How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Home

July 20, 2025

Having rats or mice is a common problem that many property owners and renters struggle with. Homes in rural areas, apartment buildings, and suburban dwellings near rat or mouse burrows; these are all ripe ground for a rodent to try their luck. So, don’t stress about your newfound intruders. You’re not alone, and there is a solution.

Rat and mice control can take many forms. Preventative techniques are your best bet if you’re trying to prevent an infestation from taking hold or from recurring. If you’re dealing with an active infestation, direct bait or trapping is more likely your speed.

Regardless, today’s blog post will be a big help. Read on to learn the fundamental differences between rats and mice, how that affects our recommended control measures, and what to do if you think you might have rodents trundling through your walls.

Rats vs. Mice: Which Rodent is Which?

It’s a common misconception that rats are just larger versions of mice, but these are actually two very different types of rodents that should be addressed in unique ways.

First off, yes, it’s true, rats are generally much larger. They also tend to have shorter, thicker tails with no hair, and you’ll notice different eating and drinking habits between black and brown rats. Black rats can be particularly tough to deal with because they don’t seek out food in the same places, so they can be difficult to bait for if you’re doing some DIY rat and mice control.

On the other hand, mice are much smaller and tend to seek out food in the same places, so they are much easier to bait for. But here’s the rub: mice reach sexual maturity much faster than rats. What does this mean for you? Well, if you have a small infestation of mice, this can quickly turn into a big infestation thanks to their repeated breeding. House mice breed in litters of up to 16 babies, starting at only eight weeks old. In other words, it’s vital to move fast with mouse control.

The best measures are preventative, but if you’ve already found signs of mice or rats in your home, we also have steps to take care of that. Let’s explore some rat and mice control measures.

Rat and Mice Control Measures for Kiwi Homeowners

For our money, rat and mice control measures break down into three general types:

· Humane trapping, which attempts to trap the rodents for release rather than eliminating them.

· Baiting and poisoning aim to eliminate an infestation by preventing further breeding.

· Preventative controls, which help you head off the problem in the first place.

All three are important, and each looks unique depending on the kind of rodents skittering around near your property.

Humane Trapping

Humane trapping and release can be an excellent way to control rats and mice in a small infestation; it just requires some consistency and patience.

The idea is to lay humane traps that contain mice or rats by baiting and caging them in, then driving or walking those caged rodents to an open area where they won’t return to your home. Most wild mice and rats can be released far from home and continue their normal lives without stealing from your snack stores.

This is also a smart choice if you have other animals in your home or small children, as introducing poison bait stations into this environment can be dangerous for them.

Baiting and Poisoning

If you have a large infestation or are looking to deal with things quickly, baiting and poisoning might be for you. Essentially, a pest control expert like us would place bait stations in spots around your home that show activity. We look for droppings, mouse or rat holes in the walls, and ask where you’ve sighted rodents in your home. Using this information, we select spots to place the stations.

While you can buy your stations from DIY stores, professional-grade bait and poison are much more effective and work quickly, which is more humane than the slow-working poisons you’ll find at your local store.

If you are concerned about this approach, chat with your local pest professional to see what they can help you figure out.

Preventative Measures

Finally, we have preventative measures. If you live rurally or in a city centre, you are in a high-risk area for rodent infestations. It’s worth incorporating some of these preventative measures into your daily chore routine to keep those critters away from your front door.

We recommend:

· Investing in bins with tight-fitting lids and consistently putting the garbage out.

· If you have a compost pile, turn it regularly to cover any new food scraps.

· Stop feeding outdoor birds, or feed with only huskless items that won’t leave a residue (rats and mice love seeds).

Of course, these preventative measures will only work if you’re not already dealing with an infestation, but if you are in the process of removing rodents from your home, adopting these practices can be a great way to encourage the rodents to find their daily food elsewhere.

Unsure what you’re dealing with? Call the experts in rat and mice control.

The team at Arthur’s Roof and Property is ready to help! We have many years of experience tackling pests of all size s, shapes, and origins, so we can help you sort things out quickly. Get one of our pest experts in to come and take a look, and we’ll make a recommendation from there.

There’s no need to worry! Just get in touch with us and we’ll sort it.

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DIY vs. Professional Pest Control: Which One Should You Choose?

By apisl2008 • July 20, 2025

Pests are an unfortunate reality of owning a property, and no matter how hard you work to keep them out, you will find yourself facing the occasional unwanted intruder. Be it bird, rodent, or insect, if invading pests are beginning to take hold on your property, a natural question arises: Is professional pest control necessary, or avoidable? The fact is, there are times when, if you don’t call in the professionals, you’ll find yourself facing a damaging, unhygienic infestation. And as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. To help you strike the balance, we’re unpacking the particulars of pest control. Is it better to DIY or pay for a professional, and what can happen if the problem isn’t dealt with? H2: What Pests Can Bring Into Your Home A few ants in your kitchen or the odd spider in your laundry are not a big deal. But as soon as you start to see signs of more serious infestations, it’s time to act. Rodents can chew through insulation, wiring, and even plumbing. Birds can nest in your roof and clog your gutters, dislodge your tiles, and introduce mites. Cockroaches, fleas, and flies carry bacteria that can contaminate your food and surfaces. Beyond all that potential damage, there’s the health risk. Pests can aggravate asthma or trigger your allergies, or even spread disease. Long story short? It’s bad news. Pest control is always worth investing in, and the faster you act, the faster you can get the problem under control. Depending on which pests you’re dealing with, leaving things too long could be seriously damaging for your property.. H2: The Case for DIY Pest Control In mild cases, taking a DIY approach (think store-bought traps and baits, both of which are readily available) can be helpful if you catch your infestation in its early stages. A trail of ants or a single wasp’s nest can often be taken care of with a well-targeted DIY effort. Going DIY also gives you control, literally. You get to choose which chemicals or remedies are used, and when. That said, success depends on consistency, correct usage, and early detection. Miss the mark, and that small issue can get much bigger, much faster. In short, rely on DIY when: · It’s a small, surface-level problem. · You’re confident picking out the right solution. · It wouldn’t make sense to pay to sort the scale of the infestation. H2: The Case for Professional Pest Control When we talk to our clients about professional pest control, their most immediate concern is: How quickly can you sort the problem? Speed is the name of the game, and rightly so, because pests left unattended can breed out of control very quickly. Investing in a professional crew to come in and take care of things for you guarantees a targeted approach. The difference is experience. We’ve had time to get to know pests, their entry points, and their hidden nests; in essence, we can spot the root of the problem quickly and treat it effectively. For severe infestations or problems that keep coming back repeatedly, you need an expert who will go deeper than the surface level of the problem. Consider also the risks. A professional pest control technician is skilled at dealing with dangerous chemicals or poisons, managing aggressive bird or rodent infestations , and avoiding major hazards in cramped spaces. While there is an associated cost, calling in an experienced team sooner rather than later can prevent a growing problem and actually reduce the cost of dealing with everything. In short, call the professionals when: · You want the infestation to disappear quickly, and in no uncertain terms. · You’re worried enough about the problem without having to try and deal with it yourself. · The infestation has grown beyond your control, or you’re concerned that it will soon. H2: So, Which One Should You Choose? Here’s our take: If you catch the problem early enough, feel confident with the DIY products on the market, and the issue seems fairly isolated, then go for gold! But if you’ve already tried that route with little success, you’re noticing signs of serious damage or infestation, or you’re just keen on the peace of mind that comes from knowing it’s handled properly, the pros are for you. If you’re unsure about the best next step, it can be helpful to chat with a friendly team who can give you tailored answers about your situation. Trust us, it’s worth it. H3: Talk to the Arthur’s Roof and Property team about professional pest control. Eradicate invading birds, rodents, insects, and more with help from the professionals at Arthur’s Roof and Property. Get in touch with us for a quick and easy pest consultation so we can help you deal with your particular issue as effectively as possible!

How to Safely and Effectively Remove Roof Lichen

By apisl2008 • April 1, 2025

Learn the safest and most effective methods for lichen removal—from DIY tips to expert treatments. Protect your roof and your home.

Why Choose Professional Roof Lichen Treatment for Lasting Results

By apisl2008 • March 26, 2025

If lichen has started its slow creep onto your roof, then you’re probably looking into a few different roof lichen treatment options. There are a lot of them out there, from home-brewed DIY suggestions to full-on professional-grade formulations applied by trained experts. While it’s tempting to choose the DIY route, there’s definitely a case for bringing the professionals in. Professional roof lichen treatment provides lasting results, which is a major plus when it comes to ultra-persistent lichen. Read on as we break down why choosing professional roof lichen treatment can be a major benefit for your roof, now and in the future. The Trouble with DIY Roof Lichen Removal DIY treatments might seem like a quick and easy fix, but they often don’t do the job properly. A lot of home remedies like vinegar, bleach, or store-bought sprays might knock lichen back for a while, but they don’t always get rid of it completely. Lichen is a tough little thing. It’s technically a collection of different organisms, from fungi to bacteria, so it can be difficult to kill with a single DIY treatment. That means it tends to cling on for dear life, and once it takes hold, it’s not going anywhere without a fight. Some homeowners try scrubbing it off or blasting it with a water blaster, but that comes with its own risks. Too much pressure can damage your roof, and if you don’t remove all the spores, the lichen will be back before you know it. The other issue? Most DIY solutions don’t offer long-term protection. You might get rid of what’s visible now, but without a proper treatment plan that kills the base fungus, lichen will just return, meaning more hassle (and cost) for you down the line. Why Professional Roof Lichen Treatment is Worth It They Know What They’re Doing Professional roof cleaners deal with lichen every day. They know exactly what type they’re dealing with, which treatments work best, and how to apply them properly. They also use high-quality, commercial-grade products that aren’t available at your local hardware store, so you’re getting a deeper, more effective clean. Your Roof Stays Lichen Free One of the biggest advantages of going pro is long-term protection. The best treatments don’t just kill off existing lichen; they also prevent it from coming back. That means a cleaner roof for longer and much less maintenance for you. Some companies even offer maintenance plans to keep lichen at bay, saving you the hassle of dealing with it yourself year after year. Protects Your Roof from Damage Lichen might look harmless, but it can be surprisingly destructive. It holds moisture against your roofing materials, which, over time, can lead to cracks, leaks, and even structural issues. If you go at it with a scrub brush or a water blaster, you risk damaging your tiles, shingles, or metal roofing. Professionals, on the other hand, use treatments designed to be tough on lichen but gentle on your roof. So, you won’t end up trading one problem for another. Saves You Time and Effort Let’s be honest: climbing onto your roof to deal with lichen isn’t exactly a fun weekend project. It’s time-consuming, physically demanding, and, if you’re not careful, downright dangerous. Hiring professionals to tackle your roof lichen treatment means you don’t have to lift a finger. They’ve got all the right safety gear, equipment, and know-how to get the job done quickly and effectively. Instead of spending hours battling lichen, you can leave it to the pros and get on with your day. If You Still Prefer DIY… Treating your roof lichen on your own is tougher than calling in the professionals, but if you already have some DIY know-how, then this might be your preference. Our recommendation? Make sure you find a roof lichen treatment that approaches or even matches the professional-grade sprays on the market. Not only will finding the right treatment ensure your lichen is properly dealt with, but it will also prevent that lichen from growing back fast enough to have you out there the following weekend. Something like our DeMoss moss, mould, and lichen remover is ideal here. It’s highly effective for homeowners jumping into lichen removal for themselves, and it’s cheaper than the formulas you’ll find elsewhere. At the end of the day, the number one thing to remember when dealing with roof lichen is to act fast. While this is a slow-growing organism, the damage it creates will last for your roof’s entire lifetime. Invest in a team of professionals to kill off the infestation and spray a protective layer that repels future lichen. If you’re going the DIY route, make sure to choose the right lichen killer and apply it carefully. And when in doubt, the team at Arthur’s Roof & Property is here to guide you. Get rid of roof lichen once and for all with a professional roof lichen treatment. Worried about the damage lichen could be causing to your property right now? Talk to the professionals at Arthur’s Roof & Property about treating your existing infestation and preventing lichen from growing on your roof in future. Get in touch to book your roof lichen treatment today.