Projects
Controlling Rats and Mice
Rats and mice cause major damage to agricultural crops by eating newly-sown seeds, young plants and seed heads on grain crops. In the home garden they can cause similar damage and have also been found to eat starchy plant parts such as bulbs or swollen roots.
Rats and mice can cause problems indoors as well. They are most likely to move inside the home, looking for both food and shelter, when the weather becomes cooler and during and after high rainfall.
They can cause damage by chewing electrical wiring, building materials, contaminate food and transmit disease. In commercial premises, rodents can be a problem all year round, and in certain circumstances can reach plague proportions in rural areas.
Rats and mice are ecologically damaging because they compete with many native species for food and habitat, and eat birds’ eggs and young lizards.
A step by step, strategic approach is the best way to achieve an effective solution to a rodent problem.
1. Inspect your home to determine the cause of the problem.
- Look for evidence of rodents, such as droppings, tracks, burrows, odors, sounds, rub marks, nests, rodent hairs, dead rodents, run ways, gnawing, and urine stains.
- The presence of rat and mouse feces is one of the best indications of a rodent problem.
- Since rats and mice generally occupy only a limited area, they may use the same pathways over and over again. The natural oils and dirt on their bodies, can leave dark smears or rub marks when rubbing against objects.
Outdoors
- Walk around your home and garden. Look for conditions which would attract rodents , such as overgrown weeds and garbage bins without secure-fitting lids, openings around pipes, piles of wood or debris on the ground, pet food, bird feeders, compost bins .
Indoors
- Check entrances to your home, and where water and shelter are readily available.
- In the kitchen, look in the spaces beneath the sink cabinet, under the fridge and stove. With water available in the bathroom, it can be an appealing place for rodents.
- Check that your garage doors seal properly . If other rooms in the house contain lots clutter and food items , it too may be a source of attraction for rodents.
- Carefully inspect your roof for signs of rodent activity.
2. Have a baiting strategy
The above guide (click on the link) for recommended bait placement areas for RATSAK. Refer to back of pack for more information and How to Use instructions.
- With the best control and prevention strategy to safeguard your home, Ratsak has a solution to cover all of your needs.
- Ratsak products are available in various formats ( wax blocks, throw packs, bait stations), each especially designed to cater for the different areas of your home.
- Use the various product formats together as part of a baiting strategy, to enable more effective control.
- Place products in inconspicuous locations to prevent contact by children and pets.
3. Prevention
Reduce favourable conditions which would encourage rodents:
Outdoors
- Eliminate weeds , over grown vegetation, piles of wood.
- Ensure garbage bins have tight fitting lids and are cleaned periodically.
- Eliminate where practical bird baths, standing water, as well as other water sources.
- Seal breaks or openings in the house, as rats and mice are able to squeeze through the smallest of holes.
Indoors
- Reduce the availability of food and water.
- Store food in sealed containers
- Dispose of garbage regularly
- Ensure compost bins are maintained properly and located away from the house
- Fix leaky water pipes and dripping faucets
- Minimise openings around doors and windows
