The Town of Mosman Park is calling on all residents to take proactive steps to manage rodent populations safely and responsibly. Maintaining rodent numbers at a manageable level not only protects our homes and gardens but also safeguards our local native wildlife.
To support this, 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.
Avoid harmful second generation rodenticides (SGARs)
The Town is committed to educating the community on the environmental harm caused by second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), which include active ingredients such as:
- Brodifacoum
- Bromadiolone
- Difethialone
- Difenacoum
- Flocoumafen
These chemicals persist in rodent carcasses and can have devastating effects on our local fauna that feed on them. Instead, choose rodenticides with safer active ingredients such as:
- Sodium chloride
- Warfarin
- Coumatetralyl
- Diphacinone
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.
Legal obligations
Property owners and occupiers are legally required to prevent the harbourage of rats and ensure their prompt control. Failure to do so may result in further pest problems for your property and neighbouring homes.
Tips to prevent rodent infestation
Residents can reduce rodent activity by following these simple practices:
- Remove rotten or fallen fruit and nuts from trees and vines at the end of each season
- Clean pet food and water dishes daily, and avoid leaving excess food outdoors
- Secure all waste bins and dispose of garden waste regularly.
- Avoid stockpiling junk, building materials, or garden refuse in yards and sheds
- Protect vegetable gardens and compost areas from rodent access
For further guidance on wildlife-friendly rodent control, residents are encouraged to read the Birdlife Australia brochure or visit the Birdlife Australia website.