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Pest control guides 5 min read Published 3 June 2026

How to get rid of rats and mice in your home

Rodents spread disease, gnaw wiring and breed fast. A practical guide to getting rid of rats and mice — and keeping them out for good.

Founder · FlowLeads
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Why act fast

Rats and mice breed quickly, contaminate food, spread disease, and gnaw electrical wiring — a genuine fire risk. A small problem becomes an infestation within weeks, so deal with it early.

Block the entry points

Rodents only need a small gap. Seal holes around pipes, vents, doors and the roofline; trim plants away from walls; and fix damaged eaves and air bricks. Exclusion is the most important long-term step — without it, you'll keep re-treating.

Remove the food and shelter

  • Store food (including pet food) in sealed containers
  • Clear clutter, woodpiles and rubbish where rodents nest
  • Don't leave pet bowls out overnight; secure bins
  • Fix leaks — rodents need water too

Treatment that works

A registered operator combines exclusion, trapping and (where appropriate) tamper-proof bait stations placed safely away from children and pets. Professional rodent control costs around R600–R1,500 and usually includes a follow-up visit, plus advice on sealing entry points.

Keep them out

The lasting fix is prevention: seal gaps, manage food and water, and book periodic checks if you're in a high-risk area. Get free quotes from registered operators in your area.

About the author
Pieter Muller

Pieter Muller is the founder of FlowLeads, a Durban-based home-services quote platform for South Africa. A software engineer by background, he built FlowLeads to give SA homeowners honest, data-backed matches with verified local professionals — across solar, plumbing, electrical, security installation and the trades that follow. Every niche on the platform is gated to its statutory regulator (SAPVIA, IPSASA, the DEL Wireman register, PSiRA), so homeowners only ever talk to legally compliant partners.

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