Rodent Control

To win the battle against rodents make sure you use the right weapons.

People who are experienced in pest control will tell you that there are five golden rules when it comes to controlling rat and mouse problems effectively and these are often overlooked.

1. Inspection

Have a careful look and try to determine exactly where the infestation is coming from (typical signs are the smudge marks left by a rodent's oily hair, its droppings and any damage to goods or structures) so that the problem can be tackled at the source.

2. Identification

By observing the rodent's identifying characteristics and by inspecting its droppings, you will know which of the three typical species you are dealing with and will then be able to focus on the correct tactics to eliminate the problem. Mice and rats have significantly different behaviour patterns and need to be controlled differently.

3. Sanitation

Removing the rodent's food sources is a key factor in successful rodent control. Garbage, food or feed should be stored in sealed containers and outside debris and vegetation particularly where it is in contact with buildings should be removed. In addition try to reduce the number of extraneous water sources where rodents are able to drink such as ditches, stagnant pools, fountains and ponds, etc.

4. Rodent proofing

Keeping rodents out of buildings by closing off the typical places where they can gain access is a key factor in successful rodent control. For example, close all holes in exterior walls, screen downpipes in gutter top and bottom and install self-closing devices on doors that are frequently used.

5. Apply an effective rodenticide

The use of poison baits has proved to be the most cost effective option so far developed in eliminating rodents. The use of bait dispensers are strongly recommended to keep bait fresh and prevent accidental ingestion by non-target animals. Finale® and Racumin® are the bait solutions to your rat problem wherever it occurs.

Finale® contains difethialone an anti-coagulant which is also known as a single feed rodenticide. The rodent only needs to eat the bait once and it dies within four to ten days.

Racumin® contains coumatetralyl an anti-coagulant which is also known as a multi-feed rodenticide. The rodent needs to eat small quantities of the bait several times and dies within four to ten days after the first feed. This multiple feed efficacy reduces the risk of secondary poisoning of non-target animals.

The feeding habits of rats and mice differ. Rats tend to eat at familiar places and need 15-30 ml water daily. They tend to feed for longer at a given place than mice. Mice nibble at food for a while, move on to the next place, nibble again and move on again. They get most of their water from food. This difference in feeding habits, require different methods of placing the bait. For rats, the bait must be placed next to walls, boxes, etc. next to their pathways. Less bait areas are needed, but more bait per station is needed than when mice are controlled. For mice, various bait stations must be placed with small amounts of bait at various places. Always ensure that the bait is placed out of reach of children and animals other than rats and mice.