Good hygiene practices help maintain a cleaner kitchen environment. Store food in sealed containers, wipe down benchtops after preparing meals, and rinse dirty dishes if they cannot be washed immediately to help reduce accessible food sources for rodents and other pests.

Seal potential entry points around the building. Closing gaps, cracks, and openings — particularly around plumbing, pipes, doors, and beneath sinks — can help prevent rodents from entering the premises. It is worth remembering that rats can squeeze through surprisingly small openings of around 20 mm.

Trim tree branches that come into contact with the building, as they may provide rodents with access to the roof and potential entry into the structure. Damaged or deteriorated roof tiles or roofing materials should also be repaired or replaced where necessary.

Remove bird feeders, pet food bowls, and any other items that contain or previously contained food, including discarded containers, from around the property, as these may attract rodents from considerable distances.

Keep all indoor and outdoor rubbish bins securely covered and regularly emptied.