How to combat rodent plagues & winter!

Winter Is Here… and So Are the Mice and Rats

There’s something magical about winter, isn’t there? The chilly mornings, the fresh air, maybe even some cozy nights by the fire. But for many people, winter also brings a very unwanted surprise…

Rodents!

Yup. You might wake up one day and find tiny footprints in the flour, holes in your cereal boxes, and mouse droppings sprinkled across your pantry shelf. It’s like they’ve moved in while you weren’t looking!

Winter is a favorite time for rodents to invade our homes. When the temperature drops, mice and rats go looking for food, warmth, and shelter — and your home is the perfect place. If you’re tired of sharing your space with these unwanted guests, it’s time to take action.

Let’s break down why rodent plagues happen and what you can do to stop them.

Why Rodents Love Winter (And Your House)

Most of us think rodents only show up when it gets cold. But the truth is, they’ve been preparing for winter all year long.

During summer and spring, mice and rats breed fast — really fast. A single female mouse can give birth to 15 to 20 babies every month. That means by the time winter comes, there could be hundreds or even thousands of them looking for a warm place to stay.

Add in things like a great crop season or heavy rainfall, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a rodent outbreak — also called a plague. In Australia, these tend to happen every 4 to 10 years. The last big one hit in 2011 and caused massive damage — ruining homes, vehicles, farm equipment, and even leading to the death of livestock.

It’s not just about numbers — it’s about the type of rodents, too. Australia has about 60 native rodent species, but the ones causing most of the trouble are non-native invaders, like:

• The Brown Rat (also called Sewer Rat or Norway Rat)
  
• The Roof Rat
  
• The House Mouse
  

These pests are clever, fast breeders, and tricky to get rid of.

Why DIY Rodent Control Isn’t Always Enough

You might think, “No worries, I’ll grab some bait from the store and sort this out.” While that’s not a bad idea, it doesn’t always do the trick.

Here’s why:

• Rodents are getting smarter. Over the years, mice and rats have developed immunity to many common poisons. They’ve adapted — and now, many store-bought baits just don’t work like they used to.
  
• Bait shyness is real. Rodents have an excellent sense of smell. If your hands touch the bait, they might detect your scent and avoid it altogether.
  
• Pet danger. If you place bait carelessly, you risk harming your pets — especially curious cats and dogs. That’s called secondary poisoning, and it’s something to be very careful about.
  
• They’re picky. Rats and mice often take a small taste of something, wait a while, and if they feel sick — they never touch it again.
  

That’s why baiting is often best left to professionals. But don’t worry — there’s still a lot you can do to help stop a rodent problem from growing out of control.

Simple Steps to Keep Rodents Out of Your Home

Want to take back your home from these sneaky invaders? Here’s what you can do:

1. Clean Up Clutter

Rodents love messy spaces. Piles of clothes, newspapers, and cardboard boxes are perfect nesting spots for them. Try to:

• Keep storage areas tidy
  
• Throw away old newspapers and magazines
  
• Use plastic containers with lids instead of cardboard boxes
  
• Keep your laundry off the floor, especially in garages and sheds
  

2. Seal Up Entry Points

Mice don’t need a big space to get in. If your pinky finger can fit through a hole, so can a mouse. Check your home for:

• Gaps around pipes, vents, and cables
  
• Cracks in doors or windows
  
• Holes in walls or under the sink
  
• Broken or missing seals at the bottom of doors
  

Use things like steel wool, caulk, or mesh to close up these tiny openings.

3. Tidy the Yard

The outside of your house can also invite rodents. They love to hide in:

• Overgrown bushes
  
• Stacks of firewood
  
• Leaf piles
  
• Fallen fruit under trees
  
• Unused outdoor furniture
  

Keep your garden trimmed, firewood stacked neatly away from the house, and clear away any fallen fruit or garbage.

4. Store Food the Smart Way

Mice and rats have a powerful sense of smell. If they catch a whiff of something yummy, they’ll be in your pantry faster than you think.

• Use sealed containers for rice, flour, cereal, pet food, and snacks
  
• Don’t leave pet food sitting out overnight
  
• Keep fruit in the fridge if you can
  
• Wipe up crumbs and spills quickly
  

5. Remove Water Sources

Rodents don’t just need food — they need water, too. Drying up their access can encourage them to leave.

• Fix leaky taps and pipes
  
• Empty pet water bowls at night
  
• Make sure drain pipes are sealed with mesh
  
• Clean bird cages and chicken pens regularly
  

6. Shut the Lid!

Garbage is a feast for rodents. Keep your bins closed and your rubbish tidy:

• Always shut your wheelie bin lid
  
• Don’t leave bin bags outside overnight
  
• Wash out food containers before throwing them away
  

7. Keep an Eye on Pet Areas

Pet food bowls, bird cages, and chicken coops can attract mice and rats if they’re not kept clean.

• Don’t leave pet food outside overnight
  
• Sweep up spilled food
  
• Store feed in sealed bins
  
• Clean out cages regularly
  

Why You Might Need a Pro

If you’re dealing with a rodent plague, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either.

In places like the Gold Coast, rodent numbers have been spiking, and many families are reaching out for help. Pest control companies are working hard to supply and manage bait stations for homes with serious infestations. It’s not unusual to need multiple visits to keep up with demand when the problem is widespread.

Professional pest controllers know exactly where to place bait stations, how to keep pets safe, and which products still work. Plus, they’ll help you figure out how the rodents are getting in — and how to keep them out for good.

The Key to Winning the War on Rodents

Getting rid of rodents isn’t a one-time job — especially during a plague. It takes consistency. You need to keep checking bait stations, sealing entry points, and watching for new signs of activity until the problem is completely gone.

Once rodent numbers start to drop, it gets easier. But if you stop too early, they’ll be right back — and this time, they might be harder to trick.

Don’t Share Your Couch with Mice This Winter

Rodents don’t belong in your kitchen, your living room, or your walls. They carry germs, chew up furniture and wires, and leave nasty surprises wherever they go.

But you don’t have to live with them.

With the right steps — and help from professionals if needed — you can reclaim your space and keep your home safe, clean, and rodent-free.

So don’t spend the rest of winter sharing your Netflix, snacks, and cozy nights with a bunch of disease-carrying pests.

Take action today, and send those rats and mice packing!