Pest and Rodent Control 

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice prefer to live in close proximity to urban area because of the food and shelter opportunities provided by human activity. They can thrive on just small amount of food and water daily.

In metropolitan areas, food and water are readily available from drainage system, fruit and nuts from vines and trees. As a result, it is not unusual to expect sighting of rats and mice.

Rats and mice can cause many issues. They can spread diseases, eat and damage fruits and other crops in the garden and if they find their way inside a dwelling can contaminate food and utensils and damage buildings by chewing conduits and wiring.

Signs of rodent activity

Look for signs such as:

  • Droppings which are oblong in shape that resemble small, dark pellets,
  • Damaged food containers or box in your pantry or cabinets,
  • Starching, gnawing, or movement sounds in wall, roof or floor cavities, especially at night,
  • Discoloured and greasy trails along the ground or floor, especially beams,
  • Pets being more excitable than usual, and
  • Fruit and vegetables in garden being eaten.

Preventing rat and mice problems

To keep rodents out of your property and control their population, you can take steps to limit food and shelter availability by following these steps:

  • Removing garden waste and disused material in sheds or your yards, 
  • Removing fruit and nuts from vines and trees at the end of the season and picking up fallen fruit, 
  • Storing bulk pet food in air-tight containers, 
  • Ensuring excess pet food is promptly removed,
  • Sealing potential roof/wall cavity access point,
  • Avoid feeding birds or other wildlife, and
  • Upturn disused containers so they do not collect rainwater.

Baiting

Rat baits should only be used as a last resort or as directed by a licensed pest control personnel, as they can cause secondary poisoning to pets and local wildlife.

Many brands are available at hardware stores and supermarkets. However, residents are encouraged to apply first generation anticoagulant rodenticides over second generation anticoagulant rodenticides.

First generation anticoagulant rodenticides are known as "multi dose anticoagulants," this means that the lethal dose is reached over several feedings.

First generation anticoagulants rodenticide active ingredient includes:

  • Coumatetralyl,
  • Warfarin, and

Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides are known as "single dose anticoagulants" this means a lethal dose can be consumed in a single feeding. Second generation anticoagulants are slower to degrade and last longer in animal tissues than first generation anticoagulant rodenticides. They are more dangerous to non-target species that may feed on animals that have consumed the bait.

Second generation anticoagulant includes:

  • Brodifacoum,
  • Bromadiolone,
  • Difenacoum,
  • Difethialone, and

If you choose to use a rodenticide always read the label and take precautions to avoid exposure. Keep all rodenticides whether in use or in storage, out of the reach of children. Collect and dispose of poisoned rodents to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning to pets and wildlife.

If you continue to experience persistent or increased rodent activities at your home after applying alternative control methods and baiting, consider contacting a licensed pest control personnel for advice or treatment.

For further information on anticoagulant rodenticide, please visit Bromadiolone and the mouse plague | Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (apvma.gov.au)

City’s position statement

The City of Nedlands acknowledges there are risks associated with the use of second-generation rodent baits to non-target animals such as pets and local wildlife, where they could be harmed or killed by the residual poisons from poisoned rodents.

The City has ceased the dispensing of second-generation rodenticides and commenced dispensing first-generation rodenticides to its residents to reduce the associated risks.

The City encourages residents to cease using second-generation rodenticides and apply alternative methods to control rodents where appropriate such as:

  • Using first generation rodenticides with active chemical ingredients such as Warfarin, Coumatetralyl and Chlorophacinone,
  • Store firewood away from the sides of sheds and fences and keep it well clear (40 cm) off the ground,
  • Regularly remove or limit garden waste or other disused material in sheds or around your yard,
  • Remove fruit and nuts from trees or vines at the end of the season,
  • Block holes and other potential access points around all buildings.
  • Store bird seeds and chicken feed in airtight containers,
  • Keep pet food dishes clean and store bulk pet food supplies in containers and locations where rats cannot enter or chew through,
  • Ensure rubbish and compost bins have lids and are free from holes, and
  • Do not leave meat scraps in compost bins.

Residents are also encouraged to refer to the Department of Health’s website for further information - Protect your health – keep rats and mice under control (healthywa.wa.gov.au).

For general information on rodent control, please contact the City’s Environmental Health team on 9273 2500.

Mosquitos 

As well as being a nuisance, some species of mosquito carry viruses such as Ross River Virus and Barman Forest Virus. For simple preventative measures that you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites and to help reduce mosquito numbers, please refer to the prevent mosquito bites information page on the Healthy WA website. 

European Wasps 

European wasps are declared pests in Western Australia and must be eradicated when found. The Department of Agriculture and Food provides a fact sheet for identifying European Wasps. If you suspect you have seen European wasps please report using the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development MyPestGuide for more information please refer to European wasp: declared pest | Agriculture and Food.

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