Rodents are pests that can cause considerable damage to buildings and electrical wiring. Rodents are also capable of transmitting disease to humans, through their bite or by contaminating food or utensils with bacteria, which can cause food poisoning.
Rats and the Law
Residents in the Burdekin are required to control rodents in their properties under "The Health Act 1981".
"The Health Regulation 1996 Part 17 - Vermin Control", requires owners to ensure that premises are constructed and maintained to prevent the entry of rodents. Occupiers of premises are required to take a variety of measures to prevent the attraction or sheltering of rats. These measures include:
- not having anything that would attract or provide shelter to vermin, such as a pile of boxes or disused items in a yard;
- storing food in vermin proof containers; and
- ensuring rubbish is stored correctly.
To prevent or reduce rodents breeding or entering your property, several simple steps should be taken:
- Remove all sources of food
Cover bins, don't leave pet food out overnight, store human or pet food in sealed containers with lids, clean up seed from cadged birds, cease feeding wild birds, remove yellow seeds from palm trees and macadamia nuts from the ground.
- Remove or prevent access to breeding sites
Block up holes in walls where rats can enter, clean yards, sheds, under houses and attic spaces.
- Trap and/or use bait to eliminate remaining rats
When used correctly rodent bait, snap traps and cage traps are all effective in the control of rats.
For further information please contact Council.