Rats and Other Pests

Rats

Rats and mice are almost always present throughout cities and suburban areas due to the opportunities for food and shelter afforded by human activity. In established suburbs food and water is readily available from such places as drainage & irrigation systems, vines, fruit trees, palm trees and pet food. Rodent numbers, like those of many wild animals, fluctuate according to a number of factors but will always be present at a background level.

Rats are considered a nuisance because of the damage they can do to buildings as well as the odours created by their colonies.

Signs of rats

• Droppings are oblong, 12-20mm in length. When found in cupboards, window ledges, alongside skirting boards or in sheds, this is usually the first sign of a rat infestation. Shiny, dark, pliable droppings are an indication of recent rodent activity;
• Remains of snail shells with the sides eaten out, nutshells, bones, seeds and other debris in the corner of sheds and other private spots;
• Greasy rub marks on vertical surfaces from continual contact with dirty, greasy rodent fur;
• Signs of fruit and vegetables from gardens having been eaten;
• Burrow holes around buildings;
• Gnawing damage in a wide range of materials including wood, soft metals, soap, food containers, conduit and cables;
• Squeaking, gnawing or movement sounds in walls, cupboards, ceilings and under floorboards;
• Pets more excitable than usual;
• Footprints and tail marks on the ground or along dusty surfaces;
• Nests hidden in buildings made from rags, paper, cardboard, straw and other materials.

Preventing rat problems

The presence and number of rats is determined by the availability of food and shelter. By denying the rodents these, you can effectively control rat populations. You can do this by:

• Stacking wood off the ground (about 40cm) and away from sides of sheds and fences;
• Removing fruit and nuts from vines and trees at the end of the season and picking rotten fruit off the ground. Removing fruit from palm trees when in bloom;
• Keeping the backyard as clean as possible and free of debris;
• Maintaining rubbish and compost bins in good repair with secure lids and free from holes;
• Keeping pet dishes clean and storing bulk pet food in closed containers;
• Regularly removing garden waste and rubbish from sheds and around the yard;
• Regularly cutting back tree branches and palm fronds to prevent easy access to the gutters and roof;
• Block holes and other potential access points around all buildings;
• Upturn unused containers exposed to the weather so they do not collect rainwater.

Rodent control methods

Baiting and trapping are the two most common ways of controlling a rat problem.

Baiting involves laying poison baits along rodent paths, and in roof and wall cavities that are easily accessible. Many brands are available at supermarkets and hardware stores. You should read the packet instructions and check baits regularly to see if rats have been eating them. Look for rat bait with coumatetralyl, bromodiolone or brodifacoum as the active ingredient. When placing the rat bait in the roof cavity, place the bait within sight of the access hole so the baits can be easily checked.

A starter pack of the recommended rat bait may be collected by City of Joondalup residents from the City’s Customer Service Centres located at 90 Boas avenue, Joondalup, Westfield Whitford City Shopping Centre and Craigie Leisure Centre. Limit - one pack per household per year.

It is very important to place baits where small children or pets cannot reach them.

If an alternative to poison baits is sought, trapping is the next most common way of ridding a premise of rats. There are two different types of traps – the old-fashioned snap back trap and a plastic capture box. Different types of bait can be used including bacon rind, chocolate, fish, nuts, prunes, apples or peanut butter. Rats are sometimes suspicious of new objects or surroundings so they may stay clear of the trap until it becomes familiar. Placing the trap in the path of a rat and hiding the trigger under straw or cardboard is one way to get around this trap shyness. Traps should never be set above food or food preparation surfaces to avoid contamination by urine, droppings or blood.

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4933.