Understanding Rodent Season: Why Trapping Matters

As temperatures drop in Christchurch and across Canterbury, rodents such as rats and mice seek warmth, shelter and food inside your property. This seasonal migration marks the start of rodent season, when infestations spike. They're not just a nuisance: rodents carry diseases, gnaw electrical wiring (posing fire risks), contaminate pantry items, and reproduce rapidly.

In this post, we'll walk you through the signs to look out for and best practices for trap setting to effectively take control.

Spotting the Signs of a Rodent Problem

Watch for these indicators that signal you’ve got rodents on your property:

• Droppings: Tiny dark pellets, clustered or scattered along skirting boards, cupboards or under sinks.
  
  
• Gnawing and tracks: Chewed wires, timber, or plastic; smudge marks or runways in dusty areas are telltale signs.
  
  
• Scratching or scurrying sounds: Especially at night in ceilings, wall cavities, or behind cupboards. Pets often alert you first.
  
  
• Nesting material: Torn paper, fabric, or shredded plant matter hidden in false ceilings, lofts or under furniture.
  
  
• Unexplained damage: Hole damage to insulation, wiring or stored food, sudden spoilage in corn feed or pet food.
  
  

If you notice any of these together, it's time to act.

Integrated Prevention: Before You Set Traps

Effective rodent control begins with prevention:

• Seal every entry point: Mice can enter through gaps as small as 6mm; rats through holes as small as 13mm. Use copper wool or steel mesh to block holes around pipes, vents and foundations.
  
  
• Eliminate food and water sources: Secure compost bins, tidy fruit spills, store pet food indoors overnight, and use sealed containers in the pantry.
  
  
• Declutter nesting zones: Remove piles of wood, garden rubbish, boxes or old newspapers inside storage rooms or unoccupied spaces.
  
  

Once these barriers are in place, traps become far more effective and fewer rodents remain indoors.

How to Set Traps Most Effectively

Locate activity zones
Set traps along walls (mice tend to run along them), near suspected entry points, within cupboards, pantries or crawl spaces.

Bait strategically
Use high protein bait like peanut butter, chocolate, or rolled oats mixed with peanut butter. Place it on or slightly behind the trigger plate to prompt investigation.

Park traps securely
Keep traps away from pets, children, or non target wildlife. Use tamper resistant bait stations where possible.

Inspect daily
Snap traps must be checked frequently. Remove and replace captured pests promptly as rodents can smell trapped peers and avoid traps.

Reset and rotate bait
For ongoing infestations, rotate bait types to avoid bait shyness. Use fresh bait to maintain attractiveness.

After Catch Cleanup and Maintenance

After removing a rodent:

• Sanitise the area thoroughly using disinfectant. Rodent droppings and urine carry pathogens such as leptospirosis and hantavirus.
  
  
• Seal all holes once more and repeat inspections for new breaches.
  
  
• Maintain vigilance: rodent seasons can span from early autumn through winter. Keep traps active for at least four to six weeks after the last capture.
  
  

When to Call in the Experts

If traps yield no results after sealing and baiting, or if you hear movement after weeks of effort, it’s time to engage professionals like Southern Pest Control. We offer:

• Entry point elimination: precise identification and sealing of hidden rodent access points.
  
  
• Long term monitoring and follow up service to ensure lasting control.
  
  
• Eco friendly options: safe methods tailored for your home and the Christchurch environment.

Summary

• Rodent season hits hard in autumn and winter. Clear signs include droppings, gnawing, sounds and nests.
  
  
• Prevention comes first: seal entry points and remove attractants.
  
  
• Choose snap traps sized appropriately, backed by consistent baiting and checking.
  
  
• Cleanup matters: sanitise and reseal after traps are sprung.
  
  
• If activity persists, professional help ensures effective, eco conscious rodent control.
  
  

Have questions or seeing activity already? Contact Southern Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and reclaim your space quickly and safely.