Rodent control FAQs: Your questions answered by the experts
If you’ve spotted droppings, heard scratching in the walls, or seen something dart across the floor, you’re not alone. Rodent problems are more common than you might think—and they can cause a lot of stress for homeowners. Whether you’re dealing with rats, mice, or not sure what’s lurking behind the scenes, this FAQ page is here to help.
At Precision Pest Control, we know how important it is to have clear, expert advice when you’re facing a potential infestation. In this guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about rodent control, including how to tell the difference between rats and mice, the dangers they pose, how long bait treatments take to work, and what to expect during and after a professional pest control service.
We also address one of the biggest concerns: Will rodents die on my property?
Plus, don’t miss our video discussion where our experienced technician Simon explains rodent behaviour, signs of infestation, and how we safely and effectively eliminate the problem.
Got a rodent issue? You’re in the right place. Scroll down for expert answers and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
Are rats and mice the same?
While many people assume rats and mice are the same, they are actually two distinct species with different behaviours, sizes, and risks to your home. Rats are much larger than mice, with heavier bodies, thicker tails, and bigger, blunt-ended droppings.
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How do I know if I have rats or mice?
If you’ve heard scratching noises in your walls or ceiling or discovered small droppings around your pantry or skirting boards, you could be dealing with a rodent infestation. But how do you know whether it’s rats or mice?
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Are rodents dangerous?
Mice, rats and other rodents may carry infections and diseases that can spread to humans. These infections can spread through direct contact with infected rodents or through contact with soil, food or water contaminated by infected rodents. These infections are rare, but people should take steps to reduce their risk.
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How do I eliminate a mouse infestation?
Generally speaking, the best way to get rid of mice is through the use of traps. These can take a number of different forms, including the traditional mouse trap (which kills the mouse when triggered) as well as various types of humane live traps. It’s important to set traps in out of the way places where they won’t be triggered by pets or small children.
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How do I eliminate rats?
Traps are generally recommended over poison bait when it comes to dealing with rats. If you opt for bait, it’s possible for a rat to ingest it and then die in a hard-to-reach place (such as inside a wall, in your attic, crawlspace, or basement).
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How long will it take for the rodent bait to take effect?
If you’ve recently had a rodent treatment carried out, you’re probably wondering how long it will take for the bait to eliminate the problem. In most cases, rodent activity should completely cease within two to three weeks of the initial baiting. However, we recommend allowing up to a month for the bait to be fully effective, particularly in larger or more active infestations.
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Do I need to leave during rodent treatment?
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is whether they need to leave their home during a rodent treatment. The good news is no, it is not necessary to vacate your property when a professional rodent baiting treatment is carried out.
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Will rats/mice die on my property?
This is a common concern for homeowners dealing with a rodent infestation. At Precision Pest Control, we use professional-grade baiting methods designed to encourage rodents to leave your home in search of water once they’ve consumed the bait. In most cases, rats and mice will exit your property before they die, minimising the risk of odour or carcasses being left behind.
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