm can rodents do?

Rodents can carry serious diseases, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), salmonellosis, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, tularemia and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). It’s important not to touch or inhale rodent faeces, urine and saliva (always use gloves and a face mask when cleaning up after rodents).

In addition to carrying disease, rodents are renowned for gnawing on household materials, such as wood, wiring, vinyl, plastic, aluminium and plaster. Rodents gnaw on these materials to file down their teeth, which are always growing. Homeowners should be aware that rodents can cause house fires when they gnaw on electrical wiring (another reason to consider a rodent pest control solution).

Strategies to keep rodents at bay

As expert scavengers, rats and mice are adept at finding food and water. To reduce your chances of a rodent infestation, the following precautions should be taken.

• Keep kitchens clean and tidy. Wash your dishes prior to bedtime (unless they’re placed in a dishwasher, with the door shut).
• All internal and external rubbish bins should have a lid or cover.
• Repair large wall cracks, holes and structural defects in your home (rats and mice are highly agile).
• Don’t leave uneaten pet food outside. Feed your pets at a specific time and take any remains inside.
• Don’t put meat, fish, bread and dairy products in a compost bin or compost heap.
• Keep firewood, rubbish and general clutter away from your home.
• Repair damaged drains and sewer pipes immediately (rats have been known to enter toilets this way).
• Keep your toilet lid down.

Why is autumn a good time to bait rodents?

Rats and mice don’t enjoy Canberra’s cold winters. If you’ve got rodents currently living in your garden, they’re probably eyeing off your home for the winter ahead. Given that rodents are neophobic (fearful of new things), it can take weeks and sometimes months for a rodenticide to work – hence why autumn is the time to take action.

ACT Pest Control can assist with all your rat and mouse pest control requirements in Canberra. Don’t let disease-carrying rodents compromise your family’s health and safety this winter. For further information on rat and mouse pest control, please call ACT Pest Control on 1300 022 122.