Rat & Mouse Control Tauranga & BOP – Rodent Exterminators

Reliable – Efficient – Effective

Rodent Rodent extermination & control specialists

Our technicians can deal with anything from entrenched longstanding infestations to using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) to prevent an infestation from taking root. For centuries, people have recognized that rats and mice are not only a nuisance but are a public health problem. Rats and mice damage and contaminate food, damage structures, and carry diseases that threaten health and quality of life. We can deal with them effectively because we know their habits and capabilities.

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Control of Rodents on your residential, commercial, industrial property

Our modern and effective rodent control specifically targets the pest with no risk or adverse effect on pets or family, and no unfavourable effect on non-target animals or native wildlife. We have a number of different professional industry-only products that work far more effectively than DIY products.

After a thorough initial inspection, We identify whether you have rats or mice or both & the extent of the infestation. We then select a product that will work most effectively, to suit your requirements and property type.

Whenever rodents find suitable food, water, and harbourage, they become established and reproduce rapidly. Effective control necessitates cooperation from property owners to eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter this will help prevent them returning once we have rid your property of the initial infestation.

Norway Rat

Norway rats (aka Brown rat) are a common pest problem in urban and rural areas in Tauranga Katikati Waihi and surrounds. These rats are the largest of the species we deal with measuring around 25 cm without tail and averaging 500grams an Alpha male can weight 800grams. They have a brown or greyish-brown fur with a pale underside and a blunt nose. The tail is generally short than the body and they have small ears.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

They can reproduce quickly, with females producing 3-6 litters per year, each with an average of 7-8 pups. The gestation period is around 3 weeks, and the pups become sexually mature at around 3-4 months old. This rapid reproduction allows the rat population to grow quickly, causing significant problems for homeowners and businesses. It is believe due to our mild climate in the Bay of Plenty that they breed year round.

Colony Structure and Behaviour

Norway rats are social animals that live in groups called colonies. Often in extensive burrow systems but they will use anything for shelter and a home. Such as rubbish piles and firewood stacks. They have a rigid hierarchy, with dominant males (called alpha males) leading the colony and defending their territory against other males. Norway rats are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. They are also good climbers, swimmers, and burrowers, making it easy for them to access buildings and food sources.

Why control them

Norway rats wreak havoc, causing significant damage. Their teeth grow continuously so they gnaw obsessively. They pose a threat to property through damage to wiring, plumbing, wood and walls leading to fire and flood risk. Additionally, their faeces and urine contaminate surroundings and property, spreading disease and triggering allergies. They consume and foul millions of dollars’ worth of human and animal food each year.

Control of Norway Rats

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that involves a combination of prevention, monitoring, and treatment strategies. Home and business owners can implement various IPM controls to prevent and control infestations.

• Sanitation: Keep your property clean and free of clutter, especially in areas where rats may find food and shelter
• Access: Seal cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, floors, and foundations to prevent rats from entering your building.
• Food: Store food in airtight containers and keep kitchen areas clean not allowing spillage to accumulate.
• Harbourage/Habitat: Remove piles of debris and clutter from your property, and keep vegetation trimmed back. Especially if touch the roof as this can allow easy access. Remove any rubbish pile etc from the garden area old construction material piles of weeds or tree trimmings can provide shelter if not removed promptly.
• Water Sources: Repair leaks and remove standing water from your property. Rats need to drink daily around 10% of their body weight.
• Pets: If you have pets, it is essential to take additional measures to prevent Norway rat infestations. Store pet food in airtight containers and clean up any spilled food or water promptly. Keep pet areas clean and free of clutter and monitor for signs of rat activity. Rats can become quite brazen when a foo source is found. We have seen them enter through cat flaps to steal pet food inside.

Professional help

We can help with a plan to control Norway rats at your property. This will most likely involve some of the above measures. We can also implement a baiting program to cleat existing infestations then keep them away. Once a property has had a rat infestation it is at high risk of reinfestation. The scent trails they leave behind are like a signpost to any new rats that enter the now vacant territory. These will follow these old trails into the building and before you know it the problem is back. By maintaining the property and having a monitored baiting program you can reduce the risk of them setting up home at your place again.

Norway rats are a common pest problem in Tauranga, and their rapid reproduction and destructive behaviour can cause significant problems for homeowners and businesses. By implementing integrated pest management controls and working with a professional pest control company, you can prevent and control Norway rat infestations and protect your property and health.