SERVICE – THE SCIENCE OF RODENT CONTROL

RAT infestations are currently the NUMBER 1 pest problem facing all Victorian businesses and rats (and mice) spoil and destroy millions of dollars’ worth of stock within Victorian businesses every month. They inflict massive amounts of damage to infrastructure and cause chaotic disruption to production schedules,

No matter what industry we have a rodent control solution for you. Rodent Catchers are the only dedicated rat control company in Melbourne because we treat rodent control as a science.

No structure in Melbourne is safe from rats and the exposure of your customers and staff to unhealthy and potentially dangerous pest situations can seriously compromise the health of your business – and ultimately impact your bottom line. Nothing disrupts a business quite like an un-controlled rat infestation.

Stringent health and safety regulations apply to the management and control of rodents in business and commercial situations. Maintaining that control relies on regular monitoring, targeted strategies, and effective communication between all stakeholders across the process.

Rodent infestations cause the following problems:

• Production interruptions and costly delays


• The spread of illness and disease


• Contamination and loss of stock


• Breach of health regulations


• Destruction of materials and inventory


• Damage to amenities


• Decreased productivity


• Negative customer experience

TREATMENT – OUR UNIQUE SCEINTIFIC APPROACH

Traditional rodent control methods involve the installation of plastic rodent bait stations around a structure’s exterior and interior in the hope that rats will eventually enter these boxes and ingest the poison baits that are stored inside. This traditional set and forget method of controlling rodents is considered the industry norm.

Rodent Catchers have developed a vastly different approach to other Australian pest control companies. Our method is unique to the industry and is based upon our many years of practical field experience gained in the control and management of Australian wildlife species. This makes us the No.1 choice in the management and control of Rats because we treat rodent control as a science!

Our Methodology

• We create a dynamic barrier around the exterior of the structure that forms a rodent deterrent zone.


• This active zone is achieved by applying a combination of chemicals at ground level that have been developed to modify the behaviour of the rats.


• The first chemical is a highly effective repellent that deters the rats from entering the premises by triggering the animals flight/fear response.


• This chemical is applied around doors, external penetrations and other points of ingress that rodents use to access the building.


• The second chemical is an attractant that is applied to our specially designed rodent bait stations. This product will not attract new activity but it will lure the current population towards our stations making the baits inside them an irresistible alternative.


• The chemicals used in these special formulations are all natural and completely non-toxic to humans.


• They have been specifically designed to modify rodent behaviour and maximize the effectiveness of our rodent treatment programs.


• These products are reapplied during each scheduled service visit to maintain the integrity of the rodent barrier.

Our system was specifically developed to work best in both commercial and residential situations where rats have multiple entry points and exclusion is not a viable option, and best of all we can offer this completely unique system at no extra cost than the current service plan you are already on, and in some cases even beat it!

We have many years of experience in rodent control and our unique system is unapparelled in its efficacy. So, no matter what situation you are in, we have an effective rodent control solution for you.

TYPICAL SCENARIOS INCLUDE:

• Multi Residential accommodation structures i.e. Hostels and Hotels


• Apartment and Unit complexes


• Food storage and distribution centres


• Industrial process and Manufacturing centres


• Schools, Kindergartens & Day Care Centres


• Cafes, Clubs and Restaurants


• Commercial Office Blocks and Warehouses

RODENT CATCHERS have a proven, unbeaten, track record in Commercial and Residential Rodent control. We provide a no-questions asked, results – based service, and we get the job done! Our customers enjoy peace of mind guaranteed by our dependable year-round protection plans.

If you require an immediate response to a current pest problem or perhaps, you’re simply re-evaluating your existing program, we can offer a range of targeted treatments to ensure a guaranteed solution to your pest problems.

Rodent catchers use Health Department approved proprietary products that are designed to suit any specialty application such as:

• Public spaces


• Schools


• Childcare centres


• Aged Care facilities


• Health care Centres


• Areas where Children or Pets may be present

Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can offer safe and effective protection against all species of rodents. All bait stations are fixed in registered locations and are fitted with a distinctive WARNING label that clearly identifies their function and their contents.

PRICING PLANS

Rodent Catchers are fully licensed in all facets of pest control, and we can offer multi layered service plans to suit your individual situation and budgetary requirements. Our custom rodent programs are very cost effective, and in most cases, we can price match or beat any existing service arrangement you currently have in place.

Unlike our competitors, Rodent Catchers offer ‘No Set Up fee’ service arrangements. This means we install Commercial quality, tamper proof rodent baiting stations, ‘Free of Charge’ and best of all, these bait stations will remain at your premises and become your property even if our service contract ends with you.

‘A One size fits all’ approach does not apply in Rodent control’

Below is an outline of the differing levels of service we provide, and we can tailor these services to suit your budgetary and/or compliance needs.

Level 1- Rodent Control System Service Plan

• Rodent Control Treatment and Rodent Bait Station installation and setup.


• Application of rodent repellent management zone.


• Preloaded Bait stations supplied and installed free of charge.


• Free carcass retrieval if and/or when required.


• Monthly or Quarterly monitoring available.


• Personalised onsite Service Folder with mud map and relevant site visit information.


• Unlimited warranties apply to all ongoing monthly/quarterly service plans.


• Priority access to other our full range of Wildlife & Pest Control Services.

Level 2 – Rodent Control System and General Pest Service Plan.

• Rodent Control Treatment and Rodent Station installation & setup.


• General pest protection treatment (Ants, Spiders, Cockroaches).


• Application of rodent repellent management zone.


• Preloaded Bait boxes supplied and installed free of charge.


• Free carcass retrieval if and/or when required.


• Monthly or Quarterly monitoring available.


• Unlimited warranty applies to ongoing monthly/quarterly service plan.


• If required hot spot top up pest spray during each monthly/quarterly visit.


• On site personalised Service Folder with mud map and relevant site visit information.


• Priority access to other our full range of Wildlife & Pest Control Services.

The service cost for each individual property/structure largely depends on the size of the premises, the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of the infestation.

We provide a Free – No obligation assessment that includes a comprehensive inspection of your entire facility, factoring in its unique environmental conditions so that we can develop a customised rodent protection plan that suits your individual requirements.

A fully costed and treatment proposal is then be presented for your consideration. Our team can offer a range of flexible monitoring programs and targeted control options backed up by our customised best practice reporting systems that keep you informed and compliant every step of the way.

Safety Is Our Number 1 Priority!

• We hold public liability insurance of $20 million and indemnity insurance of $500,000 for your piece of mind. An insurance certificate is available on request.


• Rodent Catchers are fully compliant with all the necessary statutory and mandatory requirements relating to the Wildlife Act 1975 and all our staff are fully trained in all aspects of the Occupational health and safety act’s systems and controls.


• We are licenced Type 1 Commercial Wildlife Controllers and have nationally recognised qualifications in Cert III Asset Maintenance as well as full accreditation in all pest management systems Cert IV General pest & Termite Management.


• We also hold the following Industry Accreditations: EWP Operator licence – (Yellow Card scissor and boom lift), Victorian Construction Induction – White Card, Working at Heights licenced, current accreditation Working with Children.

Call Rodent Catchers on 8840 9572 to discuss how we can ensure you meet your Rodent Control Health & Safety obligations.

Call us on 8840 9572 we’re here to help you!

Species

Species of rodents currently infesting Melbourne

Black Rat

Black rats consume a wide variety of foods including fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, fungi, insects, birds and reptiles. Their preference is for a warmer climate so they often harbour in residential homes, warehouses and food manufacturing facilities. They are very agile climbers hence their nests are commonly found in roofs and wall cavities. Their droppings are approx. 12mm long, shiny black and pointed at one end. Black rats do not burrow like the brown rat does. They are poor swimmers and are rarely found in sewers.

Brown Rat

The brown rat is the more common of the two. It is larger than the Black Rat and can weigh twice as much sometimes growing as large as a possum. It is an omnivore that will eat just about anything. The Brown Norway rat is particularly fond of garbage whereas the Black Rat prefers more natural plant food if it is available. Norway rats are strong swimmers and are often seen in sewers and laneways, they make burrows outside but prefer to live in the warmth of our homes. Norway rats are strong, very aggressive, and are able to adapt to cold climates. Norway rats have small eyes, naked ears, and coarse fur. Their tails are approximately 20cms in length, scaly, and nearly naked. They have brown to dark grey fur, and are greyish brown or dirty white underneath. In the case where territory is at a premium, the Norway rat will become the dominant species often driving other rats out of the area. Their life span is around 9-18 months, although some survive for as long as 3 years. Brown rat droppings are dark brown, blunted at both ends and are about 9mm – 18mm long sometimes resembling a large grain of rice.

Mice

Mice also belong to the order of Rodents and are smaller than rats. Originally from the Northern parts of India they migrated to the Mediterranean Basin around 8000 BC and are known to have been in Europe since 1000 BC. Mice are considered the most successful mammal living on Earth due to their remarkable ability to adapt to any environment and can live for about 2 – 3 years. Mice are much more curious and exploratory than rats and exhibit no fear of new objects. Mice are very adaptable; they are excellent swimmers, runners, climbers, and jumpers reaching heights as high as 30 cm. Mice have an excellent sense of smell, taste, and touch. Whilst mice have poor eyesight, they have good peripheral vision allowing them to detect movement.

Rodent Signs – what to look for

“These nocturnal creatures are cautious, and hide in concealed locations, so you may not even be aware you have a problem until it’s too late”. While you may not be able to see them, look for:

• Droppings scattered throughout the inside of kitchen cupboards and drawers, in your roof cavity and often in the subfloor.
  New rodent droppings are shiny black and pliable and within 2-3 days become dull and hard.
  Mouse droppings are 3-6mm long and have one pointed end. Rat droppings are up to 12mm long and have either blunted or sometimes pointed ends.



• Tracks and paw prints may be visible in mud or dust



• Gnaw marks Rats have two large incisor teeth that continually grow, (10 cm in a year), and It is vitally important that this growth is managed by the animal.
  If allowed to grow too long, the rodent cannot open its mouth wide enough to accommodate and chew its food, eventually resulting in starvation.



• This growth is countered by the gnawing of hard objects in your house which sharpens and grinds their teeth down. Rats will gnaw on wood, metal, conduit and cables in order to achieve this.



• When rats gnaw electrical cables for instance, the bared wires can become exposed and cause short circuits or fires. This destructive chewing usually occurs in concealed areas, such as under house, on water pipes, ducting for your heater or air-conditioning units.



• Rub markscheck around possible entry holes for greasy rub marks created from repeated contact with the rodent’s oily fur.



• Urine an ammoniated urine smell may be evident in high traffic areas and faint urine stains may be appearing on your ceiling.



• Sounds you may hear sounds at night and sometimes during the day: scurrying, gnawing, scratching and squeaking among them.



• Excited pets an obsessed dog or cat may be the first sign of a problem. They may claw at the floor, or a perhaps a wall or kitchen cupboard if they sense a rodent’s presence.



• Rats leave behind tell-tale signs, like snail shells or other inedible materials such as lemon or lime rinds




More Information

• Adult mice are about 80 – 100mm in length and have a tail that is about 70 – 90mm long



• The male can weigh up to 25grams, and the female up to 20grams.



• They have a dusty brown fur on the head and back and ivory fur on the belly.



• Like rats they are omnivorous by nature and invade homes seeking food and shelter to evade predators.



• Mice can survive without drinking water providing the moisture content of their food is greater than 15%.



• Males & females mature sexually at about 50 days old and the female’s gestation period is about 19-21 days. Litter sizes are between 5-14 and 5-10 litters a year is not uncommon.



• Mice are nocturnal and have very poor eyesight, which they compensate with a highly developed sense of hearing & smell used effectively to evade predators & source food.



• A pencil-sized opening (6mm) is sufficient for mouse entry.



• You are more likely to see mice scurry by when you have been sitting very still for a while, such as when reading or watching television.



• Mice generally have a lifespan of up to around 18 months.



• Mice eat just under half their body weight in food per day.



• Mice droppings are very small with one end rounded and one end pointy



• Mice gnaw on cables and expose the electrical wiring which spark and cause house fires.



• One of the most alarming problems associated with both rats and mice is that they contaminate more food than they eat.



• They spoil and contaminate food with their faeces, urine, fur and birthing fluids. At least 20 percent of the world’s food is eaten or contaminated by rats and mice each year, in fact, one rat can leave behind 25,000 droppings per year



• Rodents spread sickness and death via the parasites that live on them such as fleas, intestinal worms and worms in their droppings.



• Rats develop instinctual patterns and often stick to well-known paths. They are neophobic (scared of new things) so they will follow the same runway throughout their territory.



• Rats usually begin searching for food shortly after sunset.



• Every week brand new homes with plastic mains pipes are water damaged by rodent infestations.



• Rats urinate and defecate everywhere inside your roof cavity causing significant damage to your home’s insulation.



• Sightings of rodents during the day usually means a large established population is present and the effects of overcrowding are being experienced.
• Sanitation is a crucial element in effective control. Grass clippings, tree cuttings and wood piles provide ideal shelter. Make sure garbage bins have a secure lid and any leaking pipes or taps should be repaired.



• Rats and mice belong to the order Rodentia derived from the Latin rodere – to “gnaw”



• Make sure your garbage bins have secure lids and any leaking pipes or taps should be repaired.



• Rats can jump up to a height of about 4 feet.



• Always keep toilet seat lids closed, rats are very adept at swimming in sewers and drain pipes and can enter the home by swimming around the u-bends in toilets.



• Rodents urinate frequently and their urine has a strong ammonia-like smell particularly detectable in enclosed spaces. This smell can linger on for a long time after an infestation has ceased.



• The female will give birth to around 4 – 6 litters a year, which will contain between 5 – 10 young. These babies will become sexually mature at around 11 – 12 weeks and can then reproduce three months after birth, so it is calculated, that within one year, a single pair of rodents can be responsible for as many 400 – 700 pests.



• Rats and Mice have evolved to be the closest genetic & biological organisms to humans. It is because of this that they are preferred for study in most biological & psychological laboratory tests, where humans cannot be used.



• It is a conservative estimate that there is one rat for every person living in Australia.



• They are mainly active at night; rats are seldom seen during the day except when populations are exceedingly large.



• A rat will normally travel no more than 50 meters from its nesting site which is always located close to sources of food and water.



• An adult rat can enter any opening larger than 12 mm in diameter (picture of 5 cent piece)



• Breeding occurs mostly in the spring and autumn.



• A female rat will begin breeding at 40-45 days of age, they can mate within 18 hours of giving birth and their gestation is as short as 21 days. The average litter consists of 7 young and females can produce 8 or more litters per year.



• Rodents have poor eyesight but a keen sense of touch and they rely highly on their whiskers (vibrissae) to help them navigate back and forth along their well-travelled pathways



• Rodents have a highly developed sense of taste and smell and can associate ill feeling with certain foods or objects they chew on. This can lead to bait shyness.



• Due to their widespread use over the past 30 years many traditional style, supermarket rodent baits have become ineffective as rats have built up immunity to them.



• Rodents have a keen sense of smell and many rodents will avoid baits if they are touched by human hands.



• Rodent trapping should only ever be viewed as a short term band aid fix. Trapping should never be considered a substitute for a professional rodent management plan. Rodents can breed faster than you can trap them. If you do opt for a trapping regime check your traps daily, you may kill one rodent but feed several others as rats will cannibalize a trapped carcass.



• Ultrasonic devices have become a popularly suggested DIY form of rodent control. These devices emit sound waves that supposedly irritate rodents; however, they have limited effect due to the sound waves inability to penetrate solid objects like walls, beams, rafters etc. leaving many areas in a shadow. Rats will readily tolerate annoying noises and there is no evidence that these devices will drive rats or mice away from buildings.



• Rats are nocturnal creatures and are mostly active between dawn and dusk usually hiding from humans during the day.



• Rodents may suddenly appear as a result of excavation work disturbing their surrounding habitat and nesting locations.