Rats move in

By Nicole Williams
AS the weather gets cooler, rats are running wild through Greater Dandenong.
Keysborough residents have spoken out about an increase in rats in residential roofs and reserves.
Janette Long lives near Parkmore Shopping Centre and has had to fork out hundreds of dollars to get rid of families of rats.
“I have had two families through and it was quite frightening,” she said.
Ms Long had to call a pest control expert out twice after the first round of baiting didn’t stop the rats coming back.
“I had to call him back within four or five days – and out of 12 stations, only four still had the bait in it,” she said.
“He said it was the first time that had happened.”
Another Keysborough resident Gaye Guest had also noticed more rats around, but luckily not in her home.
“I have lived here for 35 years and never had any trouble but then I was walking through Roth Hetherington Reserve and saw a dead rat and one running around the drains.”
Jason Leek from Rescue Pest Control said weather and building activity was likely the cause of the influx.
“There has been a big increase is rodent activity,” he said.
“The weather, with colder nights, is a good climate for them to be successful in breeding and they’re looking to get inside.
“And with any kind of building work, everything that was living in that field will be looking for shelter somewhere else.”
Mr Leek suggested residents ensure they block up any holes in the house, particularly under the sink, and ensure the problem is treated quickly.
Greater Dandenong regulatory services manager Peter Shelton said the municipality was surrounded by creeks and open spaces, which are the natural habitats for rats and mice.
“Scientific research suggests that the recent movement of rodents into the suburbs is in keeping with the climatic changes (drought) that have taken place in Australia – and in Victoria in particular – over the past decade,” he said.
“The council is always happy to investigate and assist with any resident concerns.”