Rats & Mice

Rodent Pest Control

Rats and mice are genetically similar to humans and therefore are often used in medical research. They carry the same diseases as humans and have been responsible for enormous losses of life. The plague, spread from rats to humans by the oriental rat flea is said to have claimed more than 25 million lives in Europe during the 14th century.

They still pose a serious threat to our health; particularly by spreading the salmonella bacteria. Tapeworm, meningitis, typhus and Weil’s disease are also spread directly or indirectly through contamination by rats and mice.        

Gnawing can damage buildings and equipment, books, upholstery and food packaging but more significantly, stripping of electrical wires can result in destructive fires.  

Rodent Control Perth

Droppings are the most likely evidence revealing the presence of rodents within a building. Baited snap traps can be strategically placed and are particularly useful when chemical control is undesirable. Smokers should wear gloves when handling attractant baits as rodents are strongly repelled by the smell of nicotine. 

Poison baits are more commonly used and there are many brands available for purchase. Baiting for rats can be more difficult due their neophobic nature and habit of frequenting inaccessible areas. The notion that rats and mice seek water after consuming poison baits is a myth; they are likely to die within their normal range of activity.

Reducing the availability of food and rodent proofing entry points will be helpful. 

Rodent Treatments

Our pest control technicians use a range of eradication treatment of rodents which include poison baits and traps to help control the problem of rodents.

Rodent Identification

There are three important pest rodent species found throughout Australia. All pose a significant health risk.  

House mouse

• Sometimes incorrectly referred to as the field mouse.
• It has a slender body, fine grey to brown fur, pointed nose, large ears, tail about as long as the body  and weighs about 20g.
• It reaches sexual maturity in about 6 weeks and can produce 6-10 litters of 5-6 young per year.
• It burrows outdoors but within buildings will nest in roofs and wall voids or any other secluded location such as cupboards or in furniture.
• They have little need of free water.
• Ranges up to 10 metres.

Roof rat

• Also referred to as the black rat and ship rat.
• It has a slender body, fine grey, brown or black fur, pointed nose, large ears, and tail longer than its body and weighs about 200g.
• It reaches sexual maturity in 3-4 months and can produce 4-5 litters of 6-8 young per year.
• Less likely to burrow than Norway rats
• Prefers the upper parts of buildings and is an excellent climber able to cross from adjoining buildings or to ships via cables.
• If they have access to a diet of fruits and vegetables they have little need of free water.
• Ranges up to 500 metres

Norway rat

• Also referred to as the brown rat, sewer rat and water rat.
• It has a heavy-set body, course red – brown fur, blunt nose, small ears, and tail shorter than its body and weighs about 450g.
• It reaches sexual maturity in 3 – 4 months and can produce 5-6 litters of 8-10 young per year.
• It burrows and swims well.
• Likes sewers but will nest in any location that provides shelter and food.
• Has a greater need of free water than other species.
• Ranges up to 500 metres.

Rat & Mice Facts

Rats and mice are mammals belonging to the order Rodentia. (From Latin - Gnaw Tooth)  Their continually growing incisor teeth are kept short by habitual gnawing.

They have lived along side humans throughout history and have become well adapted to man-made environments.  They are more likely to enter our buildings during cooler weather or when other food sources are reduced. They will make use of insulation, fabrics, paper or leaf-litter to make their nests in roofs, wall voids or other secluded areas.  

They are omnivorous and very adaptable in their diet. Both rats and mice have little need of free water and depending on their diet; mice in particular may obtain all the water they need from their food.

Rats are neophobic (frightened of new things or changes to their environment) but mice are quite adventurous and will readily approach new sources of food.  Both however are generally creatures of habit and prefer to travel back and forth along safe and familiar paths. They are agile climbers and the Norway rat is a skilful swimmer.  They have keen senses of touch, taste, hearing and smell but relatively poor sight; a factor of their nocturnal existence.