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Decoration storage tips to prevent pests

Decoration storage tips

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While packing your holiday decorations away, there are a few thing you might want to do to make your home less attractive to household pests.

Following these tips could save you from a spider bite, a cockroach scare, or a family of rodents living in your storage areas.

Decoration storage tipsDiscard edible decorations.

If you created edible decorations with items such as popcorn or cranberries, consider lovingly putting it in the trash.

If the item has sentimental value, consider putting it in a zip-lock bag before you store it.

Food items lure in bugs and mammals that can smell items through the box.

 

Decoration storage tipsTree Storage

Any artificial tree, especially one that has had food decorations on it, shake it out thoroughly and vacuum it.

Store it in a plastic bag.

Trees retain smells that attract pests.

 

Decoration storage tipsDecoration Storage

Place all decorations in a plastic box with a tight-fitting lid.

Insects, rats & mice can chew through boxes and paper, and may nest in your holiday decorations.

Clean all plastic, metal and hard ornaments with an alcohol wipe or soapy water. This will make them less interesting to pests and preserve their appearance.

Wash all fabric decorations before storing them.

Decoration storage tipsStorage Areas

Keep all storage areas dry and well ventilated. This will make your home less attractive to pests and keep your decorations safe.

Bugs and rodents love a cluttered mess. Spiders make webs and lay eggs, mice build nests, and a whole host of other insects enjoy crawling around in the confined spaces.

Bugs don’t like wide open spaces. If your attic or basement is clean and orderly, you will give pests less of a reason to stay.

By following these tips, you can make your holiday keepsakes last longer, and keep them safe from pests.

Spiders, termites, rodents, and other pests get into attic spaces, cellar areas, and places that are undisturbed.

Proactive pest prevention is always better than a cure!

Stay safe, and stay vigilant, as you start the new year.

Decoration storage tips

Why Is Winter Pest Control Important In Sydney

Winter Pest Control in Sydney
Winter Pest Control Sydney

Winter Pest Control Sydney

 

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To bust a common misconception, winter is a major pest season. Just because you can’t see flies flying, you can’t feel mosquitoes biting & you are not disturbed by the site of cockroaches or spiders does not mean your home is free from pests.

When the temperature drops outside, especially overnight and early morning in Sydney, the bugs and rodents get cold and worried, so they will begin to seek shelter from the harsh external temperatures.

Your home becomes their winter sanctuary since it is warm & full of food, which is perfect for pests.

What does overwintering mean?

 

The term overwintering simply means to survive the winter. Overwintering pests are the pests that are seeking warmth to either survive the colder months or the pests that enter a period of hibernation.

It is common to see pests during winter that are moving into a higher traffic living area. The areas that attract the most sunlight or become the warmer areas in your home are common places that pests during winter are seen.

The insects that hibernate are more than likely to stay hidden during the colder months, but once the weather starts to warm up spring comes around these bugs will begin to emerge.

The dangers of waiting until pests emerge in the warmer months, is the level of infestation where a small issue could have been resolved quickly instead of dealing with a full-blown infestation which could put your families’ health at risk and cause damage to your home and belongings.

What are some Common winter pests – Winter Pest Control Sydney

 

Rodents

 

Rats & mice like us seek warmth and comfort during the colder months in Sydney. Many homes opt to light a wood fire to warm their homes and rodents can easily cosy up to the many possible hiding places in your home.

As rats and mice make their nests inside wall cavities, roof voids and other warm dry places spotting their nests may be difficult.

Most people realise they have a rodent issue either by seeing their droppings, actually seeing the rat or mouse or seeing the destruction they have left behind in their travels.

The damage that rats and mice can cause go beyond just getting into your food, as their teeth grow throughout their life they need to gnaw (chew on things to keep their teeth short). As rats and mice are not picky with what they choose to chew on and have been known to chew on items such as timber, cladding and electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires.

Termites

 

Termites or also commonly known as white ants do not hibernate during winter. They remain active all year round and can cause serious damage to your home.

German Cockroaches

 

German cockroaches are a serious problem across Australia, and as they need easy access to water and food their preferred residence is your beloved kitchen!

As they have a sneaky nature they can often go unnoticed as they do prefer to venture out at night when all the lights are off and they are able to find many hiding places.

Winter is an important time for cockroaches as this is when they breed. At the start of winter, the sight of one or two cockroaches may not be alarming to some by spring or summer you may have a full-blown infestation on your hands.

Further Reading

How Do Rats & Mice Survive Winter

Rat & Mice Droppings Sydney

Rat & Mice Control In Sydney

Rodents

Termite Control Sydney

Is It Time For A Termite Inspection

Termite Inspection Sydney

Cockroaches In Sydney

 

Pest Control Today SydneyIf you are concerned that your home has become a desired home to winter pests click to call or  contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

How Do Rats & Mice Survive Winter?

How Do Rats & Mice Survive Winter?

How Do Rats & Mice Survive Winter?

Rats & Mice in Sydney

Need Rodent Pest Control ?

 

When temperatures get low and food gets scarce, rats must find a way to keep up the same lifestyle they enjoy in the Spring and Summer.

Unlike other pests that hibernate during the winter months. As the weather cools and the normal food source for the rats & mice become limited, they enter your home, looking for warmth and food.

Pest Control Today have noticed a change in the behaviour and breeding of rats and mice where they are becoming more of an issue all year round. This has mainly pinned to the increase in construction in and around Sydney.

Each year, when winter arrives, we know the calls about rat infestations will increase.

So…. How do they do it?

Storing Food Resources

 

Rats are not able to fatten themselves up, like other mammals, but they so prepare themselves for winter in other ways.

In Autumn or even late summer, rats and mice become more aggressive in their pursuit of food. Instead of eating opportunistically, they start seeking out extra food in which we believe they may store any extra food they find.

Rats will eat anything, including garbage, so they have a great range. Rats will drag their food findings back to an area they can access easily and leave it there for later.

A favoured food item for a rat may include :

  • Bird seed
  • Pet food
  • Paper
  • Nuts
  • Compost waste
  • Fabrics

Mice like to collect fallen bird seed, so if you have a bird feeder, it’s a good idea not to keep it near the house.

Mice & Rat Burrows

 

Mice & rats need to stay warm, but luckily for them, they are excellent diggers.

They will seek out a structure like a rock, wall, or fence, and dig a burrow beneath or against it.

We recommend looking for small holes against Air Conditioning boxes and electrical units near your home & along fences.

Rodent burrows are usually shallow and small, with one entrance and exit. They also don’t spend all their time in their burrows, they prefer to venture out to seek food or to upgrade their shelter.

Rats and mice would prefer to use your house for shelter rather than burrowing. If they can find a way into your home, they will use it every time.

Be on the lookout for ways rats could enter your house, such as by eating through insulation or by running along utility lines.

Rat & Mice Nests

 

Nesting for rats and mice combines both their food storage and their ability to burrow. Rat nests are very similar to bird nests, but dirtier, disorganised, and on the ground. Rats will drag whatever they can find to a secluded place and bunch it all together.

The location of the nest is more important for rats than the material. They will seek out warm, dark places where they won’t be disturbed by humans or other predators.

Their ideal location would also include areas that are most where they can gain easy access to water.

The secret to prevent rats from nesting in or around your home is to deprive them of stuff they like.

Did you know…

 

Mice can sneak into cars to stay warm during the winter?

Or that…

Mice can leap up to four feet vertically?

Entrance Points

 

The best way to ensure you keep mice and rats out of your home is to look for any possible entries, no matter how small & seal up these entrance points. Ensure you maintain good cleaning habits, storage and organisation of stored goods.

Mice & rats will do almost anything to get out of the cold, which means you should be vigilant in keeping them out.

Further Reading

Rodents

Mice & Rat Control Sydney

Mice & Rat Droppings

Pest Control Today SydneyIf you end up with a rat or mice infestation in your home this winter–don’t panic!

Click to call the professionals at Pest Control Today on 0416 070 587 or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

Rat & Mice Droppings Sydney

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

 

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What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

 

As the image below shows rat droppings are different from mice droppings.

 

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?
Rat and Mice droppings

Mice Droppings

 

Mice constantly deposit faecal matter in the form of pellets. It is common for house mice to deposit 70 to 150 pellets per day!

Their droppings are brown or black in colour and resemble the appearance of a seed or a small grain of rice.

Their droppings are are commonly tapered at at least one end but can be round.

Mice droppings are almost always found scattered in areas where they explore. It is for this reason that any area where food is prepared and crumbs are likely to be a hotbed for mice droppings.

Many people do not know when their homes are invaded by these pests but one sign that always indicate this is when you see animal faeces around your house.

What does mouse droppings look like? 

 

Size: Typically 6 mm long

Shape: Small with 1 or both ends tapered (pointed)

Colour: Brown or black

Rat Droppings

 

Rats deposit faecal matter at a much higher rate than other pests. A rat can leave 25000 droppings a year! This is due to the fact that rats leave droppings as they move.

It is unusual to find rat droppings in clusters, instead they tend to be dispersed randomly. 

A rat’s droppings are dark in colour and soft when fresh, after a few days the colour will fade and the dropping will harden.

Generally the droppings can range from 9 mm -14 mm in length and are relatively  thick.

The shape of the stool depends on what species the rat is, but commonly rat droppings are long and spindle-shaped.

Visually, rat droppings are often compared to a raisin.

What does rat droppings look like?

 

There are different kinds of rats but they can easily be identified by looking for these things:

Norway Rat:

 

  • Size: Approx 19 mm in length
  • Shape: larger and rectangular with blunt ends
  • Commonly found in small clusters of 20 or less

Roof Rat:

 

  • Size: Approx 12 mm in length
  • Shape: Large and curved sausage like shaped pellets with tapered ends
  • Commonly found scattered around

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

If you have found droppings and would like us to Identify them, click to email your photos or contact us on our form via this website.

 

What is the difference between rat and mice droppings?

Rat & Mice control in Sydney

Rat and Mice control in Sydney

 

Found a rat or mouse in your house?

 

 

Rat and Mice Pest Control Sydney  – Facts, Identification & Control

Scientific Name: Order Rodentia

What Is a Rodent?

A rodent is a term that is used to group nuisance pests such as rats and mice which can contaminate food, damage property and spread disease.

The rodents that most often come into conflict with people both in residential and commercial properties are:

Rats

By instinct are wary of things that are new to their environment, which can include rat control measures such as traps and bait.

They tend to live in roof cavities, under the house, inside wall voids, external burrows, under concrete and porches and in other hard-to-reach places.

Disease

Rats can harbour and transmit several serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home.

Mice

Invade your home seeking food, water and warmth and each mouse can contaminate much more food than it eats.

Further Reading

What Do Rodents Look Like?

Rodents are warm-blooded mammals that can be found throughout the world. They have oversized front teeth for gnawing which are adapted for chewing.

Rodents chew on a variety of items available to them and cause great damage in and around homes.

Where Do Rodents Live?

Rodents thrive across the world in almost any habitat with access to food and water. Because of their small size, they can be difficult to keep out of a home. Rats and mice only require a small hole to gain access to your home or business

What Damage Can Rodents do?

Rats

  • Cause damage to wiring
  • Can chew through floor joists and walls
  • Cause damage to insulation
  • Because rats burrow they can undermine hill sides & retaining walls

Mice

  • Unsanitary
  • Multiply quickly
  • Cause significant damage to your home
  • Contaminate food and other materials
  • Chewing mouth parts
  • Implicated in causing house fires

Are Rodents Cause for Concern?

 

Rodents & Disease

In addition to being tough to control, rodents can carry diseases which can transfer to food with waste, fur, and saliva, as previously mentioned mice can contaminate about 10 times the amount of food they eat.

Rats & mice are also hosts for fleas, which can spread diseases such as Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus.

This illness mostly affects those with weakened immune systems and may result in headaches, fever, and meningitis. It can also cause complications during pregnancy.

What diseases can be transmitted by rodents?

 

There are several diseases which can be transmitted via rodents such as:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM)
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

Fortunately, many of these diseases that are mentioned above do not occur here in Australia but since overseas travel is so easy & many of our citizens do travel overseas where these diseases can be a problem.

Diseases Spread by Droppings

 

When it comes to droppings it is important that you remove them as soon as possible using gloves and discard of any materials used to collect, seal the droppings in a zip lock bag and dispose of immediately as there is a risk that diseases can be spread when dust in your home is contaminated by a rodent’s urine or droppings.

We all know dust flies and there is a risk that urine or faecal contaminated dust can become air borne throughout your house.

The diseases that are of concern when it comes to rodent droppings are:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • Tularemia

We strongly advice that if you come across a pest rat or mouse that you do not physically hand it as they are equipped with large teeth and can transmit a variety of bacteria, viruses and diseases through their saliva, faeces and urine.

If you find a rodent within your home or business, it is best to contact a pest management professional for removal and identification. The presence of one rodent within a home or business could signal an infestation.

Life Cycle of Rats & Mice

 

Rodents tend to be rapid breeders. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction.

A single mouse can deliver 8 litters a year and each litter can contain between 4-7 pups per litter, this accounts to an increase of 32-56 pups per year per female mouse!

A single rat can deliver 4-7 litters a year and each litter can contain between 8-12 pups per litter, this accounts to an increase of 32-84 pups per year per female rat!

Seeing these figures, you can clearly see that a mouse or rat infestation can become from bad to worse very quickly.

Do rats & mice hibernate?

 

Unlike most animal’s rats and mice do not hibernate during the winter months and will actively seek warmth and quickly begin reproducing.

Rats and mice usually more of an issue during the winter months, as the weather cools and the normal food source for the rats & mice become limited.

They enter your home, looking for warmth and food.

However, in saying this, we have noticed a change in the behaviour and breeding of rats and mice. Rats & mice seem to be more of an issue all year round.

This has mainly pinned to the increase in construction in and around Sydney.

What Can I Do to Prevent Rodent Infestations?

 

Prevention methods should be implemented to maintain a rodent-free home. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and small populations become full-blown infestations in very little time.

Food storage

  • Keep any possible food sources away from rodents.
  • Seal garbage  & goods such as grains and cereals in metal or glass containers to prevent contamination.
  • Store Fruits and vegetables properly
  • Waste in sinks or on counters can invite rodents

Cardboard

Cardboard objects prove attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew them up for use in their nests.

Seal entrance points

Due to the fat that rodents are able to squeeze their bodies into small holes. Close all holes to prevent entry and re-entry of rodents.

Contact a pest control professional for assistance.

Rodents are some of the most adaptable creatures on the planet and can be extremely difficult to exterminate.

Damage

 

Rat & mice infestations cause considerable damage to infested buildings and agriculture.

Disease

 

Rodents are carriers of many diseases and are a health hazard to humans.

Reproduction

 

Rodent populations grow quickly and steadily.

To protect your home, garden and health from existing rodent infestations, professional, customised solutions are often necessary.

Problems with Do it yourself

Homeowners may seek DIY treatment solutions to their rodent problems. Many of the suggestions online are not capable of addressing full-blown rodent infestations.

Further Reading:

List of Rodents in Australia

Rats

House Mouse

Mouse Plagues in Australia

 

Contact a Professional

Pest Control Today SydneyIt is recommended that anyone experiencing a rodent infestation contact a pest control professional to arrange for a consultation.

If you have an issue with rats or mice in Sydney click to call Pest Control Today or get in contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Rat and Mice Pest Control Sydney

Termite Control Sydney

Termite Control Sydney
Termite Control Sydney

Termite Control Sydney

 

Need help with termites?

 

Termites Control in Sydney

 

Termites are one of the most dreaded pest problem a homeowner can encounter as the damage alone caused by these wood destroying insects can be expensive.

They are social creatures and work by the thousands to ensure the growth and survival of their colony.

In saying this, it is very important that homeowners are educated in the signs of termites, what termite damage looks like and the appropriate actions to take should you discover termites.

Termite Control Sydney Areas– What are the signs of termites?

 

The most common signs that your home or property is infested with termites are:

Termite Swarms

The reproductive winged termites take flight from the colony to find a mate and form a new colony. Swarms can happen inside or outside the home depending on where the colony is.

 

Termite Pest Control SydneyTermite wings

Finding discarded wings is a great indicator that there is a termite colony nearby.

Mud tubes

Are about the size of a pencil, if you see mud tubes around your property there is a good chance these are the tubes that termites are using to travel to and from the colony. Mud tubes prevent termites from exposure to the light and air.

 

Wood damage

Termites work by chewing wood from the inside out so wood damage can often be harder to find.

If your wood structures appear weakened, have small cracks or holes, or sounds hollow it is possible that termites are to blame.

Damage to the wooden structures of your home are the biggest threat of termites.

They can destroy the structural integrity of the home, leaving structures weakened and even deteriorated.

Do termites bite?

 

Termites do not bite or cause harm to humans in any way, however, they will leave you with a huge repair bill if you do not have the problem eradicated as soon as possible.

While termites may be difficult to detect, they are treatable.

Termite Inspections in Sydney

 

Annual termite inspections are recommended by Australian Standards.

For more information on termite inspections please follow the links below

Termite Inspections

Is it time for a termite Inspection

Termite Facts 

 

  • Termite colonies eat non-stop
  • They can live for many generations of worker termites, which can be up to 50-70 years.
  • An average termite colony has about 500,000 insects.
  • Termites provide a valuable service by breaking down dead wood in forests into soil. They are one of the earth’s first recyclers.
  • Subterranean termites need to have constant access to water. If they dry out, they die.
  • Termites maintain mud tunnels or tubes to the ground, which they keep wet with water from the ground.
  • Termites’ main predator is the ant.
  • There are over 2,000 species of termites
  • Most termite damage in the Australia is from subterranean termites.
  • Termites can’t eat their way through concrete, but their soft bodies are good at manoeuvring through tiny cracks.
  • The total weight of all termites in the world is more than the weight of all the humans in the world.
  • Only worker termites can chew and digest cellulose. So, along with gathering food, they need to digest and regurgitate cellulose for the other termites within the nest
  • A queen termite can live over 20 years and can lay thousands of eggs a day.

If you find termites Pest Control Today recommends:

 

  • Stay Calm
  • Take a breath, termites are not going to eat your entire house over night
  • Don’t spray anything on the termites
  • DO NOT try to treat termites with regular insect control
  • Don’t disturb any termite mud trails, nests or workings
  • If you have broken into their workings, try and seal the termite workings with some tape
  • Contact a professional Pest Controller who is licensed to treat termites

Termites may be a difficult problem to detect but they are treatable.

Contact a licensed termite control professional if you suspect activity in your home who can provide you with advice on the best method of treatment and how to prevent future problems.

Pest Control Today SydneyEach property, building and location is different, a customised termite treatment plan should be designed to suit your specific requirements

If you suspect you have a termite problem, click to call Pest Control Today  or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

Pest Control Today

What is the social structure of a termite colony?

Termite Pest Control Sydney

What is the social structure of a termite colony?

 

Need assistance with termites?

 

What is the social structure of a termite colony?

Termites are social insects, living together in groups which are known as colonies. A single colony can range from just a few termites to millions of termites and each one of these colonies contain various castes or “social status.”

Termite castes include The Queen, The King, soldiers, workers, reproducers and immature termites.

The Queen

 

The largest termite in the colony  ranging in length from 60-80 cm. In each colony there is only one queen. The queen is a female termite and her role is solely to lay eggs. It is know that she can lay over 1000 eggs per day.

She lives in a chamber known as the nuptial chamber and produces a pheromone that plays a major role in maintaining the integration and the size of the termite colony.

The King

 

Smaller in size than the queen, the termite king is an adult termite that has the capability to reproduce. His major role is to occasionally mate and fertilise the queen.

Just like the Queen, there is only 1 king termite in each colony.

The Soldiers

 

The solider is distinguished by its appearance, they have no wings, have a dark – large head, stout and powerful mandibles.

The termite soldier accounts for 5-8% of the colonies population and its role is to protect and defend their colony from invasion.

The Workers

 

The worker can also be distinguished by its appearance, they have no wings and their bodies are small and soft, usually measuring 6-8 cm in length & most species of worker termites do not have eyes.

80-90% of any termite colony are workers and these are usually the type of termite you would find in a termite infested wood item.

Their primary function is to look after eggs and the termite nymphs, search for food, feed and clean the their nest mates.

The reproducers

 

The reproducers are both female and male that have reproduction capabilities and their role is to reproduce. They may later on become kings and queens.

The reproducers have darker bodies (yellow, brown or black) which makes them stand out from the rest.

A termite reproducer has two pairs of equal-size wings which are longer than its body. However after a flight, their wings fall off, and the reproducers start to form new colonies.

Further Reading

Pre Construction Termite Treatments

Termite Treatments

Termite Inspections

Pre Construction Termite Protection Sydney

 

Pest Control Today SydneyEach property, building and location is different, a customised management solution should be designed to suit your specific needs.

We would love to find out more on how we may be able to help you.

Click to call or contact with us via the contact form available at our website.

 

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