Rats and mice

Bundaberg Regional Council offers advice on how to control rat or mice problems on private property. Control methods including poison baits and traps can be used to stop a rat or mice infestation. Pest proof your property and limit access to food.

What to do if you observe rodents in your home?

If the pest is coming from your property make sure you reduce the risk by following the below tips. If you believe your property is harbouring rats or mice, or you are still experiencing difficulty in reducing the pests on your property, phone Council on 1300 883 699. An Officer may investigate the site and provide further specific advice.

How to rodent proof your home

To make sure rats and mice are not attracted to your garden:

  • Cover compost heaps with garden lime and only compost the correct material
  • Do not leave pet food out for longer than 20 minutes
  • Keep chicken coops and bird aviaries clean
  • Store pet food in vermin proof containers
  • Don't feed wildlife or other native animals
  • Pick up fallen nuts from your trees
  • Keep the grass short and the yard tidy around your house
  • Check retaining and rock walls are not harbouring rodents
  • Trim trees away from rooflines to limit rodent access
  • Allow natural predators to keep rodent numbers down

Inside the house rodents are drawn to food. Make sure you:

  • Store food and leftovers in sealed containers
  • Keep your cupboard doors closed
  • Use weather strips on external doors to seal gaps
  • Repair any breakages in wall linings and roof cavities immediately
  • Place metal gauze over external building pipes to limit access to your home

Poison baits and traps

  • Once you have rodent proofed your property you can consider using poison baits and traps, which can be purchased from a hardware store, ensuring you undertake the following:
  • Place the baits and traps in areas where rodents have been seen
  • To bait a trap, use a piece of apple, a pumpkin seed or a piece of fat from some meat. Tie the bait on with a piece of wire to make it hard for the rodent to remove without setting off the trap
  • Make sure you follow the safety instructions on the packet. Ensure baits and traps are kept out of reach of children or pets
  • You can also purchase lockable stations and humane traps from some retail outlets. These traps are safer around children and pets than poison baits.

Fact Sheet - Rats & Mice

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