Rodent Pest Control

Common Rodent Questions

1. Where do rodents live?

   Rodents thrive in a variety of areas, particularly in urban environments. In residential properties they live in wall cavities, cupboards, boxes, furniture and burrows in gardens. Commercial properties are always a target especially where there is waste and open pastures. They can affect any type of business even if its clean and tidy as the conditions inside and outside the premises play an important role.

2. When are rodents active?

   Rodents are nocturnal animals, so they are most active between dusk and dawn. They don’t like bright lights. Seeing them during the day can be a sign of a large infestation, as they are competing for food. A mouse can slip through a hole the size of a pencil; or gnaw an opening until it is big enough. They are athletic creatures! A mouse can jump 13 inches high, plus run along wires, cables and ropes. Able to scale rough and vertical surfaces, they are excellent jumpers, swimmers and climbers.

3. Why are rodents considered pests?

   Rodents are a tough, hardy groups of animals. Once they infiltrate your property, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of. It’s crucial to get rid of rodents before they spread disease, soil food or damage your property. A rodent can also be dangerous outdoors in your backyard, as they may infect pets and children. Inside, they can ruin insulation, chew through electrical cables and cause fire hazards. They can contaminate foods with bacteria like salmonella and spread many diseases. Diseases include leptospirosis, rickettsial diseases, typhus and trichinosis.

4. What are the key signs of rodent activity?

   Watch out for rodent droppings. When fresh, these are malleable and shiny. After 2-3 days, they become hard and lose their sheen. Mouse dropping are smaller (3-6mm) and pointy, while rat droppings are blunt and can measure up to 12mm. Rodents may also leave a greasy residue on surfaces, especially with a large infestation. Other signs include rodent tunnels, squeaking and gnawing at night, and bite marks on wood, cables and metal. Gnawing helps sharpen and file their ever-growing incisors

5. How do I dispose of a dead rodent?

   During the extermination process, you may need to dispose of a dead rodent. Make sure you keep pets away, as rodents carry germs and diseases, and may also have been poisoned. Empty traps with rubber gloves, wrap them in newspaper and dispose of them in the trash. Don’t bury them as they could be dug up at a later date by a pet or wild animal. If you suspect that there is a dead rodent stuck in an inaccessible wall cavity, it’s a waiting game. It needs about two weeks to dry out and start decomposing, after which the smell will be gone. Odour reducing products are available if it is unbearable.