RODENT CONTROL IN MELBOURNE
Diamond Valley Termite and Pest Control offer rodent control services to homes and businesses throughout Melbourne including Doreen, Eltham, Greensborough, Epping, Diamond Creek, Doncaster, Hurstbridge & Whittlesea.
A rat or mouse infestation in your home is not just an invasion, there is also the very real possibility of disease spreading to you and your family. If you discover rodents in your home it is important that you act immediately to prevent the following risks:
- Rodents are a disease carrier, some of which can be fatal to humans
- Rodents leave their droppings all over your home or business
- Using rat poison and baits in your home can cause harm to pets and small children
- Rodents breed quickly and before long can take over your home or business
A lot of time can be spent setting up your own traps or putting out your own baits, this is not only time consuming and expensive but generally not effective in eradicating rodents permanently.
What to do if you think you have rodents
If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, contact Diamond Valley Termite and Pest Control to inspect and treat the pest problem. We will provide recommendations which will help you keep your home rodent free.
How to tell if you have rodents
Here are some tell-tale signs or key indicators of a rodent infestation:
Droppings
Usually, the first clue of a rodent infestation is their droppings, you may find these anywhere but most of our clients first find these in the pantry or kitchen cupboards and drawers. Mouse droppings are smooth with pointed ends, and are 3-5 mm long. Rat droppings are shiny black and depending on the species will be from 12mm to 18mm long.
Sounds
While you may not be able to see them, you can probably hear rodents moving throughout your roof void, wall cavities, and subfloor areas or even under the kick panelling of your cupboards. This can also cause some pets to get excited and claw at a particular area.
Damaged Food Packaging
Rodents will gnaw their way through packaging to get to food products which you may see on products in your pantry and cupboards.
Odours
You can smell rodent urine or a musky odour in some poorly ventilated areas such as your pantry and cupboards where a rodent infestation is present.
Sighting
You will normally be sitting still with little movement around and you may see them scurrying along a wall or from under your furniture.
Gnawing
Rodents have to gnaw continuously to keep their teeth down and under control. You may see evidence of this on you walls and ceilings but this also occurs in areas you cannot see such as water pipes, ducting for you heater and air-conditioning, and electrical cables and conduits. Every year homes are water damaged and fires are caused by rodent infestation.
Runways and Grease marks
Greasy rub marks are caused by rodents repeatedly rubbing their oily fur along runways e.g. walls or entrance points. Rats are neophobic (scared of new things) so they will follow the same runway throughout their territory.
Tracks
Rodent tracks can be seen in areas where there is a layer of dust this can be under the house, in the roof or inside the home, on a dusty surface or underneath furniture. Often, rodent tails also leave a swing mark in the house.
Burrows
Burrows can be found along walls, or fences, under buildings and deckings, within stored items, vegetation, woodpiles or concrete slabs.
Rodent Prevention Tips
There are many ways homeowners can pro-actively prevent and get rid of rodent infestations in their homes:
- Install door seals on the bottom of exterior doors.
- Install screens to vents and chimneys.
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
Please feel free to contact us today to arrange a free quote or even just have a chat about your issue, we may be able to offer some helpful advice over the phone or by email.