Basics and appearance

Rodent control is important in ensuring the protection of structures and electrical component, saving business from incurring preventable costs. The costs can be sever given their ability to be rapid breeders, where a single rodent can produce 32-84 pups a year. The Centers for disease Control and Prevention  and the World Health Organization documents the spreading of diseases caused by rodents through contamination and contact. The most common type of diseases are salmonellosis, leptospirosis and rat bite fever.

• Rat droppings – Rat dropping dark brown in a shape of a ‘grain’
• Rub marks- Grease/dirt on their bodies tend to leave smudges on surfaces
• Rat sounds – Rats are most active at night. You may hear indicates such as: squeaks, climbing sounds or scratching noises in the walls.
• Live or dead mice – spotting one rodent during the daytime is usually associated with at least 10 rodents in the general area.
• Strong smell – Urination produced by rats has strong smell which can linger for a long time.

• Storing food sources – Ensure all foods are covered with plastic containers to prevent mice from being attracted towards the smell of food.
• Cardboard – Cardboard boxes prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up to use as their nesting sites. Accumulation of stored cardboard boxes can provide a home for rodents.
• Peppermint oil/ pepper or onions – The pungent smell of these substances will prevent rats for a period of time as they can’t stand the smell.
• Seal openings – Proofing your home or business: Block holes that provide entry and re-entry points located in the doorway, cables and drain pipes to prevent rodents from evading the area.