Complete Rat and Mice Control – Canberra
Canberra Pest Control Group is your local expert when it comes to rat and mice control in Canberra. As local pest controllers, we understand the habits, hiding places and mating cycles of rats and mice in Canberra. More importantly, we appreciate the health risks that rats and mice pose to your family. You can trust our professional team to rid your home or business of these disease-carrying pests.
Signs of rats and mice
Rats and mice are nocturnal creatures that “come alive” at night. When it comes to rats and mice in Canberra, you should be on the lookout for the following signs
- A repulsive urine smell – you won’t miss it!
- Faeces – usually black or brown in colour, ranging in size from several millimetres up to 20 millimetres. (Always wear gloves and a face mask when cleaning up rodent faeces and urine to avoid bacterial infections.)
- Small bite marks on household materials and items, such as electrical cords and wooden skirting boards. (Rats and mice gnaw hard materials in order to file down their ever-growing teeth.)
- A trail of small footprints and greasy marks.
- A “nest” made from shredded paper and/or dried plant matter – likely to smell of urine and faeces.
- Sounds of animal life (particularly squealing and scratching) in your roof, walls or under the floor.
Common rats and mice found in Canberra
If you spot a rat or mouse on your property, it’s important to contact a pest controller experienced in rat and mice control in Canberra immediately (given how quickly rodents breed). As experienced pest controllers in Canberra, we come across the following rodent pests on a regular basis.
Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Brown rats, which are brown or dark grey in colour, have coarse fur and weigh up to half a kilogram. They are generally much heavier than black rats (Rattus rattus), yet have shorter tails (relative to body length). Brown rats are very comfortable living in urban settings, and will usually scavenge for food at night. They’re also very capable swimmers, and have been found in sewer lines.
Black Rat(Rattus rattus)
The black rat is generally smaller than the brown rat, but has a longer tail (relative to body length). Black rats, which are black or light brown in colour, are great climbers and make their nests off the ground. If they choose your home to nest in, they’ll usually reside in the roof and wall cavities. Black rats in the roof are a common occurrence in Canberra.
House Mouse(Mus musculus)
The house mouse, which ranges in colour from grey to brown to black, is found in most urban environments. It’s a good climber, jumper and swimmer; and has great hearing and olfactory capabilities. As an omnivore, the house mouse will eat almost anything, including its own faeces (to acquire nutrients made from intestinal bacteria). House mice generally stay away from rats.
Field Mouse(Apodemus sylvaticus)
The field mouse is distinguishable from the house mouse by its orangey-brown fur and white belly. Field mice prefer to feed on insects, snails and the seed crop of trees; however, they can venture into buildings in search of food if desperate enough. In Canberra, field mice are more likely to be found in suburbs near bushland. The colder months are when they usually seek refuge in buildings.
Whether you have rats in your roof or mice in the kitchen, you can depend on Canberra Pest Control Group for effective rat and mice control in Canberra. For more information, or to book a treatment, please call our friendly team on 1300 022 122.