Rats and mice are dangerous, parasitic animals that contaminate our food and start fires in our homes. Rats and mice are omnivorous scavengers, they are very agile and are mainly nocturnal choosing to shelter and nest inside our homes and offices which provide them access to security, food and water. They are a major source of disease, credited with spreading the ‘Black death’ (bubonic plague) in the Middle Ages that cost millions of human lives.
Discovering rats in your property doesn’t necessarily mean your place is dirty!More often than not rodents are merely seeking protection from the elements and the warmth during the months that your home provides.Rats are prolific breeders, so a vigilant and professional rodent control program is required to prevent them from taking over.
Acting at the first sign of a suspected problem is vitally important. Rapid intervention can dramatically reduce the length of time needed to gain control of an infestation. Rats breed quickly and a small problem will to develop into a serious issue if left unattended.
We employ an integrated pest management approach to rodent control examining all of the environmental factors that may have contributed to the infestation in the first place. We service the residential, commercial and industrial sectors of Melbourne tailoring strategies that meet your individual needs to gain effective control.
"Call us now to eliminate your rodent infestation"
Just some of the diseases spread by Melbourne rats:
Bubonic plague
Leptospirosis
Hantavirus
Trichinosis
Infectious jaundice
Dermatitis
Salmonella
Pulmonary fever
Typhus
Mice have also been linked to asthma
RODENT TREATMENT PRICING:
Type of Structure/Service
Cost
Average 1-2-bedroom unit/apartment. Includes 6-month warranty and unlimited carcass retrieval if require. Refer to our warranty conditions
from $240 + gst
Average 3-4 bedroom house/townhouse. Includes 6-month warranty and carcass retrieval if required. Refer to our warranty conditions. Cost variation based on size of property. These prices are not applicable to Executive Estate properties POA
from $260 - $380 + gst
**Tamper Proof Bait Boxes fully loaded with bait.
Additional $25 + gst per box
Carcass Retrieval Only (Dead Rodent). We make every endeavour to locate, retrieve & and dispose of rodent carcass and success is highly dependent on physical access. Our time is chargeable, and charges will apply regardless of success.
from $220 - $280 + gst
Carcass Retrieval & New Rodent Treatment Activation. Includes attempt to retrieve carcass and rodent treatment based on an average size property and includes 6-month warranty. Refer to our warranty conditions
from $280 - $390 + gst
*PLEASE NOTE: The price list table above is based on ‘SIGHT UNSEEN’ and reflects the cost to treat an Average Home, however there may be factors that are unknown to us that might affect how much it will cost to control rodents in your home. Treatment cost largely depends on the size and the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of infestation.
This treatment includes baiting of all affected roof cavity areas, and where necessary subfloor and internal baiting to all areas of established activity where required. Our treatment also includes the removal of any rodent carcass should the circumstances arise and if carcass is present and accessible. This service carries a 6-month (2 visit limit) warranty from date of service.
**Where there is an issue with mice/rats presenting internally at a property, we would recommend the Installation of tamper proof bait boxes. These are an additional cost of $25.00 + gst per box and will be installed at our discretion internally.
RODENT WARRANTY
We are very generous when applying and distributing all of our baiting products, this ensures all rodent affected areas are protected for atleast 6 months. After we have initially laid the baits please note there will be a 28-day delayed association-control period. This allows the rodents enough time to become accustomed to the baits before they take it, providing enough time for our treatment to have a positive effect.
If rodent activity returns and noises have been consistent for a minimum 7-day period (and after the 28-day control period), we will return to re-inspect the property at no extra charge and top up bait where required.
If a rodent dies within the roof space during any time in our warranty period, we will locate and remove the carcass providing we can physically retrieve it. If a more invasive recovery is required i.e. within a wall cavity, Rodent Catchers will not risk damage to any part of the property to recover a dead rodent unless the owner of the property has given their express consent and is willing to cover the cost to restore/repair afterwards.
Attendance of all warranty issues will be carried out strictly during business hours Monday-Friday only. Request for attendance outside these hours is chargeable at $190 + gst per hour. Our warranty will be strictly 6 months (with a 2 visit limit) and will commence from the day of our first visit, there will be no extension on this time. Rodent Catchers does not take responsibility for damaged caused by rodents internally or externally during or after the rodent treatment process.
Due to their remarkably quick breeding habits, it’s important to identify and deal it a Rodent problem before it gets out of control. We offer a reliable, cost effective service that complies with all legislative requirements. We guarantee to be in touch with you within 48 hours (Monday to Friday) to arrange an appointment time.
All our treatments are 100% completely safe for use around children and pets and are the most environmentally friendly methods around.Our services are tailored to cause minimum disruption to your business and your personal schedule.
Both rats and mice have highly developed sense of smell and can often identify generic brands of domestic baits rendering them useless. We use only the highest grade commercial rodent baits available only to licensed pest controllers. All baits are secured and placed out of reach of children and pets in roof voids and subfloors.
If you have a reoccurring long term rodent problem, throwing handfuls of supermarket strength bait at the problem is a pointless exercise. You may kill a few individuals but the problem will soon return.
Pest Signs... What to look for...
“These nocturnal creatures are cautious, and hide in concealed locations, so you may not even be aware you have a problem until it’s too late”.
While you may not be able to see them….Look for:
Their droppings that are scattered everywhere inside kitchen cupboards and drawers and in your roof cavity. New rodent droppings are shiny black and pliable and within 2-3 days become dull and hard. Mouse droppings are 3-6mm long and have one pointed end. Rat droppings are up to 12mm long and have blunted ends
Tracks and paw prints may be visible in mud or dust
Gnaw Marks – Rats have two large incisor teeth that continually grow, (10 cm in a year), and It is vitally important that this growth is managed by the animal because if allowed to grow to long the rodent cannot open its mouth wide enough to accommodate and chew its food, eventually resulting in starvation.
This growth is countered by them gnawing on hard objects in your house that sharpen and grind their teeth down Rats will gnaw on wood, metal, conduit and cables in order to do this.
When rats gnaw cables for instance this can expose bare wires and cause short circuits or fires. This destructive chewing also occurs in areas you cannot see such as under house water pipes, ducting for your heater and air-conditioning
Rub Marks – check around possible entry holes for greasy rub marks created from repeated contact with the rodents oily fur
Urine – an ammoniated urine smell may be evident in high traffic areas and faint urine stains may be appearing on your ceiling.
Sounds – you may hear sounds at night and sometimes during the day: scurrying, gnawing, scratching and squeaking among them.
Excited Pets – an obsessed dog or cat may be the first sign of a problem. They may claw at the floor, a wall or kitchen cupboard if they sense a rodents presence.
Rats leave behind tell-tale signs, like snail shells or other inedible materials such as lemon or lime rinds.
There are two main species of rats currently infesting Melbourne:
The black rat
Rattus rattus - (also known as the roof rat)
Consumes a wide variety of foods including fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, fungi, insects, birds and reptiles.
Their preference is for a warmer climate so they often harbour in residential homes, warehouses and food manufacturing facilities.
They are very agile climbers hence their nests are commonly found in roofs and wall cavities.
Their droppings are approx. 12mm long, shiny black and pointed at one end
Black rats do not burrow like the brown rat does. They are poor swimmers and are rarely found in sewers
The brown rat
(Rattus norvegicus - also known as the Norway or sewer rat)
The brown rat is the more common of the two. It is larger than the black and can weigh twice as much sometimes growing as large as a possum. It is an omnivore that will eat just about anything.
The brown Norway rat is particularly fond of garbage whereas the the black rat prefers more natural plant food if it is available.
They are strong swimmers and are often seen in sewers and laneways
They make burrows outside but prefer to live in the warmth of our homes.
They are strong, very aggressive, and able to adapt to cold climates.
They have small eyes, naked ears, and coarse fur. Their tails are approximately 20 cms in length, scaly, and nearly naked.
They have brown to dark grey fur, and are greyish brown or dirty white underneath.
In the case where territory is at a premium, the Norway rat will become the dominant species often driving other rats out of the area.
Their life span is around 9-18 months, although some survive for as long as 3 years.
Brown rat droppings are dark brown, blunted at both ends and are about 9mm - 18mm long sometimes resembling a large grain of rice.
Mice
(Mus musculus)
Also belong to the order of Rodents & are smaller than rats. Originally from the Northern parts of India they migrated to the Mediterranean Basin around 8000 BC and are known to have been in Europe since 1000 BC.
More Information
Adult mice are about 80 – 100mm in length and have a tail that is about 70 - 90mm long
The male can weigh up to 25grams, and the female up to 20grams.
They have a dusty brown fur on the head and back and ivory fur on the belly.
Like rats they are omnivorous by nature and invade homes seeking food and shelter to evade predators.
Mice are considered the most successful mammal living on Earth due to their remarkable ability to adapt to any environment and can live for about 2 – 3 years.
Mice are much more curious and exploratory than rats and exhibit no fear of new objects
Mice can survive without drinking water providing the moisture content of their food is greater than 15%.
Males & females mature sexually at about 50 days old and the female’s gestation period is about 19-21 days. Litter sizes are between 5-14 and 5-10 litters a year is not uncommon.
Mice are nocturnal and have very poor eyesight, which they compensate with a highly developed sense of hearing & smell used effectively to evade predators & source food.
Mice are very adaptable; they are excellent swimmers, runners, climbers, and jumpers reaching heights as high as 30 cm. Mice have an excellent sense of smell, taste, and touch. Whilst mice have poor eyesight they have good peripheral vision allowing them to detect movement.
Because of their poor eyesight, mice use using their whiskers to navigate, usually traveling along a wall or other object.
A pencil-sized opening (6mm) is sufficient for mouse entry.
You are more likely to see mice scurry by when you have been sitting very still for a while, such as when reading or watching television.
Mice generally have a lifespan of up to around 18 months.
Mice eat just under half their body weight in food per day.
Mice droppings are very small with one end rounded and one end pointy
Prevention tips
We can advise you on ways to help rodent proof your home and minimise the likelihood of rodent re-entry such as:
Hygiene and tidiness are the most effective preventative means of keeping rodent numbers down.
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 the home.
Food spillages, no matter how small, need to be tidied up.
Any food items not stored in rodent proof containers should be kept 20 – 30cm off the ground.
Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
Be advised that rats thrive on pet food, birdseed, and grass seed, garbage and dog faeces.
Never leave any uneaten pet food outside, whatever your pet doesn’t eat, rodents will
Windows and exterior doors should be fitted properly minimizing gaps with weather-strips, and be kept closed when not in use.
Pick up fruit and vegetables that have fallen to the ground in your yard. Rotting fruit is especially delightful to rodents.
If you have a compost heap, keep it neat and try to avoid including any organic food waste.
Rodents “Tag” their surrounding habitat with large amounts urine, droppings and pheromones. This explains why they turn up year after year in the same place.
We will treat the rodent entry points and harbourage areas throughout your
roof void and eave line
external wall cavities
subfloor area
internal harbourage areas
burrows
First aid information:
Important: The following information is provided as a guide only and should not in any way be relied upon or used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in any doubt in regards to a physical reaction you are experiencing as the result of a pest related encounter please consult a doctor or medical professional immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms after being Bitten:
difficulty breathing
wheezing
vomiting
nausea or diarrhoea
feeling faint or dizzy
swollen face or mouth
problems swallowing
asthmatic or any other type of allergic reaction
Then seek medical attentionimmediately.
Rats are equipped with large, sharp incisor teeth and can administer painful bites. The saliva of rats carries hazardous disease causing bacteria, and in some cases, rat bite victims may contract tetanus infections.
The common symptoms of a rat bite are pain, redness and swelling around the bite area and, if bacterial infection occurs, a weeping pus around wound. All rodent bites should be promptly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Tetanus immunizations may be required for those who are not up to date.
Commercial Information
‘A One size fits all’ approach does not apply in Rodent control…
Rats spoil and destroy millions of dollars’ worth of stock within Victorian businesses every month! They inflict massive amounts of damage to infrastructure and cause chaotic disruption to production schedules, however……the eradication and prevention of commercial rodent problems is an achievable goal.
No matter what industry you’re in we have a rodent control solution for you. The exposure of your customers and staff to unhealthy and potentially dangerous pest situations can seriously compromise the health of your business – and ultimately impact your bottom line. Nothing disrupts a business quite like an un-controlled rat infestation. You’re hard earned and well-deserved reputation is everything and complacency can result in an outbreak that will tarnish the reputation of even the most trusted establishment.
Stringent health and safety regulations apply to the management and control of rodent’s in business and commercial situations. Maintaining that control relies on regular monitoring, targeted strategies and effective communication between all stakeholders across the entire rodent control process.
Treatment details & cost
Treatment cost largely depends on the size and the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of infestation.
We provide a Free - no obligation detailed assessment of your premises that includes a comprehensive inspection of the entire facility, factoring in its unique environmental conditions so that we can develop a customised rodent protection plan that suits your individual requirements. The treatment plan begins with establishing the particular species of Rodent causing the problem and the location of their breeding and harbourage areas. Our highly trained pest management technicians can then prepare a suitable Rodent treatment plan that will eradicate the current infestation as well as providing recommendations and practical measures for the long-term control of this destructive pest. A formal treatment proposal can then be presented for your consideration offering treatment and costing options.
Our technicians can implement immediate, targeted control programs, in key harbourage areas, and advise you on proactive physical exclusion techniques. We also provide guidance and monitoring strategies that focus on both chemical and non-chemical environmental control methods that enable us to achieve these goals.
The identification of rodent nesting ‘hot spots’ through regular detailed monitoring is an integral part of the eradication strategy.
We hold public liability insurance of $20 million and professional indemnity insurance of $500,000 for your piece of mind. An insurance certificate is available on request.
Possum catchers are fully compliant with all the necessary statutory and mandatory requirements relating to the Wildlife Act 1975 and all our staff are fully trained in all aspects of the Occupational health and safety act's systems and controls.
We are licenced Type 1 Commercial Wildlife Controllers and have nationally recognised qualifications in Cert III Asset Maintenance as well as full accreditation in all pest management systems Cert IV General pest & Termite Management.
We also hold the following Industry Accreditations: EWP Operator licence – (Yellow Card scissor and boom lift), Victorian Construction Induction - White Card, Working at Heights licenced, current accreditation Working with Children.
Simply call 03 8840 9572 to speak with us directly or fill in the Contact Us form and we’ll respond to your enquiry in a timely fashion.
Call us, we’re here to help you !
Rodent infestations cause the following problems:
Production interruptions and costly delays
The spread of illness and disease
Contamination and loss of stock
Breach of health regulations
Destruction of materials and inventory
Damage to amenities
Decreased employee productivity and increased absenteeism
Negative customer experience
The treatment of Rodents is an integrated effort that involves habitat and source eradication coupled with the use of chemical control products as needed. This may include modification to the vegetation sites that adult Rodents use for harbourage and breeding purposes. Rodent population control is dependent upon the availability of breeding habitats and the particulartargetspecies. Should you experience Rodents in your working environment, contact us to discuss the options.
Rats regularly create big problems for Government and Commercial organizations. They are major vectors of disease and they are rapid breeders.
Rats obsessively chew on rubber and plastic, damaging electrical wires and telephone cables which cause system failures and fires.
Due to their remarkably quick breeding habits, it’s important to identify a rat problem before it gets out of control.
Rodent management for commercial and industrial clients is an ongoing process. We assure complete discretion and work flexible hours to meet your needs and the needs of your clients.
In commercial buildings, bulk foods should be stored in rodent-proof areas. Packaged food should be stacked on pallets with adequate space left around and under the pallets to facilitate regular inspections. Pallets should never be positioned hard up against walls or left unattended for long periods of time.
Dumpsters should be fitted with tight fitting lids and drain holes should be fitted with mesh screens, or else sealed after each scheduled cleaning.
If you operate a commercial food business, a rodent infestation can cause major food contamination issues that can impact on your reputation and livelihood.
There are a range commercial treatment options available to help manage rodent infestations and a combination of options is usually the most effective. Don’t let the problem escalate out of control call a professional licensed pest control company
In a commercial environment, such as a café, school, aged-care facility or restaurant extra vigilance is required and strict health requirements must be met.
Rats and mice can survive in very dry habitats, getting all the water they need from the food they eat and all though it is not their preference, rats and mice can live in commercial freezers feeding and surviving on stores of frozen food.
Rodents
Order : Canidae
Introduction
Rats and mice are dangerous, parasitic animals that contaminate our food and start fires in our homes. Rats and mice are omnivorous scavengers, they are very agile and are mainly nocturnal choosing to shelter and nest inside our homes and offices which provide them access to security, food and water. They are a major source of disease, credited with spreading the ‘Black death’ (bubonic plague) in the Middle Ages that cost millions of human lives.
Discovering rats in your property doesn’t necessarily mean your place is dirty! More often than not rodents are merely seeking protection from the elements and the warmth during the months that your home provides. Rats are prolific breeders, so a vigilant and professional rodent control program is required to prevent them from taking over.
Acting at the first sign of a suspected problem is vitally important. Rapid intervention can dramatically reduce the length of time needed to gain control of an infestation. Rats breed quickly and a small problem will to develop into a serious issue if left unattended.
We employ an integrated pest management approach to rodent control examining all of the environmental factors that may have contributed to the infestation in the first place. We service the residential, commercial and industrial sectors of Melbourne tailoring strategies that meet your individual needs to gain effective control.
"Call us now to eliminate your rodent infestation"
Just some of the diseases spread by Melbourne rats:
RODENT TREATMENT PRICING:
*PLEASE NOTE: The price list table above is based on ‘SIGHT UNSEEN’ and reflects the cost to treat an Average Home, however there may be factors that are unknown to us that might affect how much it will cost to control rodents in your home. Treatment cost largely depends on the size and the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of infestation.
This treatment includes baiting of all affected roof cavity areas, and where necessary subfloor and internal baiting to all areas of established activity where required. Our treatment also includes the removal of any rodent carcass should the circumstances arise and if carcass is present and accessible. This service carries a 6-month (2 visit limit) warranty from date of service.
**Where there is an issue with mice/rats presenting internally at a property, we would recommend the Installation of tamper proof bait boxes. These are an additional cost of $25.00 + gst per box and will be installed at our discretion internally.
RODENT WARRANTY
We are very generous when applying and distributing all of our baiting products, this ensures all rodent affected areas are protected for at least 6 months. After we have initially laid the baits please note there will be a 28-day delayed association-control period. This allows the rodents enough time to become accustomed to the baits before they take it, providing enough time for our treatment to have a positive effect.
If rodent activity returns and noises have been consistent for a minimum 7-day period (and after the 28-day control period), we will return to re-inspect the property at no extra charge and top up bait where required.
If a rodent dies within the roof space during any time in our warranty period, we will locate and remove the carcass providing we can physically retrieve it. If a more invasive recovery is required i.e. within a wall cavity, Rodent Catchers will not risk damage to any part of the property to recover a dead rodent unless the owner of the property has given their express consent and is willing to cover the cost to restore/repair afterwards.
Attendance of all warranty issues will be carried out strictly during business hours Monday-Friday only. Request for attendance outside these hours is chargeable at $190 + gst per hour. Our warranty will be strictly 6 months (with a 2 visit limit) and will commence from the day of our first visit, there will be no extension on this time. Rodent Catchers does not take responsibility for damaged caused by rodents internally or externally during or after the rodent treatment process.
Both rats and mice have highly developed sense of smell and can often identify generic brands of domestic baits rendering them useless. We use only the highest grade commercial rodent baits available only to licensed pest controllers. All baits are secured and placed out of reach of children and pets in roof voids and subfloors.
If you have a reoccurring long term rodent problem, throwing handfuls of supermarket strength bait at the problem is a pointless exercise. You may kill a few individuals but the problem will soon return.Pest Signs... What to look for...
“These nocturnal creatures are cautious, and hide in concealed locations, so you may not even be aware you have a problem until it’s too late”.
While you may not be able to see them….Look for:
There are two main species of rats currently infesting Melbourne:
The black rat
Rattus rattus - (also known as the roof rat)
The brown rat
(Rattus norvegicus - also known as the Norway or sewer rat)
Mice
(Mus musculus)
Also belong to the order of Rodents & are smaller than rats. Originally from the Northern parts of India they migrated to the Mediterranean Basin around 8000 BC and are known to have been in Europe since 1000 BC.
More Information
Prevention tips
We will treat the rodent entry points and harbourage areas throughout your
First aid information:
Important: The following information is provided as a guide only and should not in any way be relied upon or used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in any doubt in regards to a physical reaction you are experiencing as the result of a pest related encounter please consult a doctor or medical professional immediately.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after being Bitten:
Then seek medical attention immediately.
Commercial Information
‘A One size fits all’ approach does not apply in Rodent control…
Rats spoil and destroy millions of dollars’ worth of stock within Victorian businesses every month! They inflict massive amounts of damage to infrastructure and cause chaotic disruption to production schedules, however……the eradication and prevention of commercial rodent problems is an achievable goal.
No matter what industry you’re in we have a rodent control solution for you. The exposure of your customers and staff to unhealthy and potentially dangerous pest situations can seriously compromise the health of your business – and ultimately impact your bottom line. Nothing disrupts a business quite like an un-controlled rat infestation. You’re hard earned and well-deserved reputation is everything and complacency can result in an outbreak that will tarnish the reputation of even the most trusted establishment.
Stringent health and safety regulations apply to the management and control of rodent’s in business and commercial situations. Maintaining that control relies on regular monitoring, targeted strategies and effective communication between all stakeholders across the entire rodent control process.
Treatment details & cost
Treatment cost largely depends on the size and the extent of the affected areas as well as the intensity of infestation.
We provide a Free - no obligation detailed assessment of your premises that includes a comprehensive inspection of the entire facility, factoring in its unique environmental conditions so that we can develop a customised rodent protection plan that suits your individual requirements. The treatment plan begins with establishing the particular species of Rodent causing the problem and the location of their breeding and harbourage areas. Our highly trained pest management technicians can then prepare a suitable Rodent treatment plan that will eradicate the current infestation as well as providing recommendations and practical measures for the long-term control of this destructive pest. A formal treatment proposal can then be presented for your consideration offering treatment and costing options.
Our technicians can implement immediate, targeted control programs, in key harbourage areas, and advise you on proactive physical exclusion techniques. We also provide guidance and monitoring strategies that focus on both chemical and non-chemical environmental control methods that enable us to achieve these goals.
The identification of rodent nesting ‘hot spots’ through regular detailed monitoring is an integral part of the eradication strategy.
Simply call 03 8840 9572 to speak with us directly or fill in the Contact Us form and we’ll respond to your enquiry in a timely fashion.
Call us, we’re here to help you !
Rodent infestations cause the following problems:
The treatment of Rodents is an integrated effort that involves habitat and source eradication coupled with the use of chemical control products as needed. This may include modification to the vegetation sites that adult Rodents use for harbourage and breeding purposes. Rodent population control is dependent upon the availability of breeding habitats and the particular target species. Should you experience Rodents in your working environment, contact us to discuss the options.