Winter is Coming and so are the Rodents!
With winter right at our doorstep knocking on the door, so too will the rodents that are seeking food and shelter. And due to current circumstances, this winter will be like no other.
COVID-19 restrictions have caused a number of businesses to close, with a number of those affected being restaurants and take-away shops. Without the regular restaurant waste, rodents are without their main food source, so they will be on the search for a new one.
All businesses are at risk of an infestation, however, the ones that have been closed or are operating at a reduced capacity are certainly at risk due to reduced human activity on the premise and should be expecting higher activity from rodents and cockroaches.
Every winter the number of rodents entering homes to find food and shelter increases, this year will be no exception with numbers looking to triple that of last year. Cities and towns alike will be looking at an increased surge in rodent activity this winter compared to others.
Rodents are not just a nuisance; they are also a serious threat to people and property.
Not only do they spread diseases and contaminate food, but they also cause damage to your home. Rodents have to continually gnaw on their teeth to keep them from growing too long. They will gnaw on anything, so when you hear noises in your roof, walls or under your home they are not only nesting, but they may be gnawing on your water pipes, plaster, ducting for your heater and air-conditioning, and electrical cables and conduits.
Every year, a number of properties suffer water damage and fires that are caused by rodent infestations in homes and businesses. For this reason – amongst others – it is important to keep an eye out for signs of rodents on your property.
Signs you may have a rodent infestation
- Droppings – often found in the pantry or kitchen cupboards and drawers
- Sounds in the roof, walls or sub-floor areas
- Damaged food packaging
- Odours – rodent urine or a musty odour
- Damage from gnawing
- Runways and grease marks – caused by rodents repeatedly rubbing their oily fur along runways
- Rodent tracks seen in areas where there is a layer of dust
- Burrows found along walls, or fences, under buildings and decking, stored items, vegetation, woodpiles or concrete slabs
- A rodent sighting
How to prevent an infestation?
There are a number of ways that you can be proactive about preventing a rodent infestation. Try the following points:
- Install door seals on the bottom on exterior doors.
- Install screens to vents and chimneys.
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
Get a jump on the rodents this winter and book a rodent treatment today with Dawson’s Australia.
For more information regarding our rodent control treatment visit our Rodent page or contact our friendly team.
If you have seen a rodent in your home or business, or suspect there may be an infestation in your home, contact the Melbourne pest control professionals at Dawson’s Australia immediately on (03) 9222 2266.
