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Introduced species of rats and mice have thrived in the Australian climate and conditions. These species were introduced around the time of European settlement. When conditions are favourable their numbers can be increased to plague levels. Rats are notorious for the transmission of diseases, such as the Bubonic plague, typhus fever and Salmonella.
Rodents consume 10 per cent of their body weight each day, with the average rat eating about 30 grams a day. An infestation of only 5 rats can produce approximately 73,000 droppings and 27 litres of urine a year.
Rodents are destructive, causing problems such as electrical fires from gnawing on wiring & contamination of all food related products.
BIOLOGY OF RODENTS
As climatic conditions become less favourable rodents move indoors looking for food and shelter. They construct their nests in wall cavities, roof voids and sub floor areas. Certain species of rodents also burrow in areas such as aviaries, sheds & rubbish tips.
The female adult is capable of giving birth to 4 to 6 litters per year, each litter containing 5 to 10 young. These young are capable of reproducing within 3 months after birth. In one year a pair of rodents can produce a population of 400 to 700.
Rodents forage for food at night and hence are rarely seen. Their vision is poor therefore relying heavily on other extremely sensitive senses such as taste and smell. Resistance to some anticoagulant rodent baits has been observed. This is mainly due to their prolific breeding habits.
RODENT SPECIES
There are 3 types of rodent pest species found in urban areas.
NORWAY RAT (Rattus Norvegicus)
Also known as sewer rat, water rat and brown rat. This is the largest of the 3 species with small ears, a blunt nose and its tail shorter than its body. Most of these rats are grayish brown on their back and pale grey on the stomach. This rat is a burrowing animal and is commonly found in areas such as rubbish dumps, piggeries and chicken coups. They can make their way through the sewers and drains leading to buildings and surrounding areas.
ROOF RAT (Rattus Rattus)
Also known as house rat, ship rat and black rat. This is the most common species found in suburban and rural areas of South Australia. They are grey in colour, with a slender body, large thin hairless ears and a pointed nose. Their tail is always longer than their body. This species are the common cause of problems in roof voids and building surrounds.
HOUSE MOUSE (Mus Domesticus)
This species is the smallest of the three rodents. It has small feet and a small head. They are commonly found throughout domestic and agricultural areas and can reach plague proportions when conditions are favourable.
CONTROL METHODS
An Integrated Pest Management strategy is necessary for rodent control. Our programs are designed to reduce rodent populations without harming any off target species such as pets and native animals. This is possible with the use of accumulative anti-coagulant baits secured in tamper resistant stations placed in and around your home. These programs also involve advice on reducing the areas that can allow rodents to thrive.
Call or email us now to arrange your next pest service or speak to a professional about your pest problems - 8354 0470 or info@ecopestcontrol.com.au
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