If bait is involved
If a child swallows rat bait, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, any time. If a pet eats it, go straight to the vet.
Why the water matters here
Two floodplains
The Caboolture Morayfield master plan says flooding of the Caboolture River and Sheepstation Creek effectively rules out continuous development along Morayfield Road. Sheepstation Creek drains into the river at the eastern end of the area.
Freshwater mosquitoes
City of Moreton Bay says these breed in water pooled beside roads and in reserves, parks and yards after rain. So a wet week can matter here as much as a big tide does on the coast.
After high water
If flooding has surrounded or covered internal floors, the QBCC says to check for damage to your termite management system. Termites seek moisture, so it's worth doing even if the house looks fine.
Saltmarsh or freshwater mosquito?
| Saltmarsh | Freshwater | |
|---|---|---|
| Where they start | Inter-tidal and mangrove areas | Water pooled beside roads, in parks and yards |
| What sets them off | Rain, or tides higher than 2.45 metres | Rain |
| Who deals with it | Council's aerial and ground treatments | Partly you: tip out, clear and screen |
Rats and mice are the owner's job
City of Moreton Bay says property owners are responsible for treating rodent problems on their land. Rats and mice can spoil food, damage structures and furnishings and pass on disease, so it's not one to leave.
The council's advice starts with food: take pet food in once your pet has finished, cover bins and don't overfill the wheelie bin. If you're still hearing them, a pest business can trace the way in and set bait stations (locked boxes that hold rodent bait) or traps.
Termites, and two reports you should know
The same council asks homeowners to arrange annual termite inspections. Keep firewood and timber away from the house, fix dripping taps, and leave any mud tubes alone for the inspector.
Fire ants are different. If you suspect them, the law says report them to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours. Don't move soil, mulch or anything else from the spot until you've reported.
Our order of work
After wet weather, we'd walk the yard and tip out everything holding water, then look at the rats. If water has been through the house, get the termite system checked before anything else. Tell us what you've seen when you're ready.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
