...I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I didn't worry about it. Then next time I was working there I saw it again. Finally when I moved some bags I saw that a corner had been chewed...
Places where food and water are available are appealing to rodents. In the kitchen is one such place, where rodents can get in small spaces such as beneath the sink cabinet, under the fridge and stove. They can contaminate food and transmit disease.
Look for evidence of rodents, such as droppings, tracks, rub marks, odours, sounds, rodent hairs, gnawing and urine stains and odours.
- Check entrances to your home and where water and shelter are readily available. In the kitchen look in spaces beneath the sink cabinet, under the fridge and stove for droppings. The presence of rat and mouse faeces is one of the best indications of a rodent problem.
- Walk around your home and garden to determine the cause of the problem. Look for conditions which would attract rodents, such as overgrown weeds, garbage bins without secure fitting lids, compost bins, piles of wood or debris, pet food and bird feeders.
- Reduce favourable conditions which would encourage rodents, such as easy availability of food and water.
- Store food in sealed containers, dispose of garbage regularly, ensure compost bins are maintained properly and located away from the house.
- Also fix leaky water pipes and dripping faucets and minimise openings around doors and windows.
For the kitchen, a variety of RATSAK products are suitable depending on the space you wish to use them. Follow baiting strategy instructions on your RATSAK product. Eliminate as far as practical all alternative food sources. Bait infested area, placing bait under cover and not in the open. Place baits in inconspicuous locations to prevent contact by children and pets.