RODENT CONTROL

The first clue of a rodent infestation is finding their droppings. Droppings may be found anywhere, however they are most commonly found in kitchen cupboards, drawers and pantries (where there is food!). Other key signs of a rodent infestation includes:

• Sounds such as bumping, squeaking, gnawing sounds, typically during the evening and at night.
• Damage to food packaging & disappearance of food as a result of gnawing to get to the food and then the food having been taken away to their safe harbourage for consumption.
• Rodent urine has a distinct, musty smell in poorly ventilated areas. Long-term rodent infestations also create a distinct odour.
• Gnaw marks on furniture, doorways, cables, soap and food containers, amongst many other materials, is indicative of rodent activity, as gnawing is required to keep their incisor teeth down.
• Footprint and tail mark tracks on dust covered surfaces, such as in roof voids and under houses.
• Grease markings caused by continual contact of rodent fur along runways such as walls or entry points.
• Burrows can be found along walls or fences, under buildings and decking, stored items and vegetation, for example.
• You may see them scurrying under furniture or along a wall.

At Defender Pest Control Specialists, our rodent treatment consists of a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and to ensure the noises you are hearing are not Possums, a native protected animal. This includes an inspection of the ceiling cavity, subfloor (if applicable), internally and around the perimeter of the premise.

Our Technician will use a range of treatment methods to target the infestation:

• Recommendations to better proof the premise from rodent access. If you are currently experiencing a rodent issue DO NOT proof the household for at least 3 weeks post treatment - you do not want to trap a rodent in the house, ceiling or subfloor as they can cause ongoing damage or discomfort to the occupants.
• Initiate a rodent baiting program utilising a range of single feed products. Multiple types of baits are utilised in each baiting program to ensure there is no bait avoidance. Baits vary from soft to hard, with differing active ingredients and bases, which appeals to different rodent tastes and makes the overall treatment more palatable - we want the rats and mice to consume the baits and we offer a buffet of single feed baits to gain control.
• Alternatively, where appropriate, a liquid bait or rodenticide dust can also be used.
• Baits are contained within bait boxes suitable for use around children and pets. These units and their placement ensures only targeted pests have access to the baits.

Large infestations may require a follow up treatment. These are typically conducted 1-2 weeks after the initial treatment to check bait consumption.

There are many actions homeowners can take to prevent a rodent infestation in their home. The most effective include:

• Proofing the home by installing door seals on the bottom of exterior doors and garages, sealing external cracks and holes, especially where utilities and pipes enter into the property.
• Removal of vegetation, wood piles, and stored goods from around the perimeter of the household. Rodents do not like being out in the open, long grass and stored goods provide great cover for them to move around freely.
• Reducing any bridging opportunities from the ground to above the roof line, e.g. trees which overhang the roof.
• Storing food in airtight containers and disposing of garbage regularly. These measures are also effective in reducing and preventing ant and cockroach infestations, and should be undertaken as a matter of good domestic hygiene.