Rodents are a diverse group of mammals belonging to the order Rodentia, with many species found worldwide. In urban environments, however, the most significant pest species are rats and mice, which have adapted extremely well to living alongside humans in both domestic and commercial settings. As mammals, rodents are warm-blooded and covered in fur, and they are distinguished by their constantly growing, chisel-shaped from incisor teeth. The term "rodent" is derived from the Latin rodere, meaning "to gnaw", which reflects their natural and necessary behaviour of chewing to control tooth growth. This gnawing habit allows them to damage timber, insulation, wiring and stored goods, sometimes leading to structural issues and even fire risks. The main pest species of cancer in Australia are the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), the roof rat (Rattus rattus) and the house mouse (Mus musculus). These rodents are highly adaptable and thrive in case association with humans, taking advantage of accessible food sources and shelter within roof voids, wall cavities, subfloors and storage areas. Rodents are highly successful pests due to their ability to exploit a wide range of food sources, reproduce rapidly, and avoid danger through well-developed senses and cautious behaviour. They are capable climbers, burrowers and swimmers, allowing them to access buildings through a variety of entry points and making infestations difficult to control once established. From both an economic and health perspective rodents present a serious concern. They consume and contaminate food supplies and surfaces with droppings, urine and hair, and are capable of transmitting diseases to humans through multiple pathways. their presence in homes, food premises and commercial buildings is therefore not only a nuisance but also a significant hygiene and safety risk. Rodents adaptability, intelligence and reproductive capacity, effective rodent management requires a thorough understanding of their biology, behaviour and habitat, supported by a structured and comprehensive control approach.

Rodent activity is often identified by the presence of physical signs rather than directly seeing the animals themselves. Rats and mice are generally nocturnal and tend to remain hidden within structures, making early detection reliant on recognising the indicators of their presence. One of the most common signs is droppings. Rat droppings are larger and more capsule-shaped, while mouse droppings are smaller and pointed at the ends. Fresh droppings are typically dark and moist, becoming dry and brittle over time. The location and quantity of droppings can help indicate the level activity and areas of frequent movement. Gnawing damage is another key indicator. Rodents continually chew on materials such as timber, plastic, insulation and electrical wiring to maintain their teeth. This can result in visible damage around structures and, in some cases, create fire hazards when wiring is affected. Noises within roof voids, wall cavities or subfloors, particularly at night, are often an early sign of rodent activity. Scratching, scurrying or gnawing sounds may indicate movement between nesting and feeding areas. Rodents also leave smear or rub marks along walls, beams and entry points. These marks are caused by the oils and dirt on their fur as they repeatedly travel the same routes. Tracks or footprints may be visible in dusty areas, and burrows may be present outdoors near foundations, garden beds or pathways. Although sightings are less common, rats are typically larger with longer bodies and tails, which mice are smaller with finer features. Regardless of the species, any of these signs should be taken seriously, as rodent populations can establish and expand quickly if left unmanaged.

Rats and mice are mammals with a high reproductive capacity, which contributes significantly to their success as pests. Under favourable conditions, where food, water and shelter are readily available, rodent populations can increase rapidly and become difficult to control. Rodents are social animals that live in groups and breed throughout the year when conditions are suitable. They construct nests using soft materials such as paper, fabric and insulation, providing protection for their young. These nests may be located both indoors and outdoors, depending on environmental conditions and resource availability. Outdoors, nesting commonly occurs in burrows near waterways, under buildings, in vegetation or within rubbish and storage areas. Indoors nests are typically found in wall voids, roof voids, subfloors and even within stored goods. As omnivorous mammals, rats and mice require a consistent food source to sustain growth and reproduction. Their ability to consume a wide variety of foods allows them to thrive in may environments, particularly in close association with human activity. The survival and development of rodent populations are closely linked to environmental conditions. When food supplies increase or shelter becomes available, breeding activity may intensify. Conversely, changes in food availability can influence movement and population distribution, often driving rodents into buildings in search of more reliable resources.

Rodents are highly adaptable, agile animals that are primarily nocturnal, although they may become active during the day when populations are high, food is limited, or disturbance is minimal. They tend to move cautiously within their environment, preferring to travel along walls, edges and under cover rather than across open spaces. This behaviour reflects their strong reliance on their sense of touch, particularly through whiskers and body hairs. Rats are creatures of habit and will repeatedly use the same travel routes between nesting and feeding sites. they are often described as neophobic, meaning they are wary of new objects or changes in their environment. This can result in initial avoidance of new bait stations or traps. In contrast, mice are more curious and exploratory, often investigating new food sources quickly and feeding at multiple locations rather than a single site. Both rates and mice are capable climbers and can scale fought surfaces, pipes, trees and vines, as well as travel along cables and narrow structures. Rats, particularly Norway rats, are also strong swimmers and can access buildings via drains and sewer systems. Rodents have well-developed senses, with the exception of relatively poor eyesight. Their senses of smell, taste, hearing and touch ar highly acute, allowing them to detect changes in their environment, locate food and avoid danger. Grooming is a common behaviour, during which rodents clean their fur and fee, and they also continually gnaw on materials to maintain their teeth. Rodents inhabit a wide range of environments where food and shelter are accessible, including roof voids, wall cavities, subfloors, storage areas, vegetation and wast sites. Natural predators such as cats, dogs, snakes and birds may contribute to some level of population control, but are rarely sufficient to manage infestations in urban environments.

Rodents become a significant problem in both residential and commercial environments due to their ability to contaminate food, water and shelter, populations can establish quickly and are often difficult to control without intervention. A major concern is the consumption and contamination of food. Rats and mice will feed on a wide variety of stored products, but the greater issue is the contamination they cause. As they move through food storage and preparation areas, they deposit droppings, often dozens per day, along with urine and hair. This contamination can render large quantities of food unsafe for consumption, leading to waste, financial loss and potential regulatory issues in commercial settings. In some cases, rodents may also attack and consume other food sources such as poultry. Rodents also cause considerable physical damage through their constant gnawing behaviour. Because their teeth grow continuously, they must chew on materials such as timber, plastic, insulation, packaging and soft metals. This can result in damage to doors, skirting boards, stored goods and equipment. Of particular concern is their tendency to gnaw on electrical wiring and cables, which can lead to equipment failure, short-circuiting and increased fire risk. Nesting behaviour can further contribute to hazards, as rodents may collect materials or debris in concealed areas. From a health perspective, rodents pose a serious risk due to their ability to transmit disease to humans. Contamination of food, utensils, and surfaces with urine and faeces can spread harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, contributing to food poisoning and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Disease transmission may also occur through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, through bites, or indirectly via parasites such as fleas. Historically, rodents have been responsible for the spread of major diseases as plague and while such outbreaks are now rare, rodents still play a role in the transmission of various infections. Overall, the combination of food contamination, property damage, and health risks makes most rodents a serious pest. Even low levels of activity should be addressed promptly, as early intervention is far more effective than attempting to control a well-established infestation.

Effective rodent control typically involves a combination of methods tailored to the situation. Professional technicians will assess the property and implement strategies that may include chemical control, trapping and inspection of sanitation and structural issues. Chemical control is often a key part of professional treatment and can be highly effective when used correctly. Baiting is the most common chemical approach, with options including multiple-does anticoagulant rodenticides or in some cases, single-dose anticoagulants. These baits are carefully place in locked, labelled and secure bait stations, located in areas where rodent activity has been identified, such as along runways, near burrows or in harbourage. Prebaiting may be used to encourage cautious rats to feed on new baits, reducing the change of "bait-shyness." Trapping is another professional option, particularly in areas where chemical use is restricted, where inaccessible dead rodents are unacceptable, or to remove remaining "bait shy" individuals after a baiting program. Snap traps and multiple-mouse-catching devices are strategically placed based on careful inspection of rodent activity and movement patterns. Baited or unabated traps may be used, always considering safety, hygiene and the potential presence of fleas. All professional rodent management is conducted with safety in mind. Technicians follow strict guidelines for handling baits, poisons and dead rodents, including the use of protective clothing, secure bait stations and careful disposal. The goal is reduce the rodent population effectively while minimising risks to humans, pets and non-target wildlife.

Non-chemical control focuses on reducing the conditions that allow rodents to thrive and preventing access to buildings. Sanitation is the first step: removing food and shelter reduces rodent survival and reproduction. This may include proper storage of food, securing garbage in tightly closed containers, removing rubbish heaps, trimming overgrown vegetation and maintaining a clean environment indoors and outdoors. Educating occupants on hygiene and good practices is often a critical component of long-term control. Proofing a building against rodent entry is one of the most permanent control measures. All cracks, crevices and potential entry points should be identified and blocked using durable materials such as metal grills, concrete or mortar. Rodents can gnaw through wood and plastic, so these materials are not suitable for permanent sealing. Trapping can be used as a non-chemical method, particularly in situations where poisons are unsuitable. Overall, environmental and non-chemical control relies on a thorough understanding of rodent behaviour and habitat. By removing food, water and shelter, blocking entry points and using traps where appropriate, it is possible to significantly reduce rodent populations and prevent reinfestation. Long-term success depends on maintaining high standards of hygiene and ongoing monitoring to address any new signs of activity.

Signs of rodent activity is a critical first step in effective control. Rodents are often nocturnal and cautious, so their presence may not always be obvious. A thorough inspection, combined with careful observation of signs and consultation with building occupants, can reveal the extent of an infestation and guide control measures. Common signs of rodent activity include: Burrows: Rats may dig burrows near waterways, under buildings or in vegetation. Freshly used burrows often have clean, open entrances, while inactive ones may be blocked with debris or cobwebs. Droppings: Fresh droppings are dark, shiny and pliable, indicating recent activity. Older droppings dry out, harden and may be attacked by injections. Monitoring droppings over time helps to confirm ongoing rodent presence. Food Disappearing: Rodents frequently carry food to their nests, causing noticeable losses. Footprints: Tail marks, paw prints and impressions in dust or soft soil confirm recent activity. Gnaw marks: Rodents gnaw on wood, soft metals, cables, food containers and other materials to keep their teeth worn down. Fresh gnaw marks indicate current activity. Nests: Rodents build nests from paper, fabric, straw and other soft materials. Nest containing fresh droppings or nearby stored food often indicate an active population. Odour: A persistent, musty odour may indicate a long-standing infestation. Paths and runs: Outdoor rodent traffic can pat down vegetation to create noticeable paths. indoors, dust-free paths in otherwise dusty areas often reveal regular movement. Pets: Dogs and cats may react to rodent odours or sounds, often alerting occupants to activity. Rub marks: Greasy marks along walls, skirting boards or pipes result from constant contact with rodent fur. These runways indicate regular movement paths and are useful for placing traps and bait stations. Sounds: Scratching, gnawing, squeaking or movement noises, especially at night, are a strong indicator of activity. Urine stains: Rodent urine may fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Long-term mouse activity can build small mounds of urine, dust and debris called urinating pillars. Visual sightings: Daytime sightings often suggest a large population or a shortage of food. By combining these clues with careful observation and inspection, it is possible to accurately locate rodents, assess the size of the population and plan an effective management strategy.