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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 places such as drainage and 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 rats will always be present at a background level.

Rats and mice can carry diseases and are considered a nuisance as they may eat or damaging fruits and garden crops, or to a greater extent, cause damages to building conduits and wiring. 

Owners of residential premises have the responsibility of preventing rodent harbourage and may take steps to secure the destruction of rodents on their property.

Signs of Rats and Mice 

  • Visible droppings (up to 18mm long for rats, or 3 to 6mm for mice).

  • Debris such as snail shells with the sides eaten out, almond shells, cape lilac berries and chop bones left in the corners of shed and other secluded spots.
  • Signs of fruit and vegetables having been eaten.
  • Damaged food items/containers in pantry or cabinets.
  • Squeaking, gnawing or movement noises coming from walls, cupboards, ceilings and/or under floors.​
 

Preventing Rats and Mice

Rodents can be discouraged and controlled by denying them food and shelter. A few simple precautions will prevent or help get rid of them:

  • Store firewood away from the sides of sheds and fences and keep it well clear (40cm) of the ground.
  • Regularly remove or limit garden waste or other disused material in sheds or around your yard.
  • Prune back overgrown shrubs and cut back growth from fences and building. Avoid “undergrowth” as much as possible.
  • Remove fruit and nuts from trees or vines at the end of the season.
  • Block holes and other potential access points around all buildings.
  • Keep pet food dishes clean and store bulk pet food supplies in a manner which denies access to rats.
  • Keep poultry feeds, bird seed and similar material in rat proof bins.
  • Remove or restrict water access/sources.
  • Rubbish bins and compost containers should be well maintained and free from holes.  Meat scraps should never be composted.
  • Thoroughly examine your property to ensure you have discouraged rats and mice from making your home their home.

Owl Friendly Melville

Rodent baits can have a serious impact on native wildlife (and pets), particularly species of raptors such as owls. Certain poisons known as second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) often kill not only the rats and mice they are targeting, but any bird or animal that might eat the dead or dying rodent.

The City is taking steps to mitigate these risks to wildlife. Please join us by choosing alternative methods to control rodents. Read the following documents by BirdLife Australia to find out more:

Trapping

An old-fashioned spring trap is still the best trap for home use. However there is now available a plastic capture box which may also be used. Try different types of bait, e.g. bacon, fish, nuts, peanut butter, apple, pumpkin seed or sausage. Engaging a licensed pest control operator can also be effective. 

As rats and mice may carry diseases, you should not handle a carcass directly. Use a shovel or similar during disposal.

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