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South Africa’s diverse wildlife is celebrated, but when it comes to rodents, there’s no warm welcome. These uninvited guests are more than just a nuisance; they pose significant risks to human health and are known for damaging food supplies and our property. From the nimble House Mouse to the hardy Norway Rat, these creatures are survivalists, thriving alongside human habitation. Let’s dive into the species that most disrupt South African homes and businesses and the smart ways to stop them.

1. Norway Rats

Rattus Norvegicus Species

As an invasive species, Norway rats, also known as Brown rats, are the bane of many South African properties. They are not agile climbers but are excellent swimmers, often found in large territories around human populations.

These rodents leave a trail of telltale signs that hint at their unwelcome presence. A keen eye might spot their gnaw marks, which appear rough when fresh and become smoother over time. Their droppings, initially soft and moist, harden and age to a brittle state. Another classic sign is their tracks: the four-toed front footprints paired with the longer five-toed hind tracks.

They also leave dark, greasy rub marks along walls or near their burrow entrances, which are typically found in earthen banks or under structures. If these signs are coupled with sightings of runways — habitual paths free of dust and cobwebs — it’s likely you’re dealing with an active Norway rat infestation, a situation where prompt action is advised to protect your property and health.

How to Effectively Stop Norway Rat Infestations?

For effective rat control, Mostert Pest Control recommends a combination of sanitation, proofing, removing food sources, and strategic baiting. Regular follow-up is crucial to ensure the end of the rat population on your property. You don’t have to struggle with this critter yourself. Our local pest control teams are ready to put an effective long-term plan in action to deal with the problem!

2. Roof Rats

Rattus Rattus Species

Roof Rats, distinguished by their sleek build and acrobatic abilities, prefer higher places such as attics or trees. These pests prefer a diet of fruits and vegetables, and their slender bodies allow them to infiltrate the smallest of openings to enter a building. Their agility makes them formidable invaders that are hard to catch.

Signs of a roof rat infestation include gnawed materials with fresh, rough marks that indicate recent activity, and soft droppings that harden over time. Unlike the burrowing habits of Norway rats, roof rats prefer aerial routes and elevated nests, often leaving behind greasy smudge marks along their travel paths, especially near entry points into the home.

You might find shallow burrows under plants or debris, or nests within attic spaces, indicative of their preference for upper levels. Spotting these signs—particularly around dusk or dawn when roof rats are most active—can be a clear signal that these unwelcome visitors have made themselves at home.

Do I Need Expert Intervention for Roof Rat Control?

Yes, often the only way to stop this non-native species is to hire experts in rat control like Mostert. Dealing with roof rats requires expertise in their nesting and feeding patterns. Professionals like our extermination teams can implement strategic baiting and exclusion tactics that are tailored to the unique challenges this invasive rat species presents.

3. The House Mouse

Mus Musculus Species

House mice are smaller than rats, with a characteristic musky odour and pointed noses. The House Mouse may be small, but its impact is significant. Mice are opportunistic feeders and prefer seeds or cereals. They can often be found living within the structure of buildings, making them a persistent problem year-round.

An infestation of house mice is often betrayed by their droppings—small, rod-shaped, and pointed at the ends, scattered along their foraging paths. These pests prefer to stay close to their nesting sites, rarely venturing further than a few meters for food. They are opportunistic feeders and nibblers, which means they can contaminate much more food than they consume.

House mice are also curious creatures, which can lead them to explore and gnaw on a variety of materials, creating visible gnaw marks. They tend to leave greasy trails or smudge marks along walls and floorboards, evidence of their constant explorations. Their nesting sites might be revealed by collections of finely shredded paper or other fibrous materials, often hidden away in secluded parts of the home like storage boxes, insulation, or within the walls themselves. If you hear scratching sounds in the walls or find these telltale signs, it’s likely a house mouse has made itself at home.

How to Get Rid of House Mice?

It’s important to stop the growth of mouse societies before they get out of hand. To prevent rodent-borne diseases like bubonic plague and more from entering human dwellings, these deadly pests must be stopped in their tracks fast. Often, DIY methods aren’t good enough to stop them altogether, which is why getting professional help is so important. Mostert Pest Control’s approach combines sealant and steel wool for entry points, with bait stations strategically placed to tackle the infestation from the outside in.

How to Stop a Wide Range of Rodent Species?

Rodents are wily and resilient, but with professional help, they can be managed effectively. Mostert Pest Control provides thorough inspections, customised treatments, and preventative advice to ensure that rodents don’t stand a chance in your home or business. With expert help, you can reclaim your space and enjoy peace of mind.

Contact us today for a free quote! One of our local teams is ready to provide the expertise and solutions you need to address any rodent problem, big or small.