Rat Pest Control Geelong​

Rats! The very thought of these rodents can send shivers through many of us, and for good reason. Rats are more than a nuisance in commercial premises and residences in Greater Geelong – they are a health hazard and can cause costly damage.  So, it’s understandable that you’re looking for ways to control rats in and around your home, workplace or commercial area. 

Like mice (mice are not baby rats but a different species of rodent), rats are frequently associated with general squalor and a lack of hygiene, and unfortunately, rats are everywhere. Rats must gnaw to keep their teeth sharp and short, so they chew on whatever is chewable, causing costly damage or worse. 

Professional Rat Removal and Control

Rats are known to cause structural damage to homes and other buildings; they gnaw on almost anything, contaminate food and water sources and spread diseases. Rats can chew through water and gas pipes and vehicle fuel lines, causing a loss of expensive fuel and posing gas and water leaks, floods or fires. If left unchecked, a rat infestation can quickly become a huge problem, threatening your well-being and environment.

If you have a rat infestation and need rat treatment for your home or commercial premises, contact a professional rat removal and control company like Essential Pest Solutions in Geelong.

Rat Species Identification

There are many different rat species, but the ‘big two’ are the  Black Rat (Rattus rattus) – also called the Roof Rat or the Ship Rat -and the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), also called the Norway Rat, street rat, common rat, or sewer rat.  People often mistake the Black Rat, an introduced species, for an Australian native rat or baby Ring-tail possum in their Geelong house or yard. However, their features and behaviour can distinguish them.

The Black Rat is from India, and the Brown Rat is from Siberia and China, not Norway). Both species live in large colonies, breed profusely, have spread worldwide, and are well established around human and animal habitation everywhere except Antarctica.

Black Rat

Surprisingly, the Black Rat doesn’t always have black fur, but more commonly, it’s a greyish–brown on the back and head and often has a pale to white belly. The tail is 15 to 22 cm long. Black rats can be out and about in daylight and at night. They can climb trees and fences, traverse wires and get into roofs.

Brown Rat

The Brown Rat’s ears are covered in hair, while their tails are scaly and shorter than their bodies. They also have a blunt nose, brown-grey, bristled, coarse fur, and a lighter-coloured belly. They can nest in roofs, under floorboards and inside wall cavities and enter homes through sewerage pipes. 

Bush Rat

Native Australian rat species tend to be shy, forage in the dark, gather in small numbers and cannot climb—these ‘bush rats’ nest in dense understory, under rocks and logs in short burrows and generally away from humans. Bush Rats have pink-grey feet and soft grey-brown fur. Their tails are black to brown, almost hairless, slightly shorter or the same length as their bodies. 

How to Prevent a Feral Rat Infestation

The best thing to do to get rid of rats is to prevent them from becoming a problem. You can also contact Essential Pest Solutions for regular inspections, residential and commercial rat control and treatments to prevent the situation from occurring or worsening. The following tips may help avoid damage to your Geelong home and belongings and protect your family’s health.

• Seal up entry points 

Rats can squeeze through tiny gaps, so check for cracks and holes around your house, especially near pipes and utility lines. Seal them with caulk, steel wool, or other pest-proof materials.

• Keep food sources inaccessible 

Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Don’t leave pet food out overnight. Eliminate garbage attractants. Compost food scraps properly and keep your bins clean and sealed. Regularly remove any debris from around your property.

• Use rat traps 

Place rat traps along walls or in areas where you’ve seen rat activity. Bait them with peanut butter, chocolate, or other tempting treats. Check and dispose of trapped rats regularly. Live traps allow you to release the rats far from your property. However, check local regulations regarding live trap use and release.

• Natural repellents 

Try using peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or other strong-smelling substances around entry points and potential nesting areas. However, their effectiveness can vary.

• Get professional help from rat removal specialists

If the infestation is severe, contact a licensed pest control professional for a pest inspection service. At Essential Pest Solutions, we have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively eliminate rats from your property. 

Rat Control and Removal in Greater Geelong

Essential Pest Solutions offers various effective residential and commercial rat removal and control options to fit your needs. Contact our rat control expert today for emergency rat removal and a free quote. Visit our site, call 0438 422 580 or email info@essentialpestsolutions.com.au for more information on the cost of rat management and local mice and rat control for your Greater Geelong property.