Mice ...
Three species of pest rodent are found in Australia ... the Norway rat, the roof rat and common house mice.
These rodents are forced into homes and buildings during the winter months seeking warmth, during and after high rainfall and in very dry conditions.
Our man-made structures provide food and ideal breeding conditions for rodents.
Rats and mice cause damage and disease.
Rats and mice are more than just a nuisance.
At a minimum they cause damage to furniture and timber in the home. More alarming is their capacity to trigger electrical fires by gnawing on cables and wires or transfer disease by contaminating food, food preparation areas and utensils through contact with their fur, urine and droppings.
Rodents act as carriers for disease.
These include Salmonella food poisoning, rat-bite fever - bacterial infection, trichinosis worms, and murine typhus fever.
Female rodents have between 4 and 10 litters per year.
Each litter consists of 5-8 individuals (depending on the species). This, combined with their exceptionally brief life cycle (as short as 40 and 45 days from birth to sexual maturity), means infestations can increase rapidly if not detected early. Rats and mice often nest in roof and wall cavities or burrows close to the building.
Because rats and mice are most active at night, detection can initially be difficult.
The easiest way detect the presence of rodents is evidence of droppings and urine, signs of damage from gnawing, locating nests - usually of paper/rags, and identifying sounds of their activity at night. Once rodent activity is detected, the approach to treatment is based on the species present and local conditions.
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Management & Control ...
Preventative Measures - Rodent Infestations
You can take several precautions to prevent rodents from entering your home:
- Be sure all screens, doors and windows fit tightly and that there are no gaps. Check the space under the door as well. Mice can enter even the smallest hole.
- Ensure all food and paper materials are stored in tightly sealed containers.
- Keep shrubbery and vegetation trimmed away from the building to remove natural pathways into your premises and ensure all litter, waste foods and garden rubbish are disposed of immediately. These provide shelter and food for rodents.
- Seal up any holes on the outside of the building that may allow rodents to enter. This includes points where water, electricity, air conditioning and drainpipes enter your home or building.
Your NQCCS office can offer more advice on avoiding rodent infestations and also help identify and treat any unwanted guests you may encounter.
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