Rodent & Possum Treatments
Animals such as possums, rats & mice can be harmful to your home or workplace.
Our professional pest control services, will ensure that pests are effectively erradicated at all stages of their life cycle.
Our pest control technicians will also offer education and advice for on going maintenance treatments, to help you maintain an environment, that makes it difficult for pests to make themselves at home at your place!
Pest Information
We can help with your specific pest problem, in the following areas: possums, rats, & mice
What is a Possum?
The possum (Trichosurus vulpecular) is an Australian marsupial that was introduced into New Zealand in 1837 to establish a fur trade. Possums have invaded over 90% of the country and are now estimated to number some 70 million. Today the possum poses one of the most serious threats to the environment and agriculture.
They are the most destructive pest of native forests and native birds, eating and killing trees and raiding bird nests for eggs and chicks.
The possum has a thick, bushy tail, thick body fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears. There are two colour forms of the species – grey and black, with many variations in appearance. Possums can walk, jump and bound and its prehensile tail helps it move around tree branches.
The size and weight of possums varies across New Zealand. Typically, adult possums are 65 to 95 cm long and weigh 1.5 to 5 kg.
The young possum is born between late March and early May after a 19 day pregnancy. The newborn baby is hairless, blind and very small. It crawls through its mother’s fur into her pouch where it stays, attached to a nipple, for 5 months. Reproductive maturity is reached when the possum is about two years old.
Why do I have them?
Possums are nocturnal creatures. The possum’s nest can be in hollow logs, hollow trees, clumps of flax or gorse or in a building. Any dry, warm, secluded place is considered.
Many urban parks and reserves harbour possums and they often raid urban gardens, where they eat flowers, fruit and vegetables. Although possums are tree dwellers they will make their home inside buildings, in roofs, under floors and in outbuildings.
Possums will move over open land at speed, preferring the relative safety of trees. They leave distinct trails or pathways through grass and undergrowth. This trail, or ‘possum pad’ can lead you to their nest site when investigating an infestation. Possums prefer to eat succulent, sweet vegetation, such as flower and rose buds, fruit-tree buds, fruit, and nuts around the urban garden.
Are they dangerous?
Possums carry a disease called bovine tuberculosis (TB). They can spread this disease to New Zealand’s cattle and deer herds, causing economic loss. Possums can also damage horticultural and garden crops.
How do I get rid of possums?
Getting rid of Possums can be a difficult task as they are generally nocturnal and can move about the entire property in search of food and a place to nest. NZ Pest Control is your one-stop company for eradication of Possum problems. Our highly trained pest control professionals will make a thorough inspection of your property and then create a custom designed solution to rid your property of Possums in the quickest and safest manner possible.
Can I do it myself?
Do-It-Yourself methods of Possum control are often not successful as it takes a trained eye to know just where to look for these pests. Possum pesticides should always be used with great care as they can be extremely harmful to humans and pets if used incorrectly.
What is a Rodent?
Rodents (or “Rodentia” to give them their proper title)are mammals that are characterized by having two incisors which must be kept short by gnawing as they grow continuously. Among the most well known and common rodents are:
- The House Mouse
- The Norway Rat
- The Roof Rat
These species, are considered to be commensal rodents, meaning that they have an unusual relationship with humans which leads them to “share the same table”. Rats are generally larger than mice and can grow up to 450mm long, including the tail, and mice up to 190mm long, including the tail. Both mice and rats, are a common pest problem for New Zealand homeowners and businesses, especially during the winter season.
Why do I have them?
Both rats and mice are looking for shelter, food, and water. Although it is more common to find them nesting and living outside it is common for them to stay in buildings and properties if the right conditions exist. They will gain entry to properties through cracks and holes, but also through openings that have been made for utilities but the size of hole required will differ by species. As an example, an adult common house mouse, can fit through a hole no bigger than 6mm or squeeze through a crack the width of a pencil.
Are they dangerous?
Rats and Mice have long been documented as carriers of serious disease and parasites like fleas and ticks. Some of the diseases carried by them are:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM – A viral infection that can cause fever, malaise, lack of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea and vomiting.
- Salmonellosis – A bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
- Mycoplasma – A type of bacteria which is known to cause respiratory problems and pneumonia.
- Leptospirosis – A bacterial disease that can cause high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting.
- Dysentery – A gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain and cramps. Along with diseases, ticks and fleas, Rats and Mice can contaminate food and do significant damage to property.
How do I get rid of Rodents?
By their very nature, rats and mice are elusive, shy, and fast-moving but they also possess another quality which can be used to assist in removal – a natural curiosity. It is still not easy to rid your property of rats and mice and this is where NZ Pest Control comes in. Our highly trained technicians, will make a thorough inspection of your property and tailor a rodent control solution to your every need, ensuring a quick and full answer to your problems.
Can I do it myself?
There are plenty of Do-It-Yourself measures available but it is not often that they are successful. It takes a trained eye to know just where to place bait and traps for maximum effect and this is just the quality NZ Pest Control’s professionals possess. Worth remembering too, is the fact that chemicals and pesticides can be extremely harmful to humans and pets if mixed or used incorrectly which is why it is best to call in the professionals – NZ Pest Control.
Let Us Help
How soon can you get here?
At NZ Pest Control, we strive to give our customers a rapid, efficient service, and make every effort to be with you as soon as possible.
Is the treatment safe?
All products used by NZ Pest Control, must have first been thoroughly checked by the EPA and registered for pest control use. Only then can they be considered for use by our highly trained pest control professionals. You can be assured that pest control services provided by NZ Pest Control will not cause any harm to humans or pets.
How can I prevent Rodents & Possums in the future?
Rats and mice are tenacious pests and it is not always feasible or possible to prevent them inhabiting your property. However, if any cracks, holes and possible entrances in basements, walls and roofs, can be filled, and trees leaning up against the house or building trimmed back, the risk of infestation by rats and mice can be kept to a minimum. Preventing rodents can be a very difficult task, due to the way in which they can enter your home or business. Should your property become inhabited by rodents, your first call should be to NZ Pest Control. We are committed to improving the quality of life for all of our customers, by providing the safest and most effective treatment, for the management of pests which pose a threat to their health, property and food supply.
