Lexi Webster
Rats are a common household pest in Australia, posing health risks and causing damage to homes. While there are a variety of control methods available, such as baits and traps, it is important to act quickly to prevent infestations and eliminate entryways into the home. Rats are attracted by food, water, and shelter, so removing these sources can help deter them. Poison baits, such as bromadiolone, are effective but must be kept away from children and pets. Live traps are a humane option, but they must be checked frequently to avoid animal suffering. Snap traps are another option, but proper placement and bait selection are critical to ensure a quick and humane death. Overall, a combination of control and preventative measures is necessary to effectively manage rat infestations in Australian homes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common causes of rat infestation | Food, pet waste and compost, leaking pipes, indoor plants |
| Rat species in Australia | Brown and black rats |
| Ways to prevent rat infestation | Remove food and water sources, eliminate entry points into the house, remove shelter and nesting sites |
| Types of traps | Live traps, snap traps, electric traps |
| Types of baits | Poison bait, RATSAK Catch & Hold Live Catch Mouse Trap, peanut butter, dried fruit, bread, hazelnut spread |
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What You'll Learn
Using poison bait
Poison bait is a common method for killing rats in Australia. Poison bait can be purchased at several retail stores across Australia and online. The main ingredient in most rat poison baits is bromadiolone, which prevents the body from recycling vitamin K, which helps clot blood. Once the body runs out of vitamin K, it shuts down.
When using poison bait, it is important to keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Poison bait should be placed in areas where rat activity has been observed, such as below sinks, in drawers, or behind furniture. It is also important to eliminate other food and water sources for rats, such as leaking pipes, pet food, and compost bins.
In addition to poison bait, traps can also be used to kill rats. Live traps capture the rats alive, while snap traps kill the rodent once it enters the trap. Electric traps are also available, which electrocute the rat when it enters the box and steps on a plate. When using traps, it is important to wear gloves to avoid leaving a human scent on the trap, which may deter the rats.
It is recommended to combine multiple control and preventative measures to effectively get rid of rats in the home and garden. This includes using a combination of baits and traps, as well as removing food and water sources, eliminating entry points, and removing shelter and nesting sites.
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Using snap traps
Snap traps are a relatively humane way of eliminating your rat infestation. They are also known as kill traps, as they kill the rodent once it enters the trap.
When using snap traps, it is important to always wear gloves. Rats are smart, and if they can smell humans on the trap, they are unlikely to go near it. Before setting the trap, make sure to clean it to avoid leaving any human scent that may prevent the rat from going near the trap.
When setting traps, it is important to place them correctly. The trap should be placed parallel to, and in contact with, a wall or other solid object. This will encourage the rodent to use a path to the trap. It is also recommended to place the trap inside a 'tunnel' or at the end of a 'funnel', which can be created with appropriate sturdy materials, to help guide the rodent into the trap.
The bait should only be placed within the marked bait area, and the rest of the trap should be kept clean of any food matter. This will reduce the likelihood of the trap closing and injuring, rather than killing, the animal. Baits may include either peanut butter, dried fruit or bread, which should be fresh. If traps aren't being triggered, then changing the type of bait may create interest.
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Removing food and water sources
Rats are attracted to food, water, or some kind of smell. Removing these sources is a good first step in getting rid of rats.
In your garden, regularly clean your barbecue area and any outdoor dining areas. Take care of your crops and plants. Rats can feed on a variety of fruit, and any fallen food on the ground should be quickly discarded. Create a barrier around your garden or patio with wire mesh or wood. Eliminate sources of water, including containers that may catch rainwater and dripping taps.
If you have a compost bin, ensure it is secure. Do not leave food lying around your home. In cupboards and the pantry, store opened food in metal, glass, or heavy-duty plastic containers with tight lids. All food remains, litter, and other rubbish inside and outside the home should be swept up and discarded in secure bins. All rubbish should be placed in metal or heavy plastic bins with tight lids and placed outside on the morning of collection.
Leaking pipes can attract rats, so fix any plumbing issues. Pet bowls can also be a potential source of water for rodents, so ensure these are not left out.
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Sealing entry points
Rats can be a real nuisance and can cause serious damage to properties in a short amount of time. They can also spread hazardous diseases. The first step to getting rid of rats is to understand what brought them to your property in the first place. Rats are attracted by food, water, and shelter. They can gain access to your home through very small holes, so it is important to seal any gaps or openings that may be used as entry points.
To seal entry points, start by inspecting your property for any cracks or openings that a rat could use to gain access to your home. This includes floors, skirting boards, walls, crown moulding, and ceilings. Rats can fit through very small spaces, so be thorough in your search. Once you've identified potential entry points, use materials such as caulk, wire wool, cement, or metal kick plates to fill in the gaps.
In addition to sealing entry points, it is important to remove food and water sources that may be attracting rats. This includes fixing leaking pipes, harvesting fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ripe, and storing food in secure containers. It is also important to remove potential shelter and nesting sites for rats, such as clutter in your yard or garden.
By sealing entry points and removing attractants, you can help to deter rats and prevent an infestation. If you are unsure about how to seal entry points effectively, consider contacting a pest control service for professional assistance.
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Using live traps
Live traps are a popular option for those who want to avoid killing rats but still want to remove them from their homes. The humaneness of live traps depends on how often they are checked, whether the trap is designed to avoid injury, and whether food, water, or nesting materials are provided to avoid starvation, dehydration, or cold stress.
Before using a live trap, it is important to check the trap mechanism to ensure that it will not injure the animal when it closes. When setting the trap, wear gloves to avoid leaving a human scent on the trap, which may deter the rat. Traps should be placed perpendicular to the wall, with the baited end closest to the wall, and the other end facing out into the room. Place the traps in areas where rat activity has been observed, but out of reach of children and pets.
Live traps must be inspected every morning, and any trapped animals should be humanely killed or released into a suitable location. Rats should not be left to die slowly in the trap, as this is inhumane. One option is to transport the trapped animal to the nearest veterinary clinic for humane euthanasia.
The Big Cheese Rat Cage Trap is one example of a live trap that can be used to catch and relocate rats.
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Frequently asked questions
Poison bait and traps are two common methods for killing rats in Australia. Poison baits can be purchased at retail stores across Australia and online. Traps can be live or snap traps. Live traps lure the rat with bait and capture it without killing it, while snap traps kill the rodent once it enters.
Poison bait should be kept out of reach of children and pets. It can take several days for the poison to take effect, and symptoms of poisoning in animals may include seizures, muscle tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding, excessive salivation, rapid breathing, behavioural changes, and more. Contact your local emergency response service if you suspect poisoning.
Always wear gloves when handling traps to avoid leaving a human scent, which may deter rats from entering the trap. Live traps must be inspected daily, and any trapped animals must be humanely killed or released. Snap traps should be well-designed and placed in a way that encourages the rat to enter the trap, such as inside a "tunnel" or at the end of a "funnel".
Rats are attracted to food and water sources, so it is important to keep your home and garden clean and free of any potential food or water sources for rats. Seal any gaps or holes in your walls, floors, or ceilings, as rats can squeeze through very small spaces. Keep your rubbish in secure bins with tight lids, and harvest any fruits or vegetables in your garden as soon as they are ripe, discarding any fallen produce.
