Rodent Control

Successful rodent control needs to follow a process, starting with a thorough inspection. Understanding the behaviour of rats and mice is essential in  designing and implementing a rodent control program. But preventing recurring rodent problems requires to both remove food sources attracting the rodents and exclude rodents from the building.

Dr Bobby Corrigan, a globally recognised rodentologist, shares his 6 Steps towards great rodent control.

The AEPMA Code of Best Practice for Rodent Management is also a useful reference document.

Inspecting for rodents

As with any pest problem, a thorough inspection is required when investigating a rodent problem. Understanding which rodent species is present, where they are nesting, how they are entering the building and an estimate of numbers are essential information to design a suitable rodent control program. Check out our inspection tips for rodent control.

Understanding rats and mice

The three species of pest rodent the roof rat, brown rat and house mouse all have different behaviours which pest managers need to be aware of. Even understanding basic anatomy can be useful (Rat anatomy). Of particular use in inspections is understanding what the different rodent droppings look like.

More information on rodents.

Rodent Proofing

With rodents able to squeeze through small gaps, rodent proofing a building can be a challenge. Keep the perimeter of the building clear of vegetation is a great start, as rodents don’t like to cross open spaces. Trimming back any branches that overhang the roof is important to prevent easy access for roof rats. Then it’s necessary to seal up all the small gaps that rodents can squeeze through. This article on rodent proofing in commercial accounts, provides a good overview as to what is required.

Rodent diseases and parasites

It’s important not to forget the reason why rodent control is important – they carry a range of parasites and can spread disease. Perhaps the most famous disease associated with rodents is the plague or black death, which is cause by a bacteria spread from a flea that lives on rats. More commonly in residential situations a rodent infestation can lead to problems with rat mites. Other diseases such as Leptospirosis can be spread through rodent urine and eating contaminated food. Another potential route in picking up diseases associated with rodents is when cleaning up after a rodent infestation.

Cleaning up after rodents

Disposing of dead rodents should always be carried out when wearing gloves and the body should be placed in a bag and sealed before placing in the bin. However, one of the biggest issues in rodent control is cleaning up after a rodent infestation – when sweeping up rodent droppings there is a significant risk in inhaling dust which carries bacteria which can lead to infection. Follow these tips on cleaning up after rodents.

More information on rodent control products…

Articles on rat bait and mouse bait, and mouse traps and rat traps and other rodent research.