Rat & Mice control in Sydney

Rat and Mice control in Sydney

 

Found a rat or mouse in your house?

 

 

Rat and Mice Pest Control Sydney  – Facts, Identification & Control

Scientific Name: Order Rodentia

What Is a Rodent?

A rodent is a term that is used to group nuisance pests such as rats and mice which can contaminate food, damage property and spread disease.

The rodents that most often come into conflict with people both in residential and commercial properties are:

Rats

By instinct are wary of things that are new to their environment, which can include rat control measures such as traps and bait.

They tend to live in roof cavities, under the house, inside wall voids, external burrows, under concrete and porches and in other hard-to-reach places.

Disease

Rats can harbour and transmit several serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home.

Mice

Invade your home seeking food, water and warmth and each mouse can contaminate much more food than it eats.

Further Reading

What Do Rodents Look Like?

Rodents are warm-blooded mammals that can be found throughout the world. They have oversized front teeth for gnawing which are adapted for chewing.

Rodents chew on a variety of items available to them and cause great damage in and around homes.

Where Do Rodents Live?

Rodents thrive across the world in almost any habitat with access to food and water. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to keep out of a home. Rats and mice only require a small hole to gain access to your home or business

What Damage Can Rodents do?

Rats

  • Cause damage to wiring
  • Can chew through floor joists and walls
  • Cause damage to insulation
  • Because rats burrow they can undermine hill sides & retaining walls

Mice

  • Unsanitary
  • Multiply quickly
  • Cause significant damage to your home
  • Contaminate food and other materials
  • Chewing mouth parts
  • Implicated in causing house fires

Are Rodents Cause for Concern?

 

Rodents & Disease

In addition to being tough to control, rodents can carry diseases which can transfer to food with waste, fur, and saliva, as previously mentioned mice can contaminate about 10 times the amount of food they eat.

Rats & mice are also hosts for fleas, which can spread diseases such as Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus.

This illness mostly affects those with weakened immune systems and may result in headaches, fever, and meningitis. It can also cause complications during pregnancy.

What diseases can be transmitted by rodents?

 

There are several diseases which can be transmitted via rodents such as:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM)
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

Fortunately, many of these diseases that are mentioned above do not occur here in Australia but since overseas travel is so easy & many of our citizens do travel overseas where these diseases can be a problem.

Diseases Spread by Droppings

 

When it comes to droppings it is important that you remove them as soon as possible using gloves and discard of any materials used to collect, seal the droppings in a zip lock bag and dispose of immediately as there is a risk that diseases can be spread when dust in your home is contaminated by a rodent’s urine or droppings.

We all know dust flies and there is a risk that urine or faecal contaminated dust can become air borne throughout your house.

The diseases that are of concern when it comes to rodent droppings are:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • Tularemia

We strongly advice that if you come across a pest rat or mouse that you do not physically hand it as they are equipped with large teeth and can transmit a variety of bacteria, viruses and diseases through their saliva, faeces and urine.

If you find a rodent within your home or business, it is best to contact a pest management professional for removal and identification. The presence of one rodent within a home or business could signal an infestation.

Life Cycle of Rats & Mice

 

Rodents tend to be rapid breeders. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction.

A single mouse can deliver 8 litters a year and each litter can contain between 4-7 pups per litter, this accounts to an increase of 32-56 pups per year per female mouse!

A single rat can deliver 4-7 litters a year and each litter can contain between 8-12 pups per litter, this accounts to an increase of 32-84 pups per year per female rat!

Seeing these figures, you can clearly see that a mouse or rat infestation can become from bad to worse very quickly.

Do rats & mice hibernate?

 

Unlike most animal’s rats and mice do not hibernate during the winter months and will actively seek warmth and quickly begin reproducing.

Rats and mice usually more of an issue during the winter months, as the weather cools and the normal food source for the rats & mice become limited.

They enter your home, looking for warmth and food.

However, in saying this, we have noticed a change in the behaviour and breeding of rats and mice. Rats & mice seem to be more of an issue all year round.

This has mainly pinned to the increase in construction in and around Sydney.

What Can I Do to Prevent Rodent Infestations?

 

Prevention methods should be implemented to maintain a rodent-free home. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and small populations become full-blown infestations in very little time.

Food storage

  • Keep any possible food sources away from rodents.
  • Seal garbage  & goods such as grains and cereals in metal or glass containers to prevent contamination.
  • Store Fruits and vegetables properly
  • Waste in sinks or on counters can invite rodents

Cardboard

Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests.

Seal entrance points

Due to the fat that rodents are able to squeeze their bodies into small holes. Close all holes to prevent entry and re-entry of rodents.

Contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Rodents are some of the most adaptable creatures on the planet and can be extremely difficult to exterminate.

Damage

 

Rat & mice infestations cause considerable damage to infested buildings and agriculture.

Disease

 

Rodents are carriers of many diseases and are a health hazard to humans.

Reproduction

 

Rodent populations grow quickly and steadily.

To protect your home, garden and health from existing rodent infestations, professional, customised solutions are often necessary.

Problems with Do it yourself

Homeowners may seek DIY treatment solutions to their rodent problems. Many of the suggestions online are not capable of addressing full-blown rodent infestations.

Further Reading:

List of Rodents in Australia

Rats

House Mouse

Mouse Plagues in Australia

 

Contact a Professional

Pest Control Today SydneyIt is recommended that anyone experiencing a rodent infestation contact a pest control professional to arrange for a consultation.

If you have an issue with rats or mice in Sydney click to call Pest Control Today or get in contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Rat and Mice Pest Control Sydney

What is a physical termite barrier?


What is a physical termite barrier?

 

Need Help?

 

 

A Physical Termite Barrier is installed as a termite and moisture barrier under or around the perimeter of the slab and around pipe penetrations.

The barrier prevents subterranean termites from entering your property.

A physical termite barrier offers long-lasting protection for your property, without the need to continually top it up with additional chemicals.

Pest Control Today has 2 options for physical termite barriers, HomeGuard and term-Seal.

Information about these products:

HomeGuard

 

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney - HomeGuard Termite Protection

Our termite protection methods are in accordance to Australian Standard AS 3660.1 – 2000 Termite Management New Building Work & AS 3660.2 – 2000 Termite Management in and Around Existing Buildings.

“The HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System is a range of building products that are homogenously impregnated with Bifenthrin, a leading termiticide.

The sheeting products are a patented single layer, extruded polymer that provides termite protection for the design life of the building when installed according to the label.

The HomeGuard Precision Termite Management System combines the benefits of both physical and chemical protection to deter termites from gaining concealed access to a building.”

What are the benefits of using HomeGuard?

 

  • Effective – Scientifically proven to block, repel and kill subterranean termites
  • Proven – Registered with the APVMA, BCA and the SGBC.
  • Convenient – Easy to install during construction, keeping the building on time and on budget.
  • Flexible – A ‘one stop’ range of products that can be adapted to suit all structural situations.
  • Enduring – Designed to last for the design life of the building or 50 years, whichever is first.
  • Eco-Friendly Non-scheduled, non-hazardous, non-toxic and non-invasive so it’s safe for on-site workers and occupants alike

What is a physical termite barrier?

Term-Seal

 

Pre Construction Termite Control Sydney TERM-seal Termite Management

“TERM-seal Termite Management Systems provide superior protection against Termites, and moisture protection.

Bifenthrin is an active control agent which repels and kills Termites but is safe for humans, animals and the environment when installed.

Our unique patented technology incorporates this control agent in the manufacturing process of our products, which results in products with all the benefits of chemical protection without any residual, environmental or dermatological impact.

Our products have been rigorously tested by independent Australian bodies, are CodeMark certified, comply with all Australian state and territory standards, are APVMA registered and have been awarded the future friendly stamp under Cert-Mark certification.”

What are the benefits of using Term-seal?

 

  • Integration and flexibility for all construction methods
  • Combined Termite / moisture protection
  • One installation, no COSTLY re-treatments
  • Complies with standard AS3660.1.2000
  • Fully compliant with standard A.S./N.Z.S.4347.6 Damp-Coursing
  • CodeMark Certified & APVMA registered
  • No chemical residue: safe for your employees, your client and the environment
  • Australian owned, designed and manufactured
  • Installed nationally by trained accredited installers

What is a physical termite barrier?

Further Reading

Pre Construction Termite Treatments

Termite Treatments

Termite Inspections

Pre Construction Termite Protection Sydney


 

Bed Bug Pest Control SydneyWe would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

What is a physical termite barrier

Bedbugs in the workplace

Commercial Bed bug treatments Sydney

Commercial Bed Bug treatments Sydney

 

Have you found bedbugs in your workplace?

 

Commercial Bed bug treatments Sydney – Bedbug infestations are usually associated with premises where people sleep such as residential homes, units, university dorms, hotels etc.

Bedbug infestations can be found in non-residential sites including workplaces.

The information that follows are precautions to help protect the transportation of bedbugs from home to the workplace.

Are bedbugs an increasing problem in office buildings in Sydney?

 

In residential settings bed bugs can easily access sleeping areas however in the workplace there are no sleeping and resting areas to infest.

Instead they wander and spread around the office before anyone is aware of them, making early detection difficult.

In homes, bed bugs are typically most active at night.

However, in offices bed bugs are active at night at first, but since they cannot find food sources they often change their activity to daylight hours.

Although bed bug numbers tend to be low in offices, their population usually increases due to reintroduction rather than reproduction.

Commercial Bed bug treatments Sydney

Reduce the risk of Transporting Bed Bugs Home from the Workplace?

 

Bed bugs are known hitchhikers that can easily be transferred to new locations via:

  • Purses
  • Briefcases
  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Books
  • & other items

Bed bugs are introduced to the workplace by employees, vendors, custodial staff, visitors & customers.

Pest Control Today recommends taking these precautions

 

  • Limit the number of items brought into and out of the workplace
  • Keep personal items off the floor
  • Hang bags, briefcases and coats from a door knob or hook
  • Eliminate office clutter
  • Avoid wearing pants with cuffs
  • Monitor the work area and personal items for bed bug activity.
  • Look for small black (faecal matter) or dark red (blood) stains
  • Look for both live and dead bed bugs.

active bedbug infestation  at your workplace?

 

  • Keep a change of clothes at work to avoid wearing work clothes home, in the car, or on the bus or train.
  • When changing clothes, put the clothes in a seal-able plastic bag.
  • inspect yourself and co-workers for bed bugs.
  • Check clothes, shoe treads, cuffs, pockets and collar.
  • Use a mirror to help look for bed bugs or eggs.

At home:

 

  • Remove your clothes before entering the home
  • Place the clothes in a separate bag
  • Keep clothes separate from the general laundry
  • Wash clothes at the hottest setting
  • Place the clothes in the clothes dryer & dry clothes on high heat
  • Keep clothes that require dry cleaning in a plastic sealable bags until dry cleaning.

What actions can employers take to Prevent Bed Bugs?

 

The presence of bed bugs in the workplace is a sensitive subject that involves:

  • Facilities
  • Human resources
  • Public relations
  • Risk management

Management should be educated about bed bugs & they should be familiar with the myths and misconceptions associated with bed bugs.

 Pest Control Today recommends that employers should:

 

  • Educate workers on how to prevent bed bugs or treat bed bugs.
  • Identify and inspect areas that are susceptible to bed bug infestations.
  • Remove clutter
  • minimise the storage of unnecessary items
  • Vacuum areas.
  • Seal cracks and crevices
  • Encourage employees to report bed bug sightings
  • Provide employees with an area to store personal items off the floor
  • Place monitoring devices (sticky traps or climbing deterrents) in areas of concern
  • Office furniture made from plastic, vinyl and metal surfaces are less appealing to bed bugs

There is no “one size fits all” bed bug program for offices & a customised treatment program that is designed to your needs which will include:

Inspection

to determine the size and distribution of the bed bug problem in the building.

Identification

of furniture and structural conditions that can create bed bug hiding places

Monitoring

bed bug activity on a regular basis

Record

keep accurate records of bed bug sightings

EducatE

staff on bed bug prevention and identification

Treatment

to affected areas

Maintenance

implementation of a routine sanitation program ensuring a clean and clutter free workplace

Further Reading

Bedbugs

Commercial Bed bug treatments Sydney


Commercial Bed bug treatments SydneyWe would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Call or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

Commercial Bed bug treatments Sydney