Mice and rats reproduce rapidly, breeding every 6 weeks, and pose a significant threat to your home and well-being. With their ability to transmit diseases, it is crucial to address any signs of rodent infestation promptly. Delaying action can result in property damage and potential health hazards. Take proactive measures and tackle these pesky pests early on.

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1. Norway Rats (Sewer Rats, Water Rats)

   • Description: Brown or grey rats weighing between 200-500g. Their tails are slightly shorter than their bodies.

2. Roof Rats

   • Description: Black rats weighing 100-200g. They have tails longer than their bodies.

3. Mice

   • Description: White or grey mice weighing 40-45g. Mice typically measure 7-10cm in length, with a similar tail length.

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Understanding Rodent Behavior

1. Gnawing Behavior

   • Rodents gnaw continuously to prevent their front incisor teeth from growing too long. This behavior can lead to damage to doors, skirtings, walls, and packaging. Moreover, gnawing on wires and telephone lines poses a fire hazard.

2. Rat and Mouse Life Cycle

   • Newborn baby rats rely on their mother's milk for approximately three weeks. Afterward, they start consuming solid food but may continue nursing for several more weeks while exploring other food sources.

   • Baby rats transition into an adult diet.

   • Rodents reach sexual maturity in 5-6 weeks, at which point they begin mating to produce the next generation.

   • Rats typically live for 2-3 years, although their lifespan can be shorter depending on the presence of predators.

   • In their lifetime, rats can produce 4-8 litters, with 5-9 young in each litter. They are capable of reproducing every 7-8 weeks.

   • Baby rats and mice are born hairless and blind. While they bear resemblance, their size distinguishes between them, even at early stages of development.

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Health Risks Associated with Rats

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Rats are also able to transfer diseases either directly (direct exposure to the rat’s urine, faeces or bites) or indirectly (transferred through a second party fleas, ticks or mites).

 

Types of Diseases directly transferred by rats:

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

• Leptospirosis

• Rat-Bite Fever

• Salmonella

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Types of diseases indirectly transferred by rats:

• Plague

• Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

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Understanding Specific Diseases and Symptoms

 

1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

   • Description: A severe respiratory disease caused by hantaviruses carried by rodents. The virus is transmitted through exposure to rodent urine, droppings, and saliva.

   • Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and fluid-filled lungs. HPS is rare but potentially fatal.

2. Leptospirosis

   • Description: A bacterial disease affecting humans and animals, transmitted through the urine of infected animals, including mice and rats. Infections occur when bacteria enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes, or skin cuts and abrasions.

   • Symptoms: Headaches, vomiting, red eyes, and in severe cases, kidney failure, jaundice, and respiratory complications. Leptospirosis can be fatal, particularly in cats, dogs, and humans.

3. Rat-Bite Fever

   • Description: An acute, rare disease primarily caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis bacteria. Rats can carry these bacteria without showing signs of illness. Transmission occurs through contaminated food or water containing rat feces or urine.

   • Symptoms: Infection of the brain or soft tissue, infection of the heart valves, inflammation of the parotid glands, tendons, and heart lining.

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Preventive Measures and Rodent Control

To reduce the risk of rodent infestation and associated health hazards, it is essential to implement preventive measures:

1. Water Sources:

   • Regularly change the water for dogs and cats to prevent rodents from urinating in the bowls. Minimizing accessible water in your yard can help reduce the rat population around your house.

2. Food Sources:

   • Ensure proper storage of dog and cat food to prevent rats from gnawing through packaging. Rats are known to hide kibble in various places, such as under fridges, dishwashers, and behind cupboards.

3. Hygiene Practices:

   • Clear rubbish and stored items from areas prone to infestation.

   • Remove potential food sources, including food scraps and crumbs.

   • Trim trees and bushes around your home to limit easy access points for rodents.

 

Clear rubbish and stored items from areas of concern. Remove possible food sourcessuch as food scraps, dirty dishes, food crumbs. Cut back trees and bushes from yourhome to stop easy access.

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Protect your home, family, and health by taking decisive action against mice and rats. Inner West Pest Control offers professional and reliable mice and rat control services, utilizing pet and plant-friendly techniques. Don't delay in addressing rodent infestations, as these pests pose serious risks. Implement preventive measures to keep your home rodent-free and create a safe environment for everyone.