About Us
Commercial
Rodent Species
ABOUT
We are a Melbourne based dedicated Rodent Control company, and we are experts in the design and installation of domestic and commercial rodent control systems. We specialise in the detection, prevention, and management of all types of rodent species.
We have developed a vastly different approach to the control of rodents, our method is unique to the industry and is based on our many years of practical field experience. Our system has been specifically developed to be as equally effective in both domestic and commercial situations because we treat rodent control as a science.
Our highly trained technicians carry out thorough inspections and devise treatment strategies that are safe and effective for your home or place of business. Best of all, we fully guarantee our work leaving you with the ultimate peace of mind. We can offer a tiered program to suit your budgetary requirements and we hold the following insurance and accreditations.
We hold Public Liability Insurance of twenty (20) million and Professional Indemnity Insurance of $500,000 for your peace of mind. Rodent Catchers are fully compliant with all necessary statutory and mandatory requirements relating to the Wildlife Act 1975 and all our staff are fully trained in all aspects of Occupation Health & 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.
We can provide all necessary onsite documentation such as SWMS, JAS, MSDS and we are accredited with SAMS, Rapid Global and various property management platforms such as Maintenance Manager, Our Tradie, Managed App and Bricks & Agents etc.
SERVICE – RODENTS IN YOUR HOME & SURROUNDINGS
Rodents (rats & mice) are the most common mammals in the world, both in numbers and in species. Australia has more than 60 species of native rodents.
These natives rarely invade homes, but it is the introduced species that cause problems in our urban area. There are also three introduced rodents:
- Rattus norvegicus – the sewer or brown rat
- Rattus rattus – the roof or black rat
- Mus musculus – the house mouse.
These are known as commensal rodents – those that live with or near people and depend on humans for at least part of their food or shelter. They are often attracted to houses for food and shelter as the weather cools in autumn/winter.
A rodents’ prominent incisor teeth grow continuously. ‘Rodent’ is derived from the Latin ‘rodere’ which means ‘to gnaw’. Gnawing is a natural and necessary survival behaviour of the rat and mouse. Rats and mice enjoy gnawing wires – a potential cause of fires in houses.
Rodents contaminate our environment with their urine and droppings and by spreading disease. Rodents are known to be vectors of over fifty disease organisms including the causes of Bubonic plague, leptospirosis, murine typhus and food poisoning.
GAINING AND MAINTAINING CONTROL
In some situations, supermarket baits can be effective at temporarily keeping a small number of Rodents at bay, but recent studies have found that Rodents are starting to ignore these common household baits as a result of repeated exposure to them.
The only practical and effective way to control Rodent populations, is with the targeted application of High-quality commercial grade baits used in conjunction with an effective environmental control program – and this is what we provide!
Rodent activity is a year-round problem, but some properties experience heighten invasion during winter and autumn as rats and mice seek shelter in the colder weather.
Some rodent invasions are triggered when surrounding areas are under development i.e., the demolition of property or the construction of roadworks. These events will have a huge impact on the local rodent population when nesting sites are disturbed.
If you are seeing the signs of a potential influx, contact Rodent Catchers immediately. We can introduce a rodent control program before an infestation takes hold. Being proactive will ensure prevention and protection before minor activity becomes a full-blown infestation.
Below are some tips for you as the home owner can do to assist in mitigating rodent control.
- Pet food is a major attraction for rodents. Ensure that no pet food is ever left outside overnight and store bulk pet food in sealed metal containers.
- The house should regularly be inspected for potential entry points, concentrating on gaps in walls, external weep holes, under doors, gaps in windows and penetrations for plumbing and electrical services.
- Trim all tree branches away from the house and roof line.
- Remove ivy and other climbing vines from walls, and avoid storing timber or any other debris against the exterior of the house.
- Repair leaky taps and remove any other sources of water.
TREATMENT- THE SCIENCE OF RODENT CONTROL
Rodents have survived the ages and have been mankind’s nemesis for centuries. Knowing and understanding rodent behaviour is crucial and this is what Rodent Catchers have become most expert in:
- Rodents develop territories and have a social hierarchy. Not all rodents within the group will have equal access to baits. The most dominant and aggressive individuals tend to be the oldest and largest male members of the colony. This is why treatment programmes must be designed to control the colony, rather than a few individuals.
- An adult house mouse produces 50 to 100 droppings and up to 3,000 micro-droplets of urine per day, a rat about 40 to 50 droppings per day or 15,000 droppings and 15 litres of urine per year.
- Rodents may sometimes die in inaccessible places such as wall cavities, roof spaces or subfloors. Odours from dead mice are rats are quite strong and can sometimes cause a significant problem. If this unlikely event occurs at your property our rodent technicians are highly skilled at locating and removing any carcass.
Traditional rodent control methods involve the installation of high-quality plastic rodent bait stations around a structure’s exterior and interior in the hope that rats 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 has 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 all types of rodent 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 domestic situations where rats have multiple entry points and exclusion is not a viable option.
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.
RODENT CATCHERS have a proven, unbeaten, track record in Domestic- Residential Rodent control. We provide results – based service and we get the job done! Our customers enjoy peace of mind guaranteed by our dependable year-round protection plans with tiered service platforms to suit all budgetary needs.
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 not just domestic households but any specialty application such as:
- Residential Properties
- Public spaces
- Schools
- Child care centres
- Aged Care facilities
- Health care Centres
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.
Property Size | Basic Rodent Control | Level 1 Rodent control & repellant system | Level 2 rodent control & repellant system with annual pest spray |
---|---|---|---|
1-2 BEDROOM APARTMENT/BEDSITTER | $220 PLUS GST | $320 +GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $190 + GST PER VISIT | $440 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $190 + GST PER VISIT |
2-3 BEDROOM UNIT OR SMALL SINGLE-STORY HOUSE | $260 PLUS GST | $350 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VIISTS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $220 + GST PER VISIT | $470 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $220 + GST PER VISIT |
AVERAGE 3-4 BEDROOM HOUSE | $280 + GST | $380 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $240 + GST PER VISIT | $490 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $240 + GST PER VISIT |
LARGER THAN AVERAGE 3- 4 BEDROOM HOUSE | $360 + GST | $480 +GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $260 + GST PER VISIT | $590 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $260 + GST PER VISIT |
LARGE ESTATE SIZE PROPERTIES | FROM $460 + GST | FROM $590 + GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VISITS AFTER INITIAL SET UP $290 + GST PER VISIT | $690.00 +GST SUBSEQUENT/ONGOING VIIST AFTER INITIAL SET UP $290 + GST PER VISIT |
*PLEASE NOTE: The price list table above is based on ‘SIGHT UNSEEN’ however there may be factors that are unknown to us that might slightly affect how much it will cost to control rodents in your home. Treatment cost largely depends on the size and the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of infestation.
BASIC RODENT CONTROL SERVICE PLAN
Basic Rodent Control Service Plan
- Baiting of entire roof cavity and subfloor spaces (where applicable and access is available)
- 6-month warranty which includes top up of bait if activity recommences*
- Free carcass retrieval if and/or when required*
- Attendance strictly during business hours Monday – Friday only (no weekends or public holidays).
Level 1 Rodent Control & Repellent 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.
- 6-month warranty applies to all one-off rodent treatment, which includes top up of bait if activity recommences*.
- Free carcass retrieval if and/or when required*.
- Monthly or Quarterly monitoring available – refer to table for ongoing visit costing.
- Unlimited warranties apply to all ongoing monthly/quarterly service plans.
- Attendance strictly during business hours Monday – Friday only (no weekends or public holidays)
Level 2 Rodent Control & Repellent + General Pest Treatment Service plan.
- Rodent Control Treatment and Rodent Station installation & setup.
- Annual External General pest protection treatment (Ants, Spiders & Cockroaches).
- Application of rodent repellent management zone.
- Preloaded Bait boxes supplied and installed free of charge.
- 6-month warranty applies to all one-off rodent treatment, which includes top up of bait if activity recommences*
- Free carcass retrieval if and/or when required*.
- Monthly or Quarterly monitoring available – refer to table for ongoing visit costing.
- Unlimited warranty applies to ongoing monthly/quarterly service plan.
- If required hot spot top up pest spray during each monthly/quarterly visit (only available with ongoing programs).
- Attendance strictly during business hours Monday – Friday only (no weekends or public holidays.
ADD ON PRODUCTS AND CHARGES
TAMPER PROOF MOUSE BAIT STATIONS | $15 + GST EACH |
TAMPER PROOF RAT BAIT STATIONS | $25 + GST EACH |
ODOUR PROOF BAGS | $10 + GST EACH |
CALL OUT FEE – CARCASS RETRIEVAL ONLY (WITHIN BUSINESS HOURS MON- FRI) | $250 + GST* | CALL OUT FEE – CARCASS RETRIEVAL ONLY (OUT OF HOURS, WEEKENDS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS) | $350 + GST* |
*WE MAKE ALL ATTEMPTS WITHIN REASON TO RETRIEVE A CARCASS AND SUCCESS IS LARGLY DEPENDENT ON ACCESSIBILITY TO LOCATION OF CARCASS. PLEASE NOTE OUR CHARGE TO ATTEND IS REGARDLESS OF SUCCESS OF CARCASS RETRIEVAL.
RODENT WARRANTY
- We provide a 6-month warranty period which commences from the day of our first visit. There will be no extension on this time
- If rodent activity returns and noises have been consistent for a minimum 7-day period (and after the 28-day control period), we will return to re-inspect the property at no extra charge and top up bait where required. (Limitations on number of visits)
- If a rodent dies within the roof space during any time in our warranty period, we will locate and remove the carcass providing we can physically retrieve it. (Limitations on number of visits)
- Limitations: we have a 2-visit limit within our 6-month warranty period. Additional visits within warranty period attract a call out fee of $190 +gst.
- If a more invasive recovery is required i.e., within a wall cavity, Rodent Catchers will not risk damage to any part of the property to recover a dead rodent unless the owner of the property has given their express consent and is willing to cover the cost to restore/repair afterwards
- Attendance of all warranty issues will be carried out strictly during business hours Monday-Friday only. Request for attendance outside these hours is chargeable as per call out fees listed in table
- Rodent Catchers does not take responsibility for damaged caused by rodents internally or externally during or after the rodent treatment process
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
- 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.


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Rodent Catchers are nationally qualified in Cert III Asset Maintenance and fully accredited in all Pest Management Systems Cert IV General Pest & Termite Management.
Covered by Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance, our technicians are experienced and comply with all Australian standards and legislative requirements. We proudly guarantee all work.