Stay rodent-free this winter

Advice from the experts at Allstate Pest Control

With the cold weather sweeping in, it’s a popular time for rats to seek shelter and warmth inside your house. Unfortunately, rats are among the worst houseguests you could have. Beyond the noise and smells, they contaminate your food – spreading germs and serious disease. They are also infamously skilled gnawers, chewing their way through walls, timber, insulation and electrical wiring, which could potentially start a fire.

To avoid the stress of having rats plague your house this winter, we have put together our top 5 recommendations from our rat control experts. With the cold weather sweeping in, it’s a popular time for rats to seek shelter and warmth inside your house. Unfortunately, rats are among the worst houseguests you could have. Beyond the noise and smells, they contaminate your food – spreading germs and serious disease. They are also infamously skilled gnawers, chewing their way through walls, timber, insulation and electrical wiring, which could potentially start a fire.

To avoid the stress of having rats plague your house this winter, we have put together our top 5 recommendations from our rat control experts.

RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk

Dogs don’t usually make it past the gate at Adelaide’s much-loved Botanic Gardens, but on Sunday May 28 they can enjoy privileged, one-day only access if their owners buy tickets to RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk – the well-known charity’s main fundraising event for the year.

A successful “mini” Million Paws Walk in the Botanic Garden last year prompted the Garden authority to allow the main event to be staged inside the walled oasis this year. The date coincides with Botanic Gardens Day, an annual celebration in Australia and New Zealand of the work done within botanical gardens to conserve plants for future generations.

RSPCA SA’s CEO Marcus Gehrig praised last year’s participants for paving the way for the much-loved annual fundraiser to return.

“Everyone seemed to understand the privileged access they were enjoying, and did the right thing in terms of sticking to the paths, keeping their dogs under control….and, of-course, having poo bags at the ready,” says Marcus.

1. Seal entry points

Rats can squeeze and gnaw through small openings so it’s important to regularly inspect your home and cover over any gaps with wire mesh, sheet metal, steel wool, or hardware cloth.

2. Maintain your backyard

Reduce hiding spots and access to your home by keeping a clear perimeter around your home. We suggest trimming excess foliage and vegetation, removing backyard clutter and piles of organic matter, and mowing lawns regularly.

3. Manage waste properly

The strong smell of decomposing food and waste is an attractant for rats, so we recommend disposing of all waste regularly, ensuring bins have tight fitting lids and avoiding open compost heaps.

4. Remove clutter inside and outside

Regularly check less-frequented areas of your home to identify spots where rats hide, breed and nest. Removing rubbish, old furniture and cars, appliances or other hard waste items can reduce your chances of a rat outbreak.

5. Use rat baits, traps and poison with caution

You can use cage traps inside your home, however baits and poison are best reserved for outdoor use to keep children and pets out of harm’s way. If you are unsure about how to safely use them, it’s best to contact and speak to Allstate Pest Control for professional advice.

While there are many ways to deter rats from entering your home, sometimes DIY methods are simply not enough. Our experienced rat control technicians can help you with safe solutions that get rid of rats for good. Allstate Pest Control, 686 South Rd, Glandore allstatepest.com.au

“We encourage every participant to share their fundraising page with family and friends so they, too, can contribute to care costs for our state’s most vulnerable animals.”

Participants can choose between two signposted 1.8km or 3.1km walks, both starting from the Garden’s Conservatory Gate located off Plane Tree Drive, anytime between 9am to 12pm. A Million Paws Walk Village in Botanic Park (opposite the Garden, on Plane Tree Drive) will have food and festivities to enjoy before and after doing the walk.

“We think this is now the best Million Paws Walk in the country – what better way to spend a Sunday morning than strolling through this greenery with others who share a passion for animals and their welfare.” Register

RSPCA South Australia relies on donations from the community to support animals residing in its three shelters and with volunteer foster carers.

Currently, the organisation has almost one thousand animals in care.

“We definitely need a funding boost ahead of the high-demand winter months,” says Marcus.