Pest management tips

ARTICLE Eddie Quirkie

Rodents can be persistent pests, but with an integrated pest management approach, the problem can be effectively managed.
They are more apparent in winter as they are searching for warmth, shelter and food. They can be particularly damaging in homes, as they are avid gnawers.
They have to constantly gnaw at hard surfaces to keep their teeth from growing too long and can quickly chew through wires, beams and pipes.
A short-term pest bomb will knock down the rodents within the area that is being treated, but is not a long-term solution for rodent control.
An integrated approach starts with a visit from a qualified pest management specialist, who will identify the entry points to your home, and determine the best locations to place baits and traps.
Bait stations should be fully lockable (child and pet proof) and baited with second-generation bait that is very attractive to rodents. Those baits are a ‘one feed kill’ meaning that the rodent population will diminish quickly.
Once the initial baiting placement is completed, a follow up visit is required to check uptake, re-bait or remove as necessary. For one-off problems, this is usually enough, but for locations with heavy pest pressure an on-going program is recommended.
We also suggest trimming back trees and bushes to around a metre away from the places like guttering or eaves to restrict further entry for the rodents.
It is also recommended that you try and block any potential entry points around pipes, drains and other services in to the property.
Baiting is generally the best treatment options, as it offers long-term effectiveness if properly managed. For any pest problem, we recommend contacting a registered pest management company. They can accurately assess and provide a treatment program to suit your specific needs.

You might be interested in reading: Checking for asbestos.

 

This expert advice by Eddie Quirkie featured on page 36 of Issue 011 of Renovate Magazine. Renovate Magazine is an easy to use resource providing fresh inspiration and motivation at every turn of the page.

 

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*All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.