Facing a rodent problem?
We provide reliable, expert solutions to keep your home rodent-free.
What is a rodent?
Rodents, such as rats and mice, are intelligent and resourceful pests known for their ability to invade homes and buildings quickly. They can enter through tiny cracks and openings—mice, for example, can squeeze through spaces as small as a coin. Once inside, rodents reproduce rapidly, creating a full-blown infestation in a short time.
Having spent years serving Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Rotorua, we bring the local expertise needed to manage rodent infestations effectively.
Rodents are a diverse group of pests, each with their own behaviours, habitats, and risks. Understanding the specific types of rodents that may invade your home or business can help in identifying the problem early and implementing the most effective control methods. Learn more about the common rodents in New Zealand and the risks they pose.
Types of rodents
Ship Rat
(Rattus rattus)
Estimated Likelihood:
60-70%
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The most common rat in New Zealand, the ship rat—also known as the roof rat or black rat—is a highly skilled climber, that can be identified by their long tails. It often nests in roof spaces or ceiling cavities, causing damage to structures and posing a major threat to native wildlife by preying on bird eggs and chicks.
Norway Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
Estimated Likelihood:
20-30%
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Known as the brown rat or water rat, the Norway rat is larger and typically found in subfloor areas, sewers, and other below-ground spaces. It’s a common urban pest, damaging property by burrowing and gnawing on structural elements​.
House Mouse
(Mus musculus)
Estimated Likelihood:
<5%
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The house mouse is widespread across New Zealand. Small and agile, it can easily enter homes through tiny gaps. Mice are fast breeders, and they can quickly infest kitchens, pantries, and storage areas if left unchecked.
Kiore
(Rattus exulans)
Estimated Likelihood:
<5%
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The Kiore, or Polynesian rat, is rare in urban environments but found in remote parts of New Zealand.
Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-Bite Fever is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through rodent bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Symptoms include fever, rash, muscle pain, and headache, and can develop within 3-10 days after exposure.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV)
LCMV is spread through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, often from house mice. It can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or encephalitis.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by rodent urine. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like signs to more severe complications such as liver or kidney damage.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella bacteria, which rodents spread through their faeces. Ingesting food or water contaminated with Salmonella can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps.
Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a severe respiratory disease transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Early symptoms mimic the flu and, if untreated, can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal condition.
Dangers of rodent infestation
Rodents pose serious health risks to both you and your property. They are known carriers of a range of diseases, including:
In addition to health concerns, rodents cause property damage by gnawing through electrical wires, insulation, and even wood. This can lead to electrical fires, water damage, and structural instability. Protect your home and health by taking immediate action.
How we can help
At Professional Pest Control, we understand the urgency of eliminating rodent infestations. Our team uses professional-grade tools and targeted treatment plans to ensure the complete eradication of rodents from your home. Whether it's dealing with a few mice or a full-scale rat infestation, our methods are safe, effective, and long-lasting.
DIY vs Professional
Reasons why you should consider a professional solution over a DIY solution
DIY
Solution:
Limited Effectiveness
DIY traps and poisons may catch a rodent or two but fail to address the source of the problem, leaving nests and hidden infestations untouched.
Health & Safety Risks
Misuse of traps and poisons can pose health risks to you, your family, and pets. Improper handling of dangerous chemicals and traps may lead to accidents or poisoning.
Temporary Solution
DIY methods often provide only short-term relief. Without addressing the root cause of the infestation, rodents quickly return, causing more damage and frustration.
Time-Consuming
Setting up traps and checking them regularly can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially when you don’t get the desired results quickly.
Professional
Solution:
Faster Results
Our professional-grade treatments tackle the infestation at its core, eliminating nests and breeding grounds. This ensures that the entire problem is addressed quickly, preventing reinfestation, unlike DIY methods that only address the surface issue.
Cost Savings
DIY methods often lead to repeated purchases of traps and treatments due to re-infestation, driving up costs over time. Our professional treatments stop the problem at the source, preventing costly future damage and saving you money on recurring DIY solutions.
Safety
Our trained technicians use safe, professional-grade products to ensure that your family, pets, and property are protected while thoroughly eradicating the infestation.
Guaranteed Success
We stand behind the quality of our work with a simple promise: if you’re not happy with the results, we’ll make it right or give you your money back. You can trust that we’ll get the job done right, leaving your home rodent-free and safe from future threats.
What our
customers say
If you're still not convinced,
read our Google reviews
“We’ve used Professional Pest Control for a number of years for work & in our home. They are extremely professional, cost effective & personable. Not only does Duncan & his team take the time to understand the specific needs of the client, the comms are on point too. Thanks again Duncan.”
- Hayley Grigg
Google Review 5.0
What sets us apart? Our specialised approach to rodent control includes experienced technicians, expert equipment, and tailored treatment plans. With years of local knowledge and transparent pricing, we offer reliable, safe solutions that keep your property rodent-free.
The Professional Pest Control difference
Experienced Technicians
Our team specialises in identifying the signs of rodent infestations, from subtle clues like gnaw marks to locating nests in roof spaces or subfloor areas. We know how to effectively eliminate rodents from your home or business.
Customised Solutions
No two infestations are the same. We tailor our rodent control approach based on the type of rodent, the severity of the problem, and the specific needs of your property to ensure the best results.
Local
Expertise
Having served Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Rotorua for years, we understand the specific challenges rodents pose in New Zealand's unique environment.
No hidden
fees
What we quote is what you pay—no hidden fees, just clear, reliable service designed to keep your home rodent-free.