Rodent populations are common in metropolitan areas, thriving in places where food and shelter are readily available – often in close proximity to people. In our urban environment, they can survive on very small amounts of food and water, which they often find through drains, fallen fruit, compost bins, and even pet food.
While occasional sightings are not unusual, it’s important to be proactive in preventing and managing rodent activity to protect our homes, gardens and local native wildlife.
Signs of rodent activity – what to look for
Be on the lookout for:
- Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings
- Damaged packaging or food containers in pantries
- Gnawing or scratching noises in walls, ceilings or under floors—often at night
- Greasy smear marks or trails along beams or walls
- Unusual excitement in pets
- Eaten or partially eaten fruit and vegetables in the garden
Prevention: your first line of defence
Taking a few simple steps can help deter rodents from settling in and around your property:
- Clean up garden waste and remove disused materials from sheds and yards
- Pick fruit and nuts from trees and vines at season’s end and collect fallen produce
- Seal cracks and access points in walls, roofs, and around pipes
- Avoid feeding birds or wildlife, and remove any leftover pet food promptly
- Store pet food and bird seed in sealed, chew-proof containers
- Stack firewood off the ground and away from fences and buildings
- Cover rubbish and compost bins securely and avoid adding meat scraps to compost
- Remove stagnant water from containers or garden features
The Town of Mosman Park’s commitment to local fauna and public health
To help protect our native wildlife, the Town has ceased using second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in our pest management programs. The Town exclusively uses first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) and strongly encourages residents to do the same. These safer alternatives are effective against rodents but break down more quickly in the environment, reducing the risk of secondary poisoning in native predators such as owls, tawny frogmouths, snakes, and goannas.
The Town of Mosman Park are committed to:
- Promoting safe and effective rodent control
- Educating residents on rodent prevention
- Protecting our local wildlife
Baiting and trapping
Rodent 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. Rodent control products are widely available at hardware stores, but not all baits are created equal. The Town encourages residents to choose first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) where baiting is necessary, due to their reduced risk to pets, native wildlife, and the environment.
Use baits responsibly:
- Always read the label and follow safety instructions
- Keep baits away from children, pets, and wildlife
- Dispose of poisoned rodents safely to reduce risk of secondary poisoning
- Place baits in dry, pet-proof containers near signs of rodent activity
Choose wildlife-safe rodenticides
First generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) are less harmful to non-target animals such as owls, frogmouths and native reptiles like snakes and goannas and other native predators.
FGARs are multi-dose anticoagulants, meaning rodents must consume the bait over several feedings for it to be effective. This slower action gives more opportunity to reduce unintended impacts on non-target species.
Common active ingredients in FGARs include:
- Coumatetralyl
- Warfarin
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are single-dose anticoagulants, which means rodents may only need to consume bait once to receive a lethal dose. These products are slower to break down and remain in animal tissues longer, making them far more likely to harm wildlife or pets that might prey on or scavenge affected rodents.
Common SGAR ingredients include:
- Brodifacoum
- Bromadiolone
- Difenacoum
- Difethialone
For more on safer options, visit: Bird-Friendly Rodent Control – BirdLife Australia
Free rat bait available to Town of Mosman Park residents
To help residents transition to safer control methods, the Town offers free rat bait (containing FGARs). This can be collected from the Town’s main administration building during regular business hours. Residents are limited to two sample bags per household, per financial year.
What you can do
As a resident, you play an important role in keeping our community safe, clean, and wildlife-friendly. Remember:
- Keep your property free from clutter and food waste
- Store food securely, especially pet and bird feed
- Choose environmentally responsible control methods
- Maintain your garden and prune back trees from buildings
It is also a legal requirement for property owners and occupiers to prevent conditions that support rodent infestations.
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