Got a mouse in your house!?
Why did the mouse run inside? Because it was raining cats and dogs.
Not really, but you might notice an influx of mice or even rats at this time of year, because like many of us, mice and rats don’t love the cold. So, they tend to seek shelter inside in the cooler months.
Mice and rats are troublesome pests, and if left untreated they can quickly take over your castle.
How do I know if I have rats or mice in my home?
There will be a few tell tale signs that you might have a rodent problem, even if you haven’t actually seen them. Watch out for these signs:
- Mice droppings – little oval shaped pellets lying all over the place
- Greasy rub marks – rodents tend to leave dirty marks behind them as they move about
- Chew or gnaw marks – these guys will chew through everything from paper, wire, and plastic during their search for food
- The sound of elephants in your ceiling or walls at night.
Are rodents in my home dangerous?
Rodents can carry a number of diseases, leaving contamination behind in their faeces, urine and fur. This can include transmission of salmonella and E. coli.
If you’ve seen the signs of rodents in your home, it’s time to head to the hardware store and buy some rodent control.
What controls can I use?
There are a variety of options available for you to buy. Typically, you can choose from a wide selection of traps and baits. As rodents adapt and learn quickly, King Arthur would recommend using a combination of both, for the greatest chance of success.
The baits available are commonly a type of anticoagulant. This may be an un-preferred form of treatment in some cases due to:
- Rodents dying in hard to find or reach places
- Rodents taking up to 4 days to die
- Rodents may be eaten by household pets, causing them to get sick as well
- Chemicals can cause reactions or allergies in sensitive people
- Rodents eating more than a lethal dose
- Rodents losing interest in the bait.
Whatever your choice it is always best to follow these guidelines:
- Read and follow all instructions for use carefully.
- Keep traps away from food or food prep areas.
- Place traps on or near pathways where rodents have been.
- DO NOT place traps where children or pets can access them.
- Wear gloves when handling dead rodents (and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards)
- Make sure you dispose of all controls according to instructions and clean areas once you have completed the treatment
I tried using store bought controls, but they didn’t work. What can I do?
If you tried the above and nothing seems to work, don’t feel bad. Rodents are pretty smart little animals and very clever when it comes to survival.
It might be time to hire a professional! King Arthur can help!
King Arthur has access to the latest developments in rodent control products that are only available to professionals. The newest product utilises a naturally occurring active ingredient that doesn’t bio-accumulate, so it’s more environmentally friendly.
New products can have higher palatability and kill in one feed. The newest product has a stop-feed mechanism, which means that rodents stop eating it and you’re not wasting bait or money.
Arthur will place the baits in tamper resistant bait stations so that the bait remains securely inside. This means your children and pets aren’t at risk, and the rodents feel secure in the bait station and more come to feed.