Rodent Pest Management

Australia has over 50 species of Rodents although many may not be able to access the average household. There are three main species that have adapted to living in Australian households.

House Mouse	A family of mice in a cluttered garage can quickly group to a community of 50 – 60 mice in just 90 days.
Norway Rat	A Norway rat can gnaw through lead pipe and burrow under the foundations of a house.
Roof Rat	Roof Rats have longer paws and sharp claws that enable them to climb trees and access roof cavities.

Rodents have amazing, contorting bodies. A rat may be able to penetrate a hole 13mm – the size of an adults thumb
Mice can fit through a 6mm opening – the diameter of a little finger.

Until now only one virus has spread from rats to humans in Australia, the LCMU virus, however there are many bacterial diseases that can cause major health risks to Australian families.

The best protection is Eradication. There are many ways that this may be undertaken but by far the most effective way to deal with rodents is baiting with humane rodentacides.

Procedures

The first and most important part of any successful rodent eradication project from your property is a thorough inspection from an experienced technician. The technician will find the main area where the rodents are living.

Once the site is identified, a course of action may be taken. This may include baiting throughout the premises and or the placing of mouse or rat traps.

Once the population is under control, we advise on a suitable, comprehensive rodent control program. There may also be the option of proofing the property using

Steel wool
Hardware cloth (19 Gauge or heavier)
Perforated metal (24 gauge thickness)
Sheet metal (galvanised)
Cement or mortar
Bird mesh / Vermin wire

Possum Busters use top of the range Bell Laboratories Inc products – world leaders in rodent control technology. All products are safe and guaranteed to work.

Common Name	Norway Rat	Roof Rat	House Mouse
Scientific Name	Rattus Norvegius	Rattus Rattus	Mus Musculus
Colour	Brown/red	Dark grey	Black/dk grey
Length	Head 180 - 255mm Tail 150 - 215mm	Head 165 - 205mm Tail 185 - 245mm	Head 60 - 95mm Tail 75 - 95mm
Weight	280 - 480g	95 - 340g	10 - 25g
Body type	Thick body blunt nose	Thin body pointed nose	Small head and body
Sexual maturity	2-3 months	2 – 3 months	1 month
Life length	18 months	18 months	15 – 18 months
Nesting	burrows	Tree tops	Roof Dark corners