Preventative Steps to Stop Rodent Infestation

It happens to everyone at some stage in their lives. You turn on the lights in your kitchen only to see a mouse or rat scamper away behind some cupboards or the refrigerator. These vermin breed quickly and will take over your home and damage your property if you don’t do something about them fast. They are on of the most common Australian pests and will make nests in walls, chew on electrical cables and sometimes can spread diseases.

While there are a number of steps you can take to discourage these rodents from taking up residence in your home, there is probably more you can (and should) do. Mice and rats are usually only looking for a food source so ensure you store all your food out of their reach in containers they cannot easily chew through. Rodents also thrive in areas where there are places for them to easily stay hidden away, such as among piles of rubbish in the garage or out in your back garden. Keep your home in a tidy state and they will be less likely to want to live with you.

For many people engaging the services of an expert pest control team is an obvious solution to any rodent problem. This is a fast and efficient way to exterminate any potential infestation. If you would prefer to try and catch the vermin on your own, or do your best to dissuade them from remaining as your housemate, we have put together some tips on steps you can take to do so below.

 

Different Methods

Using Mousetraps

It is the first method that is commonly employed when mice are discovered. It’s a fairly safe and efficient way to bait and kill any vermin. If you are able to get the rat or mouse early on, before it has time to breed too much you can save yourself a lot of trouble. The rule of the thumb is the more the traps, the more mice you are likely to catch. More traps is always better than less, although be sure to set them up safely away from any young children or house pets.

Where you place the traps is important. Placement will ensure your success in catching the intruders. Find out where the mice sleep and which areas they often visit. Test out different locations that might be attractive to the rodents in an effort to catch them unaware. Mice can be quite investigative and should you catch a rodent in a particular area, you may find the traps places there will not be as effective after that.

Peppermint Oil and Mothballs

Natural methods tend to be safer for both humans and animals. Peppermint oil is an excellent way to discourage mice naturally. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. You only need to dip a few cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them where the mice are living. They do not like the smell of this and it will encourage them to move to a new area. Peppermint oil tends to dissipate quickly, so you may need to replace the cotton balls after a few days.

Mothballs are also useful for this purpose. In a similar way to peppermint oil, you only need to take the mothballs and place them in or around areas you know the vermin frequent. Note that mothballs are toxic and should not be used in areas accessible to pets or kids.

Using Bait and Poison

For some folks, this method can appear cruel, however should your home be infested you may not be left with many other options. These few tips may guide you when using poison to kill mice.

• Bait should be in sealed bait stations.
• The baiting stations should not be left open.
• Wear gloves when handling the poisons and ensure you dispose of them properly after use.
• The bait and poison containers should be out of reach from all children and animals

Preventing mice from breeding in your home

Getting rid of mice or rats is just the first step. Now you know your home is susceptible to a rodent invasion, you should take preventative steps to stop it happening again. The most effective way as mentioned above is to keep food sealed in containers. This includes fruits, loaves of bread, pet food and cereal. If you must keep these items where they are easily accessible to you and your family, try putting them up high were rodents cannot reach, in such places as on top of your fridge.

The prevention of a vermin infestation begins with you. Remember to act promptly. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get rid of mice. Take action now so you don’t regret it later.