RAT CONTROL PERTH

Rats are a significant problem for Perth homeowners and businesses. Not only do these common pests carry a variety of diseases, but they also present a serious threat to your home, workplace and the health and safety of your family, staff and clients. And if you’re a business owner, the presence of rats in your place of business can have a significant impact on your business reputation that can be difficult to recover from.

Rat pest control is important for all Perth home and business owners, and while not everyone has the same requirements or is at the same level of risk, rat infestations can have serious consequences for everyone.

Acting immediately by arranging rat pest control the moment you notice an infestation is essential to preventing the situation from escalating, as regular pest inspections can detect the signs of an infestation early on and highlight any areas of your home or workplace that could allow rats access.

Homes and workplaces are the perfect breeding places for rats as they provide the three things they require most – food, shelter and water. As rats carry and transmit germs, disease and contamination, they present a serious health risk to Perth households and businesses. Rat pest control is important for removing rat populations and preventing infestations from escalating in severity, and it’s also highly recommended that you schedule ongoing pest inspections to detect infestations early on.

If you notice any of the below signs of rat infestation, call the team at Economy Pest Control immediately. Minor infestations can be left to the next day, but if you notice a major infestation, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our 24/7 emergency pest control service: 

Droppings – Usually the first sign of a rat infestation, rat droppings are usually found in pantries or cupboards. Rat and mouse droppings are different in appearance, with mouse droppings usually around 3- 5 mm in length, and rat droppings from 12- 18 mm in length, depending on the species.

Noises – Scurrying and scuttling noises, often in the roof but also in walls and around the house, are another top sign of a rat infestation. As the noises of rats scurrying about can excite pets, you may find that your cat or dog discovers the rat infestation before you do!

Odours – The smell of a rat infestation is very distinctive. Rats give off a distinct musky odour and scent, and you may also smell rodent urine, especially in areas with little or no ventilation. 

Gnawing – While you may hear gnawing sounds coming from the roof or walls, gnaw marks are a visible sign of a rat infestation. Rats regularly gnaw on furniture and walls, but more seriously, they also chew on electrical wiring, pipes and plumbing. This puts properties at significant risk of fire and water damage. 

Mess – Rats make a mess wherever they go. Along with shredding materials to make their nests, another common visible sign of infestation is damaged food packaging. Always be sure to throw out any food that has been contaminated and contact economy management for trusted removal services to help you resolve the problem efficiently. 

As in all locations, rat activity in Perth is closely linked to changes in weather, food availability, and breeding cycles. This means that when their natural habitat becomes uncomfortable, for example, due to weather changes or disruptions to their habitat or food sources, they seek shelter in homes, workplaces and other structures.

As Perth summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often above 35°C, rats seek cool, shaded and sheltered spaces, with wall cavities, roof spaces, garages and food storage areas popular places for these common pests to escape the heat.

If you notice signs of a rat infestation, call a trusted pest control provider immediately and consider preventative measures, like vermin-proofing, to keep your home or workplace rat-free and prevent future infestations.

The two most common types of rats found in urban Perth are the Roof Rat (Rattus rattus) and the Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus). The Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) is also found in the surrounding natural areas and is often found in urban Perth. However, this smaller native Australian rodent with its soft brown fur and rounded features is a shy animal that prefers natural bushlands and urban reserves, and isn’t considered a pest.

The most common rat in Perth, the roof rat is small and slender and around 150–210 mm in length, with dark/charcoal or brown fur, a tail that’s longer than its body, large thin ears and a pointed nose. The roof rat commonly nests in high places, like roof voids and ceiling cavities.

The Norway rat is a strong burrower and typically nests underground, often under decking and lower building levels. Larger than the roof rat, Norway rats are around 180–250 mm long, have a tail that’s shorter than their body, reddish-brown to grey fur, smaller ears and a blunt snout.

In addition to posing health hazards such as food contamination and persistent odours due to nesting and urine deposits, rats can cause extensive damage to commercial and residential properties.

With their continuous gnawing, burrowing and nesting habits, the structural integrity and safety of buildings are at risk, with electrical wiring, ceiling and wall insulation, and structural elements especially vulnerable to rat infestations.

As rats can chew on soft metals like lead or aluminium, they can also gnaw through water and drainage lines, leading to persistent dampness, leaks and even flooding.

Rats nest in your home or workplace because these structures provide them with food, shelter and water. To stop rats from returning, removing their access to the things they need to survive is essential.

As such, this involves sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, and clearing hiding spots around your property, for example, cutting back plants and decluttering sheds.

Additionally, property owners find it advantageous to invest in rodent-proofing measures, which have additional benefits, such as minimising fire hazards, an important consideration in a hot and dry environment like Perth. 

Sealing entry points is essential to keeping rats out of your roof during the cold, wet Perth winter. As rats can squeeze through holes as small as 15 mm, heavy-duty, purpose-specific mesh and sealant solutions are recommended. For effective and lasting results, Economy Pest Management provides professional rodent-proofing services for Perth home and business owners.