Why Rodents Are Serious Business
50-60
Offspring per year from one pair
35+
Diseases they can spread
25%
House fires from wire gnawing
Rodents can cause extensive damage and health risks. With proper prevention strategies and early intervention, you can keep your Canberra property rodent-free.
Essential Prevention Strategies
Eliminate Food Sources
- Store food in airtight containers
- Clean up spills immediately
- Keep garbage in sealed bins
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight
- Clean behind appliances regularly
Seal Entry Points
- Check gaps around pipes (10mm is enough!)
- Seal foundation cracks
- Repair damaged screens
- Install door sweeps
- Use steel wool + caulk for small gaps
Reduce Shelter
- Keep storage areas organized
- Store firewood 50cm from house
- Trim tree branches near roof
- Remove dense vegetation from walls
- Elevate stored items off floor
Spot the Signs Early
Physical Evidence
- Droppings Small dark pellets 3-6mm long
- Gnaw Marks Fresh marks on wood, plastic, wires
- Grease Marks Dark smears along walls and baseboards
- Nests Shredded paper, fabric, plant material
Behavioral Signs
- Scratching Sounds In walls or ceiling at night
- Musky Odor Distinctive smell especially in enclosed areas
- Pet Behavior Dogs/cats showing interest in certain areas
- Damaged Packaging Holes in food bags or boxes
Mice vs Rats: Know the Difference
House Mice
- Size: – 3-10cm body
- Droppings: – 3-6mm, pointed
- Tail: – As long as body
- Behaviour: – Curious, explores
- Entry gap: – 6mm (pencil width)
Rats
- Size: – 15-25cm body
- Droppings: – 12-18mm, blunt
- Tail: – Shorter than body
- Behaviour: – Cautious, neophobic
- Entry gap: – 20mm (thumb width)
Professional Rodent Control Service
Comprehensive inspection, strategic baiting, entry point sealing, and follow-up monitoring.
| Full Inspection | Bait Stations | Entry Sealing | Follow-up |
Still have questions?
The best pest control company will solve your issue for a long time. Bugs Patrol is Canberra’s trusted choice for professional rodent control with lasting results.
Protect Your Home From Rodents
Don’t let rodents damage your property or risk your family’s health. Contact Bugs Patrol for expert rodent control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mice are smaller (3-10cm body), have pointed droppings, and are curious explorers. Rats are larger (15-25cm body), have blunt droppings, and are cautious. Mice can fit through 6mm gaps, rats through 20mm. Treatment approaches differ, which is why professional identification matters.
Modern rodent baits used by professionals like Bugs Patrol are placed in tamper-resistant stations that pets cannot access. We also use products with bittering agents that deter pets. Always inform your pest controller about pets so they can take appropriate precautions.
Rodents seek shelter, water, and food – a clean house may still provide shelter. Entry points like gaps around pipes, damaged screens, or unsealed foundations are often the real issue. Professional assessment can identify why rodents are entering your specific property.
Very quickly. A single pair of mice can produce 50-60 offspring per year. Rats breed slightly slower but still multiply rapidly. If you spot signs of rodent activity, contact a professional pest control company immediately – Bugs Patrol offers same-day service for urgent cases.
Wear gloves, double-bag the rodent, and dispose of it in your general waste. Clean the area with disinfectant. If you find multiple dead rodents or the problem persists, this indicates an ongoing infestation requiring professional treatment from a company like Bugs Patrol.
