The presence of rodents in dwellings in Sydney is becoming more widespread and common as ever before. They are responsible for food spoilage and contamination, rendering food inedible in both the home and business.

They do damage to dwellings by chewing through wiring, insulation, floorboards and transmit diseases to humans. They have even caused fires. They inhabit most areas from roof voids, subfloors, indoors, gardens to sewerage pipes. Not limited to these. They can contaminate food and utensils by direct contact or through their faeces and urine.

They can pass on diseases to humans such as Weil’s disease, tapeworm and mild meningitis etc. They also pass on Salmonella (food poisoning bacteria).

Norway Rat

Other names are brown rat, sewer rat, common rat and water rat.The larger of the rat species. It lives 9-12 months and can have 5-6 litters per year each litter with 8-10 young. That’s 6 x 10=60 rats per female per year. They nest in burrows, under houses, wall cavities and even roof voids.

They are very destructive and when they establish themselves in an area can be very difficult to eradicate. They are often heard in homes rampaging through roof voids and wall cavities at night. In factories and warehouses where food is stored, they can render large quantities of food inedible by contamination.

They chew through wiring causing short circuiting and fires as well as carrying parasites such as fleas which could spread to pets and homes. They have course fur with a blunt nose and their tail is shorter than the body and head.

There are many methods of control as each job is different. Baits, traps and a thorough inspection of the premises to determine entry points are recommended.

Roof Rat

The roof rat is the smaller of the rat species. It is often restricted to the indoors and tends to nest in buildings. They are excellent climbers and are often found climbing on electrical wires from building to building. Unlike Norway rats their litters are smaller and can have up to 40 babies per year.

They do not burrow outdoors. They will eat anything but prefer fruit and vegetables. They can also do damage as per the Norway rat. They have fine fur and are usually black or brown with a pointed nose. Their tail is longer than the body and head.

House Mouse

The mouse can live indoors or out. They also can have up to 60 young per year. They have larger ears than rats and their tail is as long as its body. They are very exploratory so trapping programs for mice are very effective. Mice eat small amounts but more frequently and so baiting programs are also effective in eliminating them.