Reducing Rodenticide Use in Commercial Accounts
The strategic use of non-toxic baits alongside with mechanical traps is a smart way to use smaller amounts of rodenticide baits.
March 1, 2021
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.
Six Steps Towards Great Rodent Control
New York City rodentologist Bobby Corrigan shares six useful strategies for achieving the best results in rodent control work.
March 1, 2021
LOCK THEM UP OR LOSE THEM
Nick Jones, Technical Services Representative from Bell Laboratories reminds us why rodent bait stations have to be locked – not just on most jobs, but every job.
December 1, 2020
Be Proactive and Stay Ahead of Rodent Infestations
Eliminating food sources and rodent entry points are a vital first step in preventing rodent problems in commercial accounts.
September 1, 2020
RODENTS ON THE RISE DURING PANDEMIC
Rodent numbers and rat behaviours have changed during the COVID shutdowns, meaning pest managers have had to take a modified approach to rodent control.
July 1, 2020
BE RODENT READY AND CLAIM FREE IN 2020
Keeping accurate records and ensuring work is carried out thoroughly are just two ways avoid being exposed to claims when it comes to rodent jobs.
May 1, 2020
QUICK FIX FOR RODENTS
Steve Broadbent, Regional Director of Ensystex, takes a look at Muskil Soft Bait and shares an example of it being used at a particularly challenging commercial site.
May 1, 2020
KEEPING RODENTS OUT OF BUILDINGS
The Weepa Protector Weep Hole Screen gives pest managers the means to thoroughly secure their clients’ buildings against rodent entry.
May 1, 2020
Pulse Baiting: The Economic Way to Keeps Rats at Bay
Using the pulse baiting technique gives pest managers the option to deliver rodent control using fewer blocks of bait.
November 1, 2019
A MODERN APPROACH TO RODENT MANAGEMENT
Peter McCarthy, Director of Pest IT, outlines the shift in attitude towards rodent management and offers solutions for device-driven, non-chemical rodent control.
November 1, 2019
Rodenthor IPM Square Launches in Australia
A new smart rodent-monitoring system has entered the Australian market, in the form of Rodenthor IPM Square from Ensystex.
September 1, 2019
Liphatech: A Pioneer in the Field of Rodenticides
In this feature, we turn the spotlight onto some of the key companies within our industry. In this edition, we look at global rodenticide manufacturer Liphatech.
July 1, 2019
