Rats in New Zealand have become a serious problem. First introduced centuries ago, rats have decimated much of New Zealand’s native wildlife. Today, they remain one of the major threats to native fauna. They are also more difficult to handle than many other predators. That is because rats are surprisingly excellent predators. While they are small, they have many advantages over other predators. They breed very quickly and are fertile within months of birth. They breed year-round. They have large litters. They can swim.

Rats and Winter

Because rats breed year-round, there are not more of them in the winter than the rest of the year. However, homeowners in New Zealand may see more of them now that winter is here. That is because the cold weather tends to drive pests, including rats, inside.

Rats and La Nina

While there may not be more rats in the winter, you could be seeing more rats this winter. The weather patterns of La Nina helped contribute to larger rat populations in New Zealand. While New Zealand did not experience the same plague-like conditions as Australia, many people reported seeing more rats. They also describe the rats as unusually large.

Rats and the Pandemic

Like other places, the pandemic impacted New Zealand’s rat population. With the closure of businesses, rats left commercial areas and went to residential areas in search of food. However, these rats who nested in residential areas have not abandoned them for commercial areas. Instead, they remain a problem in urban, suburban, and even rural residential areas. They are not only plaguing humans and our homes, but also posing a threat to native bird populations. While the lockdown may have ended, the change in population patterns has not.

Why Getting Rid of Rats in New Zealand is so Important

Many people have a visceral negative reaction to rats. That is not just a phobia. Rats pose a significant risk to humans, property, and even wildlife. Rats carry fleas and ticks. They also carry diseases such lymphocytic choriomeningitis, salmonellosis, mycoplasma, the Plague, leptospirosis, dysentery, and streptobacillus. People can get sick if they are bitten or scratched by rats, but also from coming into contact with their feces or urine. Rats can also damage your property through their waste or by chewing and pose a threat to wildlife.

Get Help from Flick

If you need help getting rid of rats, contact us. We can handle exclusion, regular treatments, or extermination. Call us today to find out more.