If you think you might have rodents in your home, there are clear signs to look for:
Droppings: You might find small, dark droppings in places like your kitchen, cupboards, or corners of rooms.
Gnaw Marks: Rodents like to chew. Look for marks on food packets, wires, or even on wooden items.
Noises: At night, when it’s quiet, you might hear scratching sounds in the walls, ceilings, or under the floor. These sounds can be rodents moving around.
Footprints: In dusty areas, like a garage or attic, you might see tiny footprints or tail marks left by rodents.
Smell: Sometimes, there’s a musty smell in areas where rodents are present.
Nests: Rodents make nests using soft materials. You might find these nests in hidden areas like behind appliances or in wall gaps.
If you notice any of these signs in your Coffs Harbour home, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control expert. Our team can check and help you get rid of any rodents.
Rodents, like rats and mice, can bring health problems to people. Here are some of the health risks they can cause:
Diseases: Rodents can spread diseases. People can get sick if they touch rodent droppings or urine, or if they get bitten by a rodent.
Food Poisoning: If rodents touch food in your home, they can leave germs. People can get food poisoning if they eat this food.
Allergies: Some people are allergic to rodents. They can get sneezing, itching, or even breathing problems if there are rodents in their home.
Bites: Sometimes, rodents might bite people, especially if they feel trapped. These bites can get infected.
Dangerous Pests: Rodents can bring other pests like fleas, ticks, and mites into a home. These pests can also cause health problems.
If you think there are rodents in your Coffs Harbour home, it’s important to act fast. Getting help from a pest control expert can keep your home safe and healthy.
To keep rodents away from your property, follow these steps:
Seal Holes: Check your home for small holes or gaps, especially near doors, windows, and roofs. Use strong materials to close these holes, so rodents can’t get through.
Keep Food Away: Store food in sealed containers. Don’t leave food out, and clean up crumbs or spills quickly. This makes sure rodents don’t have anything to eat.
Manage Waste: Always close rubbish bins tightly. Don’t let rubbish sit for too long. This stops rodents from finding food in your trash.
Clean Outside: Keep gardens and yards tidy. Remove piles of wood, leaves, or other things rodents might hide in.
Fix Water Leaks: Rodents need water too. Fix any leaks in your home, so they can’t find water to drink.
Pets: If you have pets, don’t leave their food out. Store it in closed containers.
If you do these things and still see signs of rodents, it’s a good idea to get help. Our team in Coffs Harbour can check your home and give more advice to keep it rodent-free.
Many people buy rodent traps and baits from stores to try and get rid of rats or mice in their homes. These products can work in some cases, but there are things to consider:
Type of Trap: Some traps catch and hold the rodent without hurting it, while others kill the rodent. You need to choose the right kind for your problem.
Safety: If you have children or pets, some traps or baits can be dangerous. Always read the label and use them safely.
Placement: For traps or baits to work well, they need to be in the right spot. Rodents often move along walls, so that’s a good place to start.
Bigger Problems: If you have many rodents, store-bought products might not be enough. They can help with a few rats or mice, but not a big problem.
Advice: If you’re not sure, it’s always good to ask for help. Our team in Coffs Harbour knows a lot about rodents and can give advice on the best way to get rid of them.
In short, while store products can help, sometimes you need expert help to make sure rodents are gone for good.
Pest control experts have special ways to get rid of rodents from homes and businesses. Here’s how they do it:
Check the Area: First, they look around the property to find where the rodents are living and moving. This helps them know where to focus.
Use Strong Baits and Traps: Professionals use special baits and traps that are stronger than what you can buy in stores. These work better to catch and remove rodents.
Seal Entry Points: Experts find and close places where rodents get in, like small holes or gaps in walls, doors, or roofs. This stops more rodents from coming inside.
Clean Up: Rodents leave behind droppings and mess. Professionals clean this up, so your home is safe and healthy.
Advice for the Future: After they finish, they give tips on how to keep rodents away. This might include things like storing food properly or fixing water leaks.
If you think you have a rodent problem in Coffs Harbour, it’s a good idea to call a pest control expert. They have the tools and knowledge to make sure rodents are gone and stay gone.
(Mus musculus)
The house mouse is one of the most widespread rodent species globally and is commonly found in urban and rural areas of NSW. They can cause significant damage to crops and stored food and are also carriers of various diseases.
(Rattus rattus)
Also known as the roof rat or ship rat, the black rat is commonly found in urban areas, particularly in roofs and attics. They are agile climbers and are known to spread various diseases.
(Rattus norvegicus)
Often referred to as the sewer rat or Norway rat, the brown rat is larger than the black rat. They are common in urban areas, particularly around docks, sewers, and basements.
(Rattus villosissimus)
This rodent is native to Australia and is usually found in the arid regions. However, it can occasionally erupt in large numbers and migrate to other areas, including parts of NSW, especially after significant rainfall.
(Rattus lutreolus)
Native to eastern Australia, the swamp rat is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and marshy areas of NSW. They are more of an environmental concern than a household pest.