RODENTS ARRIVE EARLY IN THE RIVERINA

With the cooler weather now upon us, it’s that time of the year again when those pesky rats and mice start to seek out warmer environments.

In the past few weeks we have attended calls from Wagga Wagga, Mt Austin, Forest Hill, Glenfield Park, Kooringal, Turvey Park and Bourkelands. Further afield we’ve also travelled to Gundagai, Tarcutta, Narrandera, Temora, Albury and West Wyalong responding to businesses and households whose premises are being invaded by these disease ridden vermin.

Rodent Characteristics

Rodents are not only looking for warmth, but also readily available food sources such as pet food, garden vegetation, garbage scraps etc as they move away from their natural habitats in the surrounding farm and bushlands and closer to the residential populations. Rodents can also establish themselves at any home, despite how clean the home may be – they need food, water and shelter just like us.

Do I have a rodent problem?

Some simple tell tale signs of rodent infestation to look for around your property:

Sounds – Scratching and shuffling noises in the roof.
Droppings – Found in and around the building.
Tracks – Run tracks or rub marks, (dark greasy marks), along walls or plumbing pipes.
Gnawing – Damage to food packets in the pantry. Additional indicators would be holes in skirting boards or conduits, cables being stripped of insulation or cardboard/paper products being chewed.
Visual sightings – Sighting of rodents scurrying around and sighting of rodents nesting material in stored boxes.
Excitement of your family pet – If your dog or cat is acting strangely, for example excessive barking in a particular area of your home, they might be trying to tell you something.
Sensors / Alarms – being triggered, particularly within 1 or 2 specific areas of the premises, can be an indicator of rodent activity within an area.

Health Issues and problems

Rats are well known for spreading diseases, here are some of the most well known:

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the home caused by Rodent droppings.
Salmonellosis – caused by infection with bacteria called Salmonella.
Typhoid – a fever disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella.
Hygiene – food contamination risk, stock and product loss.

How to avoid rodent infestations

There are things you can to discourage these pests such as:

– Removing those obvious food sources such as pet feeding bowls

– Ensuring that garbage bags are tightly sealed and stored inside bins and covered

– Keeping down vegetation, particularly close to buildings

– Look for obvious entry points into premises (gaps under doors for example) and fixing them

– Undertake a preventative baiting programme with a reputable pest control company.

Don’t forget to check out our current Winter Specials to help protect your property and your family this season.

How to treat rodent problems

When all else fails and pest control measures need to be implemented, Amalgamated Pest Control technicians will look at all the available options. The two most effective methods of control of rats and mice are:

Rodent Trapping: Using traps to physically trap and remove rodents.
Chemical Control: Includes a wide range of baiting techniques, most commonly bait blocks used in Tamper Resistant Rodent Stations. These baits are secured inside the station and cannot be removed, making them pet and child friendly. Where needed, tracking powders, gels and other baits may be used as required.

Still Concerned?

If you believe or suspect that you have rats or mice, please contact Amalgamated Pest Control Riverina for further advice.